Natural Remedies for Cushing Syndrome
Experts suggest reducing the amount of refined carbohydrates (e.g., foods high in white flour and sugar) in the diet. Herbal and nutritional supplements that support the healthy functioning of the adrenal gland may also be helpful. Many of these are also important to hair health. Dosages, when listed below, are for adults looking for adrenal support:(37, 111)
SUPPLEMENTS SUPPORTING ADRENAL GLAND FUNCTION |
|
|---|---|
VITAMIN/MINERAL |
DAILY RECOMMENDED DOSAGE |
| BIOTIN | 135 mcg |
| CALCIUM | 75 mg |
| CHROMIUM | 50 mcg |
| COENZYME Q10 | 60 mg |
| COPPER | 1 mg |
| L-METHIONINE | 50 mg |
| FOLATE | 80 mcg |
| IODINE | 53 mcg |
| IRON | 3.6 mg |
| L-CYSTINE | 30 mg |
| L-GLUTAMINE | 100 mg |
| L-GLYCINE | 100 mg |
| L-THREONINE | 35 mg |
| L-TYROSINE DRUGS.(37) | 500 mg |
| MAGNESIUM | 140 mg |
| MANGANESE | 1.3 mg |
| NIACIN | 7 mg |
| PANTOTHENIC ACID | 3.5 mg |
| RIBOFLAVIN | 2 mg |
| THIAMIN | 2 mg |
| VITAMIN A | 1000 IU |
| VITAMIN B12 | 3.6 mcg |
| VITAMIN B6 | 3.4 mg |
| VITAMIN C WITH BIOFLAVONOIDS | 4,000-10,000 mg; divided |
| VITAMIN D | 3.5 IU |
| VITAMIN E | 80 IU |
| ZINC | 10 mg |
Helpful Herbs
Herbs that have shown some positive effect on adrenal function include the following:(37, 382)
- Ashwagandha
- Astragalus
- Chlorophyll
- Milk Thistle
- Turmeric (curcumin compounds)
Hypnosis
Modern research supports traditional medicine methods of treating the whole body. Studies have shown stress and psychological mood disorders have an impact on physiological health through the endocrine system by releasing pituitary and adrenal hormones which influence the immune system. These effects often show up as skin and hair disorders.(30)
How hypnosis works is not completely understood. However, case studies indicate that hypnosis can improve symptoms in many of disorders. By reducing stress, hypnosis may help regulate hormonal responses. Certainly, the connection between Cushing syndrome, adrenal hormones, and hair and skin symptoms warrant exploring hypnosis as an option in reducing hair loss associated with Cushing.(30)
Warning—Some Herbs Could Make Cushing Worse
As with prescription drugs, there may be potential side effects or harmful drug-herb interactions. In fact, certain herbal remedies that mimic the effects of cortisol (e.g., licorice) should not be taken by patients with Cushing disease or Cushing syndrome since they can make the disease worse.(95, 383, 384)
Wait—I Thought Licorice Is Good for Thinning Hair!
Licorice is also listed as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medical formulas reported as helpful for hair loss, which is a symptom of Cushing disease. So how can it be bad for Cushing syndrome?(98)
If an underlying condition is the cause of hair loss, treating and minimizing the risk from that disease must always come first. In the long run will help minimize your thinning hair too. Conversely, if an herb (or medicine) interferes with that treatment or worsens the condition, it will make hair loss worse. In other words, do not take an herb that is contraindicated or dangerous to any health condition you have—even if it is listed as potentially beneficial in treating hair loss—without speaking to your doctor or healthcare provider. (98)
Topical Herbs and Cortisol
Herbal creams and ointments used to treat eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis could also increase systemic cortisol levels. Some have even been linked to causing Cushing syndrome. Although most of the cases were due to steroid adulterants, studies suggest at least one herb can increase cortisol levels.(385-387)
Conversely, some herbs may help reverse Cushing syndrome caused by conventional drugs. For example, a traditional Japanese Kampo herbal medicine called Bofu-tsusho-san (BTS) significantly reduced symptoms of Cushing syndrome caused by topical betamethasone (a drug used to treat severe dermatitis).(384)