It’s funny how nowadays we look at stress as a person’s inability to deal with the “normal” pressures of life when in fact stress is the outcome of a person having to deal with unreasonable expectations. It is this chronic overload that in turn creates a non-stop cycle of fight or flight that eventually leads to adrenal burnout. In order to reverse it, one must change the circumstances that cause stress as well as practice stress relieving techniques.

Us humans are designed to experience only certain amounts of stress, a process that is controlled by the adrenal glands. When we’re in a stressful situation, the body begins to release a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters which give us the ability to spring into action and escape.

Back in the day when survival was an everyday concern, this reaction was a good thing. However, the body is not designed to be under constant stress whether the cause comes from financial struggle, work demands, emotional instability, over-exercising, too much caffeine, drugs, or environmental factors. The bottom line is, if you’re blowing up over the slightest things, unable to cope, or experience feelings of helplessness on a regular basis then your adrenals are trying to tell you something – they’re burnt out!

10 Essential Oils that Fight Adrenal Burnout

The symptoms of stress are vast and can be hard to navigate but are important to understanding just how far stress can take us.

Some of the most common symptoms of stress and adrenal burnout include:

• Aches and pains
• Always feeling angry inside
• Binge eating
• Breathlessness
• Constipation
• Cramps
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty completing tasks in a logical order
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Disinterest in life
• Eczema
• Fainting
• Feeling defensive
• Feelings of despair
• Food allergies (sudden onset)
• Headaches
• Heart attack
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of memory
• Loss of sense of humor
• Muscle spasms
• Persistent infections
• Psoriasis
• Sexual disinterest
• Stomach pain
• Stroke
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Weakened immunity
• Withdrawal from others

As you can see, managing stress is incredibly important for our health and well-being. When we are under constant stress, symptoms in the above list can easily manifest. If left unchecked, this chronic bombardment eventually runs our adrenals dry. This is known as adrenal burnout.

Essential oils (along with incorporating other lifestyle and situational changes) have the ability to alleviate stress and repair and support the adrenal glands. Using them consistently will help your body reverse adrenal burnout and restore their strength and functionality.

Here are my Top 10 Essential Oils that Fight Adrenal Burnout

Essential oils are unique in their ability to treat more than just one aspect of our health. The oils below are supportive of the adrenals both directly and indirectly as they not only support the adrenals themselves, but also work towards relieving the root causes of your adrenal burnout whether that be the inability to get enough meaningful sleep, nervous tension, or the inability to fully relax. Look at the essential oils below and choose the ones that resonate with your needs.

1. Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamon bark is known to strengthen the endocrine system (our adrenals are part of this system), the nervous system, and helps balance blood sugar levels. It promotes physical energy and stimulates the immune system. One neat thing about cinnamon bark is that is can amplify the action of other essential oils just like copaiba essential oil.

Cinnamon bark enhances self-love, acceptance, and allows us to release negativity.

Apply diluted cinnamon bark essential oil over the adrenal vitaflex points on the bottom inner arches of the feet. Check the vitaflex photo below for reference.

2. Clove

Clove stimulates the vagal nerve to activate a digestive cascade which improves overall digestive health. Clove is also known to stimulate healthy circulation, higher energy levels, and relieve fatigue associated with adrenal burnout. It boosts the mood and relieves stress.

The best place to apply diluted clove essential oil for adrenal support is behind the ears on the jaw bone.

3. Galbanum

An excellent oil for combating stress, nervous tension, and chaotic emotions. Galbanum reduces inflammation and supports the strength of the body as a whole. Use it for grounding the mind, reprogramming emotional response, and rebalancing the adrenals.

Apply diluted galbanum over the adrenal glands (mid-back over the kidneys).

4. Helichrysum

Helichrysum helps regenerate and heal damaged nerves and connective tissues and is an exceptional pain reliever. It supports the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas and alleviates stress and negativity. I enjoy using this oil for mental clarity and energy when adrenal burnout clouds your mind.

Apply helichrysum diluted on the temples or back of the neck.

5. Lavender

Lavender essential oil has long been known to aid those with sleeping troubles and stress related conditions. Its soothing and calming effects help prevent the adrenals from springing into action needlessly which allows them to recover and restore themselves.

Use lavender in a calming room spray, in the diffuser, or in a bed-time roll-on applied to the chest for best results.

6. Lime

Lime essential oil is amazing for relieving feelings of apathy, anxiety, and nervousness. It is known to refresh mental tiredness, uplift and dissipate negative thinking, and stimulates positive energy. It’s a wonderful essential oil to use when feeling depressed. Lime works exceptionally well when blended with clove to create a relaxing parasympathetic blend.

Apply lime diluted behind the ear on the jawbone for best results. Keep the area of application out of direct sunlight. To avoid this, you can get a steam distilled lime essential oil that is not photo-toxic.

7. Manuka

Manuka essential oil has a potent relaxing and sleep-inducing effect which helps the body repair itself from chronic stress, nervous exhaustion, and anxiety. It is also known to reduce systemic inflammation.

Apply diluted over the adrenal glands or on the adrenal vitaflex points illustrated below.

8. Nutmeg

Nutmeg exhibits adrenal cortex-like/corticosteroid activity and thus supports adrenal function by increasing energy and alleviating nervous fatigue and chronic symptoms of stress. This gives both nutmeg and clove essential oil a step up over other essential oils when treating adrenal fatigue.

Apply diluted nutmeg on the inner arch of the feet as indicated in the vitaflex chart below:

9. Rosemary

Rosemary is known to rapidly reduce cortisol levels in minutes just by smelling it. This is one of the best ways to help alleviate and control stress in the body. When you are able to lessen the burden on the adrenals they will be able to restore themselves. I highly recommend everyone own a bottle of rosemary essential oil for this reason!

Smell rosemary from the bottle for 2-3 deep breaths, use in relaxing room and pillow sprays, or diffuse.

10. Thyme

Thyme’s fragrant influence allows it to help one overcome fatigue and mental exhaustion. It helps balance the hormones associated with the adrenal glands, strengthens the nerves, and helps you feel a sense of calm and relaxation. Thyme is an excellent essential oil for relieving emotional fatigue.

Use diluted on the adrenal vitaflex points illustrated above.

Want an easy blend for adrenal support? Try Adrenal Blend here.

Don't forget to check out my post on 10 Signs You Have Adrenal Burnout and How to Treat it Naturally!