In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are running on empty, juggling constant stress, mental overload, and fatigue. At the centre of our stress response are the adrenal glands, two small organs that sit above the kidneys and produce key hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones influence energy, mood, sleep, and more, making adrenal health essential to coping with everyday demands.

When the adrenals become overworked, it’s common to feel tired, wired, anxious, or simply not yourself. As a naturopath, I take a whole-body approach to restoring adrenal function and improving stress resilience using targeted herbs. nutrients, and lifestyle strategies. Below are some of my favourite adrenal-supportive retail supplements.

Vitamin C: Essential Support for Adrenals & Stress Recovery

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in adrenal health being one of the body’s most important nutrients for stress resilience. Our adrenal glands rely on high concentrations of vitamin C to produce stress hormones like cortisol and to buffer the effects of oxidative stress. During times of emotional, mental, or physical overload, vitamin C becomes quickly depleted, which can contribute to fatigue, burnout, and low mood.

Because we can’t produce vitamin C ourselves, regular replenishment through food and supplementation is key, especially during prolonged stress. I often recommend a liposomal form of vitamin C for its superior absorption, as it bypasses digestion and is quickly taken up by the cells.

Herbal Support for Stress & Adrenal Balance

I often use herbs like Rehmannia and licorice root to help restore depleted adrenals. Withania (Ashwagandha), is a wonderful calming adaptogen which may help the body adapt to stress, (caution to those with high cortisol). Rhodiola provides an energising effect, enhancing focus, stamina, and mental performance. I also like to include L-tyrosine, an amino acid that supports the production of dopamine and noradrenaline, both vital for mood and motivation. Together, these herbs and nutrients work synergistically to restore energy, build resilience, and support emotional wellbeing.

A customised liquid herb blend is a great personalised option based on your individual symptoms and current medications – it targets the areas you are most concerned about with no additional ingredients. Simply pure, concentrated herb.

L-Theanine is one of my top recommendations for managing anxiety and scattered thoughts. This amino acid, naturally found in green tea, helps promote alpha brainwave activity, which is associated with calm, focus and mental clarity. It’s ideal for those who feel “wired but tired”, providing additional support for sleep onset by easing anxiety and nervous tension. Perfect for daily stress, or emotional overwhelm, L-Theanine is a go-to for promoting a sense of calm while staying mentally alert.

Activated B Complex: Energy, Mood & Nervous System Support
B vitamins are essential for nervous system function, energy production, and the production of neurotransmitters – the brain’s chemical messengers that influence mood, and focus. I recommend activated (bioavailable) forms of B vitamins, as they’re ready for the body to use without needing conversion. This is especially important for individuals with the MTHFR gene variant, which can impact how B vitamins are processed. During periods of prolonged stress or fatigue, activated B vitamins can offer much needed support for energy, mood, and mental clarity.

Saffron: Herbal Support for Mood & Stress
Saffron isn’t just a vibrant culinary spice; it’s a herb known for its mood-regulating and nervous system-supporting properties. It helps promote emotional balance, ease symptoms of mild anxiety and stress, and improves sleep quality. I love saffron for its gentle yet powerful effect on mood, making it a valuable addition to any adrenal support plan.

Magnesium: Foundational Support for Calm, Sleep & Stress
Magnesium is a key mineral involved in over 400 essential bodily processes, including nervous system regulation, muscle relaxation, and quality sleep. I often recommend magnesium glycinate for its calming effects and excellent tolerance, especially for those prone to looser bowels — compared to magnesium citrate, which is more likely to have a laxative effect. For enhanced results, I look for formulas that combine magnesium with glycine and calming herbs like passionflower to support deep, restorative sleep and nervous system repair.

Sour Cherry Sleep Gummies: A Gut & Sleep-Friendly Ritual
Sour cherry juice is naturally rich in melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep–wake cycle, making it a beautiful, food-based option to support deeper sleep and overnight adrenal recovery. One of my favourite family-friendly tips is to turn the juice into sleep gummies using gelatine and some fun silicone moulds. It’s a great way to support not only sleep but also gut health, which is deeply connected to mood regulation through the gut-brain axis.

Adrenal Support for Whole-Body Balance

When we support our adrenal glands, we lay the foundation for improved sleep, better emotional resilience, clearer thinking, and balanced energy. Whether you’re feeling anxious, foggy, flat, or fatigued, these are simple, evidence-based tools to start rebuilding from within.

I’m available for private consultation at Flannerys Benowa (for Fundies / Kunara magazines simply note Renee’s website). Or pop in and speak with the Qualified Naturopaths in store – they are a wonderful resource for you to seek advice and product recommendations that have a positive impact on your wellbeing.

Renee Hillier
BHSc Nat
Love Thy Earth Naturopathy