My naturopath has me taking "Adren-all" by Orthomolecular
its got some vit. a, c, e, niacin, b6, b12, b5.
- 220mg adrenal concentrate, 100mg eleuthero extract, 100mg rhodiola extract, 100mg shizandra berry extract, 75mg liccorice root. All are standardized
- i take this twice daily.
- i also take 50mg 5-htp before bed, and 2g glycine.
5-HTP raises serotonin, which also kills the sex drive.
- i use l-theanine in the day for anxiety relief.
I am not sure what type of licorice is used "american or chinese",
You want Chinese licorice root (G. uralensis), which is calming. American licorice root (G. glabra) is stimulatory, which is not good if you are trying to build up the adrenals.
i have heard rhodiola may be bad for someone with low cortisol,
Correct, again because it is stimulatory.
and adrenal concentrate may atrophy the adrenal gland.
Correct, because it substitutes for the glands. If the glands are not made to work they atrophy. Glandulars are best avoided but if used should only be used in small doses and for no more than 2 weeks without a break.
Any advice on herbs to take, or a plan to follow, criticism would be welcome.
*I have maca but was told to not take this with the other herbs, maybe the maca can be of use.
Maca is fine. It is a good sterol source for adrenal support. Nettle leaf is also a really good choice as it supports the glands, including the adrenals without being stimulatory. It is also a good source of vitamins for the adrenals.