Adrenal fatigue is a condition where a person is exposed to intense or prolonged stress, and the adrenal glands become overworked and fatigued. It happens when the adrenal glands can no longer keep pace with the demands of the continuous fight or flight arousal. The adrenal hormone is produced by chronic stress, and it can negatively affect the immune system, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Exhaustion is the main indication of adrenal fatigue, and it is not relieved by sleep. It can also cause mild depression and a feeling of low energy. People who are suffering from adrenal fatigue usually need coffee, sodas, and other stimulants to be able to start their day. Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue are irritability, anger, weight gain, headaches, lack of concentration, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, odd aches and pains, and as well as palpitations.
There are many things you can do to keep your body in balance and avoid adrenal stress. You can meditate, take yoga classes, and exercise daily. But if you are already suffering from adrenal fatigue, one of the best things that can make you feel better is aromatherapy. The uses of essential oils are broad, and that also includes alleviating the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Let us know more about how aromatherapy can help people who are suffering from adrenal fatigue.
How Essential Oils Are Used for Adrenal Fatigue
There are many ways on how essential oils can be used for adrenal fatigue. They can be inhaled using an aromatherapy inhaler, or by putting a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and holding it close to your nose so you can breathe it in. Aside from those, you can also use a cool-mist aromatherapy diffuser to disperse the scent in a room. You also have the option to dilute the essential oils and apply them to your skin topically.
Here are some of the best ways to use essential oils to help alleviate your adrenal fatigue:
Morning Routine
In the morning, during your shower, you can massage your lower back with a washcloth. This can help activate the adrenals. After rubbing that area, turn your back away from the water and then massage a few drops of rosemary oil in the same area. Continue massaging and breathe deeply as the aroma of the essential oil fills your shower. This can help stimulate the adrenal cortex and give you a natural boost in the morning.
Evening Routine
In the evening, you can have a warm bath before going to bed. It is a great idea to mix essential oils into your bath to calm and soothe your system. Essential oils like rose, lavender, frankincense, or ylang-ylang will work best for this routine.
Anytime Routine
If you need an energy boost at any time of the day, using an aromatherapy inhaler is the best for you. If you do not have an inhaler, you can simply put 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and keep it in a small container that you can easily access and inhale. You can also buy aromatherapy necklaces that hold a few drops of essential oils.
The Best Essential Oils for Adrenal Fatigue
If you currently have adrenal fatigue and you’re looking for an essential oil that may help lessen the symptoms you are feeling, then we’re here to help you. Here are some of the best essential oils for adrenal fatigue that you might want to try.
1. Black Spruce
Black spruce is an essential oil steam-distilled from the bluish-green needles of the black spruce tree, which naturally grows in Canada. Lots of aromatherapists recommend black spruce essential oil for worn-out adrenal glands because it has warming and energizing effects. You can massage this essential oil into your lower back by mixing 2 to 3 drops with a carrier oil. You can also diffuse or do a steam tent to inhale it.
2. Frankincense
The healing properties of frankincense essential oil are unparalleled and specifically for adrenal fatigue. It is very effective for imbalances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or HPA axis, and as well as in calming the nervous system. This essential oil can help alleviate many adrenal fatigue symptoms, including anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. You can add this essential oil to a relaxing evening bath. You can also dilute it with a carrier oil and massage it on your lower back.
3. Nutmeg
Nutmeg essential oil is comforting and soothing, and it supports both the nervous and endocrine systems. This essential oil can help shut off the fight and flight feeling, and it can also support hormone balance. It also supports the adrenals and helps them heal. You can diffuse this essential oil alone or with other complementary oil like clove essential oil. You can also mix it with other adrenal-supporting oils like black spruce, then apply it to your lower back.
4. Lavender
Lavender essential oil can be extra balancing for the adrenals. It is a soothing and relaxing essential oil, and it can help dispel the fight or flight response that people who suffer from adrenal exhaustion experience. It can also help shut off the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Lavender is also known to be a universal oil that is excellent for the relief of stress, nervousness, and restlessness. You can inhale this oil straight from the bottle during sleepless nights and stressful times.
5. Pine
Pine essential oil is an energy-giving oil but not overly stimulating. It means that it is also helpful for those who are suffering from adrenal fatigue, and even those with chronic fatigue syndrome. It is a revitalizing oil that is effective against exhaustion. It can also help in strengthening your immune system. You can also inhale pine essential oil straight from the bottle as needed.
6. Lime
Lime essential oil can help in reducing the feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and apathy. It also has shown its effectiveness in reducing the effects of depression, making it great for people who are suffering from adrenal fatigue. Aside from that, lime also has a fresh scent that can refresh your mind and make you feel more energetic. It is best to apply this oil at night because it has a phototoxic nature. You can combine it with clove oil as well to give off benefits at the same time.
7. Thyme
Thyme essential oil is excellent when it comes to relieving emotional fatigue. It can also help in balancing your hormones and in strengthening your nerves. Aside from those, thyme essential oil can also make you feel more calm and relaxed. It is also great for the endocrine system because it can reduce cortisol levels. You can dilute this oil and apply it to the soles of your feet. However, this oil is potent in nature, so you need to use it cautiously.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is widely used for relaxation. Its smell is believed to reduce the body’s levels of cortisol in just a few minutes. It means that this essential oil can help you reduce stress immediately. It has an incredibly potent smell, making it great for inhalation every day to relieve stress. You can dilute this oil and take a couple of deep breaths. You can also diffuse it in your room before you sleep to calm your mind and body.
9. Clove
Clove essential oil has been proven to be effective in improving blood circulation, promoting digestive health, relieving fatigue, and increasing energy levels. It is also useful in boosting the mood and getting rid of accumulated stress. However, you cannot use this oil in its pure form because the concentrated oil can have a few side effects.
You need to dilute it first with other safer oils like olive or coconut. After diluting, you can then apply it behind your ear on the jaw bone. It is the area that connects to your adrenal glands. Also, do not inhale clove oil because it is an extremely potent oil, and it can affect your senses negatively if it’s too concentrated.
10. Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon bark essential oil is helpful when it comes to strengthening the endocrine system. It can help you regulate the amount of cortisol produced by your adrenal glands, hence, reducing the effects of adrenal fatigue. Aside from that, this essential oil can also strengthen your nervous system and balance your blood sugar levels, as well. It can also make you feel positive feelings, such as self-love, acceptance, and empathy.
It is best to apply cinnamon bark essential oil to the skin. But you cannot use it in its pure form. You need to dilute it first in other oils like coconut or olive, then apply it to your feet for best results.
Adrenal fatigue is like your body and mind sending you a message that they are not broken, but they are exhausted. Therefore, you must respond to their calls for help. Together with aromatherapy, you should also prioritize sleep and try to de-stress to be able to reduce your adrenal fatigue.