Could it have hurt my adrenal glands?

Q:
A couple years ago I abused Mu Huang and ephidrine(if that’s spelled correctly)? Since then I’ve never quite felt the same. Constant jitters, sometimes feel like my heart is beating out of control and feel like I’m burning up a lot of times. The symptoms seem to be getting worse everyday. I’ve tried different herbs and things, even tried M.D.s, but to no avail. My system can’t seem to handle anything, such as herbs or medicine, they all seem to make the symptoms heighten. What can I do?

A:
Ma huang (ephedra) and ephedrine can definitely burn out your adrenal glands. Imagine running a marathon then trying to go right to work. Giving your adrenal glands strong stimulants, like ephedra, is like making them run the marathon. Stimulants cause the adrenal glands to overwork, and when they are exhausted and they do not have the energy to work properly. Other stimulants, like caffeine also have adverse effects on the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands provide many very valuable functions. They help with the immune system, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar regulation, metabolism, energy production, stress managment, etc. A little known fact is that the adrenal glands also help in hormone balance by secreting small amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

The second area of the body strongly afffected by the use of stimulants is the nervous system.

I do not know what herbs you have tried, but I would suggest trying oatstraw which is an excellent source of silica and B vitamins which are both beneficial to the nervous system. Other strengthening herbs to the nervous system include juniper berries and rosemary. I prefer juniper berries, but they should only be used in small doses and take a break for a few days every 4th day to give your kidneys a break. Also watch your blood sugar since the berries are very effective in dropping blood sugar levels.

For the adrenal glands my favorite herbs are amla (amalaki, amlataki, Indian gooseberry), schisandra berries, and nettle leaf. If you cannot handle the herbs then I would suggest working on your nervous first with diatomaceous earth which is 80% silica. The remainder is 10% metal oxides (calcium, magnesium, etc.), and 10% moisture. So there is nothing in their you should react to. If you can handle it I would also suggest taking a liquid lecithin supplement. Lecithin is another substance which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

You may have to do some experimentation until you find what works for you since you are not sure if it is the adrenals, the nervous system or both. Keep us informed.

2 thoughts on “Could it have hurt my adrenal glands?”

  1. im not a doctor but i do know the affects of ephedrine on the adrenal glands it also effects your heart and thyroid if they are physically hurting you are going to have to stop taking any kind of stimulant at least for a while you could try taking an adrenal extract and a tyrosine supplement that may help with any kind of problems with the thyroid moderate exercise licorice root in moderation vitamin c and eating a reasonable breakfast but also water lower salt and sugar despite cravings

  2. Certainly ephedra could have harmed your adrenals, or been the last straw. Typically the heart overworks to try to compensate for weakened adrenals. As you have found out the hard way, some herbs that claim to help the adrenals are mild stimulants which may stress your adrenals and increase your symptoms. Nettles, Oatstraw, and Silica are very safe non-stimulants, but use caution with Schizandra and Licorice as they are stimulants and you may only be able to use them in small amounts or not at all. Try Astragalus instead. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar and is safe even in much larger amounts than prescribed on the label. Organics brand Saw Palmetto 560 mg is very safe for you and will help compensate for the fact the stressed adrenals cannot properly manufacture the needed progesterine to balance out the estrogen. That will make you heart run wild too. Any other high potency natural Saw Palmetto should suffice. Take cinnamon, loose and/or capsules, to help balance you blood sugar naturally too. DO NOT eat any junk food, sugar, or corn syrup whatsoever. Eat as many vegetables as you can and whole grain brown rice. Also unsweeted whole oats and/or barley. Buy a bag of UNSWEETENED coconut and use it for a snack food. Coconut oil is good too to cook with or add in fresh homemade fruit smoothies (no sugar). Coconut is extremely important as it nourishes your adrenals so eat all you can. You can try Ashwanda herb for adrenals but is is a mild stimulant so use with caution. Taurine is very safe and helps protect and regulate heart muscle. Calcium Magnesium is a must 1000 mg a day, for central nervous system, heart, and calmness. Also Vitamin D3 and a B Complex are absolutely essential. Accupuncture can help a lot. Again beware if they give you herbs they are most likely filled with stimulants. Take a mercury-free fish oil capsule everyday. Fish oil will help heal your adrenals. You need plenty of fats but make sure they are healthy fats like olive oil, sesame oil, and real butter. High quality meats in moderation are fine but avoid over-processed meat like lunch-meats. Your salt is being depleted so don’t try to eat a low salt diet, not is not the time for that. Sea salt preferable to table salt. Passionflower and Camomille are calming and very safe in teas or capsule form. Do not take in any alchohol or caffeine whatsoever . Teas are good but only decaf or herbal. Be patient. Go to accupuncture. If you take cortisol from a doctor your adrenals will shut down permantly as they will never be able to regulate cortisol on their own again. The natural road will take time but you can regain your health.

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