Looking for some natural stress and energy support? Look no further than adrenal support herbs.

Also known as adaptogens, these hard-working plants have been used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of herbalism for thousands of years to help promote resilience, sleep, energy, stamina, and greater inner peace.

Combined with a holistic approach to stress management, diet, and exercise, adrenal-support herbs can help create a positive shift in your energy, mood, and response to stress.

What Is the Adrenal System and Stress Response?

There is much talk and misunderstanding about how the adrenals work in relation to health, so let’s start with the basics.

What are the adrenals?

The adrenals are a pair of walnut-sized glands that sit atop the kidneys. 

They are not their own system but part of the endocrine system (also known as the hormonal system) and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, where they play a primary role in the body’s stress response, including the release of stress hormones.

How does our stress response work?

Most of us experience the stress response when we receive bad news or feel threatened. 

This may feel like a change in heart rate, butterflies in our stomachs, or other visceral effect.s 

This starts with the brain sending a distress signal to the hypothalamus (a gland located in the lower part of the brain), which sends that stress signal to the adrenals via the autonomic nervous system.

To prepare the body to survive, the adrenal glands release adrenaline, triggering our fight-or-flight response.

Once we’re in fight-or-flight, the hypothalamus triggers the HPA axis to release additional stress hormones, such as cortisol, to keep us alive and alert until the stress or threat passes.

It’s a brilliant life-saving process that should switch off once the stress or danger is gone. 

However, if we live in a state of constant stress and lack of rest, the body may continue releasing stress hormones, which put wear and tear on the body over time, leading to various stress-related issues.

Benefits of Natural Adrenal Support

The primary benefit of supporting the adrenals is to help promote a healthy response to stress, which in turn, will offer multiple benefits to body, mind, and spirit.

The right adrenal support strategy can also help promote better sleep, emotional well-being, metabolic function, cardiovascular function, energy, healthy hair, and overall well-being.

Although approaches vary, in Ayurveda, an overactive stress response is generally viewed as a Vatta Pita dosha imbalance, which negatively impacts digestion, nervous system function, sleep, and mental/emotional health.

Therefore, the focus is on grounding the whole person by supporting the nervous system, fortifying the HPA axis, and calming the mind using a combination of individualized herbs, functional foods, movement, mindfulness, body work, and other practices.

7 Best Adrenal Support Herbs

The best adrenal support herbs are those that provide specific support for the adrenals and HPA axis as well as the nervous system.

These types of herbs typically fall into the category of adaptogen (stress busters), nervine (supports the nervous system), and/or Rasayana (rejuvenators).

The following are seven of the best adrenal support herbs from Ayurveda and other traditional wellness practices.

1. Tulsi (Holy Basil) 

What is it? Tulsi, also known as “the incomparable one” is one of Ayurveda’s best-known adaptogens and stress reducing herbs.

How it works: Several studies suggest Tulsi works by supporting normal cortisol balance, nervous system function, and reducing stress. 

How to use it: Tulsi has a lovely flavor that many enjoy as an energizing tea first thing in the morning, before yoga or meditation, or before bed to wind down. It’s available in capsules and bulk.

Learn more about how adaptogens work in: Top 11 Adaptogens for Energy and Focus

2. Ashwagandha 

What is it? Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is another beloved Ayurvedic herb for supporting the adrenals and a healthy stress response.

How it works: Considered an adaptogen and a rasayana, research suggests Ashwagandha may significantly lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, improve sleep, support exercise recovery, and increase resilience and vitality.

How to use it: Ashwagandha can be taken as a capsule, in teas, like Organic India’s Tulsi Ashwagandha, powder, or gummies, like our Organic Ashwagandha Gummies.

Discover more about the magic behind this popular herb in: Ashwagandha For Sleep Or Energy? Both Please!

3. Schisandra 

What is it? Also known as “five flavor berry”, this lesser-known herb is used across Eastern wellness practices including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, and is considered the “original adaptogen”.

How it works: Research suggests Schisandra has adaptogenic and nervine properties, both of which may help nourish and protect adrenal function. 

How to take it: Schisandra has a unique and complex flavor you’ll either like or dislike. For this reason, it’s typically taken as a tincture or capsule, or blended with other herbs in teas.

4. Rhodiola 

What is it? Known as Russian Ginseng and Rhodiola rosea, this rose-flavored adaptogen grows wild in the harshest Siberian climates, making it a treasured adaptogen in traditional Russian herbalism, and beyond.

How it works: Studies suggest Rhodiola supports normal cortisol levels, quells stress, and helps bolster physical and mental stamina.

How to take it: Rhodiola has a lovely rose-like flavor that lends itself to teas and tinctures. It can also be found in capsules and adaptogenic herbal blends.

5. Gotu Kola

What is it? Gotu Kola is a cherished nervine, adaptogen, and nootropic (brain support herb) in Ayurveda.

How it works: Studies suggest Gotu Kola’s active plant compounds, Triterpenoid saponins, help support normal nervous system function including neurotransmitters which affect emotional well-being. It’s also believed to positively impact the HPA axis, providing a double-benefit for natural adrenal support.

How to take it: Gotu Kola is widely sold in teas, capsules, powders, and tinctures.

Learn more about Gotu Kola history and benefits, plus how we source ours: Gotu Kola: Herb of Longevity

6. Licorice

What is it? Licorice root has a rich history of use in traditional European herbalism, Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda as an immune, respiratory, digestive, and adrenal-support herb.

How it works: Since the adrenals can be impacted by the immune system, digestion (gut), and nervous system, Licorice provides a unique level of support, with research suggesting it may help promote normal cortisol levels.

How to take it: It’s important to note licorice is not safe for everyone, especially people with blood pressure or cardiovascular issues, so check with your healthcare practitioner first. It is widely available in tinctures, teas, powders, and capsules.

7. Triphala

What is it? Made from three fruits: Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, Triphala is one of Ayurveda’s most ancient foundational formulas for whole person (body, mind, spirit) support.

How it works: Haritaki and amla are both considered adaptogens. Research also suggests the antioxidants in all three fruits are responsible for supporting a healthy stress response. It’s also likely its beneficial effects on digestion and the gut microbiome further benefit emotional well-being via the gut-brain connection. 

How to take it: Triphala has a pleasant sour flavor you can use in recipes and find in capsules, powders, fiber supplements, tinctures, and teas.

How to Use Herbs for Adrenal Support

Always consult your healthcare practitioner, preferably trained in Ayurveda or herbalism, for individual recommendations on the best herbs for adrenal support.

Everyone is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all.

In general, normal doses of gentle adaptogens, like Tulsi teas or Ashwagandha Gummies, are a great place to start.

Adrenal Support Herbs FAQ

Craving more info on herbs for adrenal support? Let’s get into some FAQs.·    

Q: What are the best herbs for adrenals?

A: The herbs mentioned in this article are all excellent for adrenal support.

For individual recommendations based on your needs, dosha, health goals, and history talk to a healthcare practitioner trained in Ayurveda or traditional herbalism.

Q: How long does adrenal support take?

It depends on the individual, their lifestyle, history, stress levels, willingness to make changes, and many other factors. 

Herbs can help, but they work best within the context of a healthy lifestyle, including regular stress management.

Q: Does Ashwagandha help with adrenal support?

Yes! See point 2 for more information on how Ashwagandha helps with adrenal support.

Q: What herbs balance cortisol levels?

See: Top 7 Herbs For Cortisol Balance Support for more information on the best herbs to balance cortisol levels.