The general point of this article is to take a look at some of the possible adrenal tonics and adaptogens that grow over here in the British Isles, simply because personally speaking, I much prefer to use local herbs to treat local problems, instead of shipping in exotic and possibly endangered herbs from all over the world, many of which grow in markedly different climates to the damp, often cold one we enjoy – I use the word loosely – over here.
Although several adaptogens – for example Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – can be grown in this country, they are not naturalised and require a lot of attention in order for them to flourish. I have one liquorice plant in a tub at present, provided the previous winter hasn't killed it, and it's doing ok but I wouldn't want to vouch for its ability to cope if planted straight into the ground. Many of the Mediterranean herbs such as Sage (Salvia officinalis), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) aren't ideally suited to our climate, however I've included them as they have been grown in the UK since Roman times and generally seem to be quite happy here (I have lemon balm growing through the cracks in the paving in my back garden!). Many herbs commonly labeled as 'adaptogens' grow in excessively hot or cold climes, where they have had to adapt to the surroundings in order to grow. This is probably why we don't have any classical adaptogens growing in the UK – our weather is generally moderate and fairly damp and does not require a high effort from plants to adapt to, meaning that secondary metabolite pathways have not developed adaptogenic responses in reaction to poor climate. I'll write more about primary and secondary metabolites when I delve into the fascinating – and maddening – topic of plant constituents and what they do.
First off, I think that it's important to define the term 'adaptogen' and 'adrenal tonic', and differentiate between the two, in order to figure out which plants will fall under each category, and whether or not they are two different names for the same class of plants. Most authors tend to use the term 'adaptogen', so a specific definition of the phrase 'adrenal tonic' could not be found – however, most authors agree that adaptogens are non toxic, produce improved nonspecific responses to stress and and have a normalizing influence on the body, in particular the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Ultimately, after some research, I'm pretty sure that we don't have any specific herbs growing in the UK that fit under the label 'adaptogen', however as a country we do have a number of useful adrenal and immune system tonics that could conceivably be considered to have adaptogenic properties. I've written about a few of these below. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that many of the aromatic herbs have adaptogenic properties – this is possibly due to the effect on the digestive system, improving overall health through improved digestion and absorption, and promoting the metabolism of hormones and chemicals emitted by the body, although this is an area for possible further research. Some herbs used in combination can have a somewhat adaptogenic, tonic effect on the body, however for the sake of brevity I will discuss this more in a separate article.
Borage - Borago officinalis Looking primarily at the definition of the word adaptogen, Borage could almost certainly not be considered to be an adaptogen due to the potentially hepatotoxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids, however it does have a normalizing action on the adrenal glands, and is useful in cases of adrenal exhaustion and overwork. In addition to this, it can be used as a deep acting nervine tonic, and tones the entire nervous system. It works well in combination with herbs such as Verbena officinalis and Avena sativa. I tend to combine it with a more obvious adaptogen such as Eleuthero – the Eleuthero to have the 'oomph' and Borage to rebuild adrenal reserves from the ground up. Some say it was previously used to treat melancholic conditions, however I'm not sure this is such a good idea personally as Borage is cooling and might well worsen the situation for someone who was already having problems with an overly 'cold' constitution, although I suppose it could probably combine well with Rosemary – another adrenal tonic – which might counter the excessively cold tendencies of the herb.
Horseradish - Armoracia rusticanaInterestingly, when I was at university studying, Horse Radish was suggested as a possible adaptogen, however I've found very little information to support this. Some authors have commented regarding the herb's use to reduce infection and act on the pancreas, regulating blood sugar, and that it can be used to inhibit the thyroid, but no mention is made of any adrenal properties, nor do other authors mention this possibility. Others comment that it has a strong stimulant action on the pancreas, liver and gallbladder, which could conceivably be where some of the reputation originated, due to improved metabolism of hormones. I'd be interested to find out whether this herb could be used in the same way as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is used, as a diffusive, warming herb to add to prescriptions aimed at normalising cold constitutions. Personally, I think Horse Radish is just too hot, too much of a 'Mars' herb to really be suitable for most prescriptions unless I really didn't like my patient!
