Herbal Formulations for Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease, also known as Cushing's syndrome, is defined as a condition caused by high levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the body that helps regulate blood pressure, metabolism, your body's response to stress. Some of the most obvious signs of Cushing's syndrome are a round face, purple stretch marks and a fatty hump located between the shoulders. Traditional medication therapy is often suggested by physicians, as are radiation therapy and surgery. Alternative therapies are also used by many, taking advantage of herbal formulations and remedies.

Chinese Herbs

• Purchase traditional herbs that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome. For example, the dried bark, branches and root of the magnolia tree have been used for generations to increase circulation, as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and to restore circulation of vital energy. Dong quai, ginseng and licorice have also been used for generations to treat symptoms of Cushing's. The Chinese believe that when energy flows within the body are disrupted or interrupted, sickness results. Restoring normal levels of hormones, chemicals and nutrients in the blood are at the foundation of Chinese herbal remedies.

Finding Treatments

• Look for herbs known to reduce cortisol levels in the blood, such as dong quai, ginseng and licorice, and take vitamin and mineral supplements such as the B vitamins and vitamin C, Co-Q10, magnesium, zinc and chromium. You may be able to find a natural multivitamin supplement that contains many of these essentials, and you may also purchase grape seed extract, Co-Q10 and herbs such as astragalus, rhodiola and others at your natural food store. All of these will help lower and stabilize cortisol levels when combined with a nutritious, well-balanced diet and exercise. Try to reduce stress levels, as stress also contributes to increased cortisol in the body.

Cushing's Formulas

• Look at your local vitamin store or online for cortisol-regulation formulas in bottles. These should give you the right mix of the ingredients you need to maintain your cortisol level with the least amount of fuss. A variety of natural vitamin supplement manufacturers create natural cortisol formulas by combining ingredients such as green tea, calcium ascorbate and L-theanine, banana leaf extract, magnolia bark extract, and holy basil leaves.