Top Herbs for Fatigue and Low Cortisol
Fatigue can be due to a million reasons. Maybe it’s stress. Maybe it’s low thyroid. Maybe it’s low iron. Maybe you’re not sleeping that well. Whatever it is while you’re working on the cause, certain herbs may be helpful based on their long history of use. A common reason for fatigue is low cortisol production. I’m not talking about the autoimmune condition known as Addison’s disease where your adrenal glands can’t make enough cortisol. I’m talking about the fatigue that comes with long term stress, inflammation, illness, infection, etc. It can take its toll on the body and be downright exhausting!
First, you have to recognize the stress you’re feeling and experiencing. There are a lot of ways to help reduce the impact on your body including minimizing or eliminating the top things causing the most stress and resting (if you can).
This includes foundational work first as herbs, vitamins and nutrients can’t do “the work” for you.
Improving your circadian rhythm and sleep - sleep is critical here to recover!
Working to feel safe and finding joy or having routine play for your nervous system
Addressing blood sugar issues - sugar crashes can be very tiring
Processing your emotions and trauma
Releasing type exercises such as somatic therapy
Eliminating the things holding you back - alcohol, sh*tty food choices, drugs, smoking
Keep in mind, these things are an ongoing process and not required but wow are they helpful! On top of this, I have favorite herbs that help ADD to the process of improving energy and that feeling of overall health!
My favorites:
Cordyceps - while not technically an herb, it is a fungus that helps to increase ATP, your body’s main energy source. It has been shown to improve exercise performance and endurance. It is considered an adaptogen and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Eleuthero - also called Siberian Ginseng even though it’s not a ginseng. It is known to support physical and mental stamina or endurance. Eleuthero is generally considered a mild adaptogen helpful for someone with an otherwise strong vital force who needs some temporary stress support.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) - a mild, nourishing adaptogen that is considered more “cooling” instead of heating (like Panax ginseng). It’s a nice option for midlife women feeling stressed out.
Rhodiola - known by herbalists as one of the most stimulating adaptogens and can be helpful for mood such as stagnant depressed feelings! Be careful with someone who is already overstimulated or type A personality. It’s also quite drying, so be careful with the dose if you experience dry eyes, dry mouth, dry vagina, dry joints, etc. Don’t use with bipolar.
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) - known by herbalists as the most stimulating and can be quite heating to a cold system. If some is quite depleted, weak, and feeling cold, asian ginseng is a good option to consider.
Are there other options? Of course! These are 5 of my favorites to get started.
Also, quality counts. Be careful where you source your herbs as there are many companies doing it on the cheap which might lead to more harm than good. Buy herbs from an herbal company or a company who posts their Certificate of Analysis (COA).
<Legal Notice because duh: Of course, do your due diligence. Talk with your practitioner. It’s generally not suggested to take them while pregnant or breastfeeding as they haven’t been studied in either population.>