Submitted by: Sharlene Bennett, Naturopath and Medical Herbalist (BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb)
Client: Male, 32 years old
Initial presentation: The client presents with low energy levels and feelings of fatigue associated with adrenal exhaustion. Also experiencing chronic emotional stress and poor concentration levels and memory. Due to existing sleep issues and shift work, there is a history of long hours of work and lack of sleep. Finds it hard to switch off. His daily diet typically consists of no breakfast, takeaways for lunch and dinner.
Additional recommendations:
An inclusion of breakfast with whole foods protein such as poached eggs on wholegrain or sourdough toast, with a fruit smoothie or a side of fruit, like organic berries or bananas. Vit C powder 1000mg and NAC 100mg scoop.
and dinner to include a lean meat protein or nuts and seeds, such as almonds or raw cashews, walnuts with feta salad, and organic virgin olive oil or pumpkin seed oil and avocado. Take a Coenzyme Q10 and B vitamin supplement. Dinner to consist of a protein and steamed or roasted vegetables with a dessert of Greek yoghurt with organic berries or additional nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts.
Also, a mineral powder with magnesium to help alkalise the body and help the stress response and balance excessive cortisol release. This should be taken at night to help with sleep, alongside the below herbal formula.
Herbal formula: Adrenal Balance
Rehmania Uncured Root (Rehmania glutinosa) 1:2 30 mL
Ginkgo (Gingko biloba) 3:2 30 mL
Withania Standardised Root & Leaf (Withania somnifera) 3:2 25 mL
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1:2 5 mL
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 10 mL
Daily Dosage: 7.5mL twice daily. Take before breakfast and in the evening after dinner.
Sleep Well Tonic (200mL)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) 1:2 30 mL
Californian poppy (Eschscholtzia californica) 1:2 30 mL
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) 1:2 20 mL
Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) 1:2 20 mL
Daily Dosage: 7.5mL once daily. Take one hour before bed and repeat if needed.
Follow up:
4 weeks: Experiencing more energy in the mornings. Starting to feel better and sleeping up to six hours instead of four hours. Eating differently, including focusing on whole foods and lean or fresh sources of protein and foods. Eating three meals daily now. Finding it challenging to include breakfast but persisting.
8 weeks: He is noting more energy again on waking and sleep has improved, at least eight hours daily per night.
He takes the adrenal support herbs twice daily and does not feel tired in the afternoon. Using the sleep herbs once per night now instead of twice. Beginning to enjoy three meals daily and likes breakfast time more so. Feeling more balanced and coping better emotionally at work and home, alongside improved energy levels. Advised to continue on with the same dosage until next month’s appointment and will reassess dosage and situation once more.