7 Best Essential Oils for Adrenal Fatigue [with Benefits, Side effects and Usage Instructions]

7 Essential oils to choose from to help treat your adrenal fatigue?

Yes, please!

Read on to find out how you can heal adrenal fatigue with pure essential oils that can also help your body return to normal function.

Has adrenal fatigue taken over your life, and you feel as though there seems to be no cure?

Maybe it’s time you try essential oils for adrenal fatigue and see if they are worth all the talk!

Personally, essential oils and their healing abilities have been a hot topic within my close circle and to say that it has gained popularity as one of our favorites is an understatement!

In this article, we will go over why it is a favorite and how essential oils for adrenal fatigue can prove to be helpful. You’ll also learn how to use essential oils for adrenal fatigue.

What is adrenal fatigue?

Our body consists of various systems to enable its overall functioning. One of these systems is the endocrine system.

The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones, and its primary function is to regulate your hormones that control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction [1].

One of these glands is the adrenal gland. This gland consists of the medulla and the cortex and is responsible for the secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

One of the main functions of these hormones is to increase blood sugar levels to provide more energy to the body [1].

Therefore, when there is a shortage of secretion of these hormones, we experience what is called adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue isn’t a medically accepted diagnosis. It is a term used for a group of symptoms like

Body aches
Fatigue

Nervousness
Sleep disturbances
Digestive problems, etc.

Chronic stress is one of the most common causes of the sudden drop in the secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

Although mentioned above are a few symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, let’s look at what more might follow [2].

Common Symptoms

Fatigue, followed by intermittent “crashes” throughout the day
Brain Fog
Poor Mood Regulation

Poor stress response
Increased energy levels by the end of the day
Cravings for salty and sweet food

Overconsumption of caffeine and other stimulants
Weakened Immune System

Less Common Symptoms

Loss of muscle tone
Poor circulation
Insomnia

Depression
Weight gain
Decreased libido

Frequent Urination

What is the cure for adrenal fatigue?

At present, there is no pharmaceutical medication or treatment to “cure” adrenal fatigue; cure in double-quotes because this is not an illness or disease and because there is no definite practice or medication that can help alleviate these symptoms. Making lifestyle changes will be your best bet when it comes to tackling adrenal fatigue [2].

Apart from lifestyle changes, what also has made rounds in the world of naturopaths and homeopaths, is the usage of essential oils.

Essential oils for adrenal fatigue have proven to show commendable results!

IMPORTANT

Adrenal fatigue is often confused with Addison’s Disease.

Although closely related, these two conditions are on a different scale of severity.

Addison’s disease is a disorder that is caused due to an insufficient production of cortisol that is either due to pathology or due to a signal disruption between the brain and the adrenal gland.

On the other hand, adrenal fatigue is caused by chronic stress that might result in the shortage of production of the adrenal hormones.

Top 7 Essential Oils for Adrenal Fatigue

1. Black Spruce Oil

Black spruce oil is an essential wood oil distilled from the needles and branches of the Picea mariana tree. It is rich in bornyl acetate, a chemical compound known for its calming and relaxing properties.

Black spruce oil may help strengthen and support the adrenal glands when undergoing stress and fatigue. It also helps you stay focused and improves concentration. This oil is calming, relaxing, stress-relieving, sedating, as well as uplifting.

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that come with this essential oil can help reduce inflammation that might come with adrenal fatigue [3,4].

Mix this essential oil for adrenal fatigue with a carrier oil and massage it into the lower back. You could use it in a diffuser or inhale it in a steam tent. You could also locate the kidney 1 acupressure points in your body and massage this oil on those points.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is an essential oil that is distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia. It was used by the Egyptians and the Romans for its calming effect. It is also used as a perfume and for cooking purposes.

This essential oil is considered a balancing oil and can dispel the “fight or flight” response that often comes from a burnt-out adrenal gland, which is also the cause of adrenal fatigue. It can help shut off the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It can help relieve stress, restlessness, and nervousness; therefore, making it an ideal essential oil for adrenal fatigue [5].

Close your eyes and inhale this oil straight from the bottle to induce sleep and help relieve stress. You can also spritz some in a room, add a drop or two on your pillow before bed, or diffuse it with other calming oils for maximum benefits.

3. Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg oil is a volatile essential oil obtained by the steam distillation of ground nutmeg, also known as Myristica fragrans. This oil is often replaced with ground nutmeg while cooking or baking to avoid the particles that you might find if you use ground nutmeg.

Nutmeg essential oil is a comforting and soothing oil that supports and balances both the nervous and endocrine systems. It assists the functioning of the adrenal glands and can help increase your energy levels [6].

Combine this essential oil with other oils that aid the functioning of the adrenal glands and apply it to your lower back. You can also rub one drop of this oil on the inside of your cheeks once every hour to increase its absorption and efficacy.

4. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense essential oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It carries a woody, spicy smell and has been used in traditional Ayurveda medicine for various ailments.

This oil is known to support healthy cellular, immune, nervous, and digestive functions when used internally; it has also shown positive results in inducing bladder cancer cell death [7].

This essential oil is known for its balancing property with regards to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It can help calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms like insomnia, brain fog, depression, and anxiety.

Apply this oil on the Kidney 1 acupressure point on the sole, 1-5 times a day to help with adrenal fatigue. You could also add a drop or two to your bath and relax for a more calming effect. Apply some on your lower back; this region is also connected to the kidney area and can help with your fatigue.

5. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary leaves have been used to add flavor to dishes for as long as we can remember. The flowering tops of this plant are used to extract rosemary essential oil. This oil is used for culinary purposes and is also used to support healthy digestion and internal organ function when ingested.

Rosemary oil is known to reduce cortisol levels when inhaled. It can help alleviate and control stress in your body. It can help lessen the adrenal glands’ burden and help bring balance to your stress-causing hormones [8].

You can inhale this oil directly from the bottle, spritz it on your pillow or use it in a diffuser for a relaxing experience.

6. Lime Essential Oil

Lime essential oil is extracted from the lime peel since it consists of oil-containing cells. Apart from being used for aromatherapy, it is also used for cooking, baking, and making drinks or spice blends.

This essential oil can help provide an amazing calming effect that can help bring a sense of balance within yourself. It can help uplift your mood, dissipate stress and negative feelings, stimulate positive energy, and refresh your mind.

You can smear some of this oil behind your ear or along your jawline to experience a sense of peace and calm that can help you relax. Keep in mind to stay out of the sunlight once you’ve applied this oil since your skin gets photosensitive due to the citrus present.

7. Pine Oil

Pine essential oil, with its woody scent, is derived from pine tree needles. Apart from being used in traditional medications, this oil is also found in various everyday items like floor cleaners, disinfectants, air fresheners, etc.

Pine oil is revitalizing and is known to help with weakness that often accompanies adrenal fatigue. It also helps strengthen the immune system.

You can apply 1-2 drops of this oil, undiluted, on the bottom of your feet or can diffuse it with other oils. You can also inhale this straight from the bottle when stressed to help you feel relaxed.

Can you heal adrenal fatigue with essential oils?

Adrenal fatigue has no definite cure; however, you can use essential oils to find a certain amount of relief. It can offer a quick energy boost and can help regulate your hormones by ensuring that you remain calm at all times.

One of the significant symptoms of adrenal fatigue is weakness, which can often lead to a sober mood; using essential oils, you can calm your nerves and let your body rejuvenate without any added stress or tension.

How to use essential oils for adrenal fatigue?

Essential oils are versatile and can be used in a myriad of ways!

A few of the most popular methods to use essential oils for adrenal fatigue are,

Diluting it and smearing it on your body or pressure points to help the affected area.
Inhaling them directly from the bottle

Spritzing some on your pillow
Adding a drop or two in the water while you take a bath
Using a diffuser

Receiving a massage with the oil of your choice

NOTE –

The pressure points we focus on for the adrenal glands are the lower back and the Kidney 1 point located on the soles of your feet. Massaging these oils into these points can prove effective and help you find relief from your adrenal fatigue.

Routine with essential oils for adrenal fatigue

Morning Routine

While taking a shower, massage your lower back with a washcloth to activate the adrenal glands. Once done, massage a few drops of rosemary oil, black spruce oil, or other essential oils for adrenal fatigue, into the same area and let the aroma of these oils fill your shower. These oils mimic the adrenal hormones and help stimulate the adrenal cortex and give you an early morning energy boost.

Evening Routine

After a long day, a warm bath, a warm forehead compress, or a heated neck wrap with a few drops of your favorite essential oils can help you wind down and relax. It can calm and soothe your system and help you achieve a sense of peace when you get to bed.

You could also use an aromatherapy inhaler if that is more convenient for you.

It isn’t necessary to use these essential oils first thing in the morning or before you get to bed only; you could also use them while going about your day. Use an aromatherapy inhaler, or add a few drops on a cotton ball and carry it along with you.

This way, you can keep your nerves in check and ensure that you remain stress-free throughout the day.

Wrapping Up

Although Adrenal Fatigue isn’t a medically diagnosable condition, we often see people experience it.

It can hinder your day and dampen your mood; hence it is vital to get it in check and find what works best for you.

Essential oils are a form of relief you can consider; they can help calm your nerves, relax your body and help reduce the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Keep in mind to always dilute your oils before applying directly on your skin; unless mentioned otherwise by your doctor or medical practitioner.