Sweet Cicely - Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicely is a nervine tonic, and is also aromatic and a digestive tonic. Some of my reference books know the herb as 'Chervil', although I'm pretty sure that this is a different herb entirely. When in doubt check the Latin name! Sweet Cicely (Myrris odorata) is a tonic, digestive and hypotensive. Mrs Grieve, quoting another venerable herbalist, mentions that the herb is 'very good for old people that are dull and without courage; it rejoiceth and comforteth the heart and increaseth their lust and strength'. There's little else to suggest adaptogenic properties – personally I think the above is more indicative of a useful tonic herb than it is of an adaptogen. The plant certainly has an action on the digestive tract, possibly due to its volatile oil content. Interestingly, Mrs Grieve later on mentions that the phytochemical glycyrrhizin has been found in Sweet Cicely. Although it is not certain whether this is one of the chemicals responsible for the adaptogenic, adrenal tonic effects of Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) it is possible that this is where the rumour of Sweet Cicely having adaptogenic properties originated. It is true that both Liquorice and Sweet Cicely have a sweet taste to the root, due to the presence of the glycyrrhizin (a triterpenoid saponin), which is between 50 and 170 times sweeter than sugar.
Sage, Thyme & Rosemary These three are listed together as they are all aromatic and all seem to possess some similar actions. To begin with, Sage is an excellent general tonic, and can be used to treat nervous exhaustion. In addition to this, it balances the secretion of hormones and can be used to treat hypo and hyperglycaemia as it balances blood sugar levels. As the herb contains volatile oils, it also has a positive action on the digestive tract. Sage is associated with longevity in folk medicine – possibly another indicator of adaptogenic properties. The herb is used to generate strength and relieve fatigue, restore neuroendocrine – immune function and enhance immunity, and to restore the adrenal cortex. I'd be interested to find out which chemicals are responsible for this action and whether or not they are found in Thymus vulgaris and Rosmarinus officinalis, as these herbs also have a similar effect on the neuroendocrine – immune system. Thymus vulgaris also has the ability to relieve fatigue, restore the nerves and adrenals and boost immunity, however this is not always mentioned as a primary action, as it is more active on the respiratory tract. Rosemary, in addition to its action on the digestive tract, heart and circulation, is an excellent heart tonic and an autonomic nervous system balancer, which is used to generate strength, restore the brain, nerves and glands and relieve depression. The essential oil has a noted effect on the endocrine system, in particular the adrenals, liver and spleen.
Milky Oat Seed - Avena sativa Oats are generally used, in Western herbal medicine, as a nervous tonic and restorative, and distinction is not always made between oat straw and oat seed. Milky oat seed can be used to relieve fatigue, restore neuroendocrine – immune function and enhance immunity, as well as to regulate metabolism, in addition to its use as a nervous tonic and restorative. This needs to be used over a long period of time in order to build up and have maximum effect on the system. This would need to be taken into consideration when prescribing, as many constitutional imbalances need treating more immediately rather than over a longer term. I'd use it as part of a prescription as I rarely just treat symptomatically, but always address underlying overall health. I love using tonics! Oat seed could possibly be used for chronic, long term illnesses, to support the immune and aid the body in maintaining resources and reserves. Quite a few herbalists recommend using it cautiously though as it can be a bit too energizing – hence the term 'feeling his oats'!
Notes There's some mention of Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) as being useful adrenal tonics, which is interesting as I'm more familiar with them as being respiratory and cardiac tonics respectively. It may also be worth doing further research on the use of Elecampane (Inula helenium) as this can be used to relieve fatigue and regulate immunity – watch this space, I'll perhaps extend this article later on with further information.