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| system, also subdues the HPA axis. In support of this, Dr. David Saphier from Louisiana State University found that excessive amounts of a-interferon injure the hypothalamus and then suppress the entire HPA axis, at least in rodents. |
| It is also suspected that ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), the pituitary hormone that stimulates adrenal activity, is chronically low in CFS. ACTH influences mood by attaching itself to brain cells so that we feel better and have more vitality when we have sufficient amounts. When ACTH is given to CFS patients as a prescription drug, some of their symptoms have been dramatically reduced. |
| Herbs for Enhancing the HPA Axis |
| Help for the HPA axis comes from herbs designated as ''adaptogens,'' so named because they normalize or "adapt" many different functions of the body. They also improve physical, mental and emotional health and resistance to disease. They help us work and think better and more efficiently and adapt to emotional and physical stress, including extremes of temperature and lightall important concerns with CFS. In fact, they work on the same conditions controlled by the HPA axis. This has led researchers to speculate that adaptogenic herbs like ginseng work primarily through this axis. It is certainly one avenue that would allow such far-reaching effects. This also makes adaptogenic herbs specific remedies for CFS. |
| Ginseng is a classic example of an herbal adaptogen. Not only does it alleviate stress and fatigue, it improves immunity and sexual function, maintains blood pressure, blood sugar, water balance, body temperature and sharpens the senses. Other adapto- |
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