Effect on endocrine system

Adaptogen

See also: Nutritional Endocrinology

If there was a problem with a hypersympathetic nervous system, Western herbalists have tended use sedatives, nervines and perhaps anti-inflammatories. There has been little understanding of a condition of asthenic wasting. An herb such as marshmallow (althea officinalis) occurs more for its soothing demulcent properties rather than its ability to nourish the parasympathetic nervous system helping it to secrete adrenalcortical hormones such as cortisol.

Only recently have Western scientists and herbalists come to recognize the effects of certain herbs, most noticeably a strong sympathetic nervous stimulant such as Ma Huang and for the stimulation of adrenalcortical hormones, licorice and Siberian ginseng. As a result many of these herbs are appearing in Western herbal formulas for the adrenals and endocrine systems.

Other substances that are used with good effect are protomorphogens or glandular extracts. These include specific glands from animal sources such as adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, thymus, ovarian, etc. These may be prescribed alone or together with appropriate herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc.

In addition, a number of vitamin and mineral supplements are used to nourish and stimulate the endocrine system. These include vitamin C, all the B vitamins, Zinc, calcium and magnesium.  Source