Addison's disease - #16957
For the past year, I’ve been dealing with extreme fatigue that just doesn’t go away, no matter how much I rest. I wake up feeling drained, and by mid-day, it feels like my body is completely shutting down. At first, I thought it was just stress or maybe my diet, but then I started noticing other weird things. My skin is getting darker in some areas, especially around my knuckles and gums, and I get dizzy even when standing up slowly. A few months back, I finally went to a doctor, and after a bunch of blood tests, they told me I have Addison’s disease. They said my adrenal glands aren’t making enough hormones, and now I have to take steroids for the rest of my life. But honestly, I don’t feel much better even with the medicine. I still feel weak, my blood pressure drops randomly, and my digestion is all over the place. I also get these salt cravings, like I need salty foods all the time, or I start feeling worse. I started looking into Ayurveda because I don’t want to rely on steroids forever if there’s a way to support my body naturally. Does Ayurveda have treatments that can help with Addison’s disease? Can herbs or specific diets support adrenal health and balance the hormones naturally? Also, is there any way to reduce my dependency on steroids over time? I really need something that strengthens my body from the inside because right now, it feels like I have zero control over how I feel. Is Addison’s disease considered a Vata or Pitta imbalance in Ayurveda? Are there Ayurvedic detox therapies that can help, or should I avoid those since my energy is already so low? Would love to hear if anyone has used Ayurveda to manage Addison’s disease and what actually helped them feel better.
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Addison’s disease, in Ayurvedic terms, can be linked to a Vata and Pitta imbalance, where the depletion of Ojas (vital energy) leads to extreme fatigue, low immunity, and hormonal irregularities. Since the adrenal glands regulate stress response and energy levels, Ayurveda focuses on rejuvenation (Rasayana therapy) to restore strength, balance hormones, and support adrenal function naturally. Ashwagandha and Shatavari are two powerful adaptogenic herbs that help manage stress, regulate cortisol levels, and improve stamina. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) is particularly beneficial for adrenal insufficiency, as it helps maintain cortisol levels and combats salt cravings by supporting sodium retention.
Since your body is already depleted, detox therapies (Panchakarma) may not be ideal right now, but gentle nourishing treatments like Abhyanga (warm oil massage with sesame or ashwagandha oil) can help restore energy and stabilize blood pressure. Diet-wise, warm, grounding foods are key—favor ghee, soaked almonds, dates, root vegetables, and herbal teas like ginger and cinnamon. Avoid excessive fasting, raw foods, or anything that increases Vata (cold, dry, and light foods), as they can worsen fatigue. Since you crave salt, Ayurveda suggests rock salt (Sendha Namak) or Himalayan salt in warm water to balance electrolytes naturally.
While steroids are necessary for managing Addison’s disease, Ayurveda can support adrenal function and gradually strengthen the body, potentially reducing dependency over time (under medical supervision). Daily practices like Pranayama (Nadi Shodhana for stress relief) and gentle yoga (restorative poses like Viparita Karani) can also help regulate hormones and improve energy levels. With the right Ayurvedic approach, you can work toward long-term adrenal health while supporting your body naturally.
In Ayurveda, Addison’s disease is generally considered a Vata imbalance, as it affects the body’s energy levels, metabolism, and overall vitality. To support adrenal health, Ayurvedic treatments focus on strengthening the body’s natural vitality and balancing the Vata dosha. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Licorice root are known to help nourish the adrenal glands, reduce stress, and promote hormonal balance. A diet rich in healthy fats, warm, nourishing foods, and naturally salty minerals like Himalayan salt can help stabilize energy levels and manage salt cravings. It’s essential to avoid overstimulating foods like caffeine and processed foods, which can aggravate Vata. Ayurvedic therapies such as Abhyanga (oil massage) and gentle yoga can also improve circulation and strengthen the nervous system. As for reducing steroid dependence, it is crucial to work closely with both an Ayurvedic practitioner and your doctor to ensure a gradual and safe transition. Detox therapies like Panchakarma should be approached cautiously, as your body is already in a weakened state, but gentle detoxification under supervision may help restore balance over time.
Navigating Addison’s disease alongside conventional treatments can feel daunting, but Ayurveda offers complementary approaches that might support your overall well-being. It’s essential to remember, the condition, being chronic, needs persistent attention and integrating Ayurvedic practices could possibly offer relief aligning with modern treatment.
First, in Ayurveda, Addison’s disease presents characteristics of Vata and Pitta imbalances. Vata may contribute to fatigue and low energy, while the hyperpigmentation and other symptoms point to Pitta disruption. To balance these, nurturing and stabilizing routines are key. Start with grounding activities; a daily abhyanga (self-oil massage) with warm sesame oil offers both Vata balance and nurtures the skin. Do it in the morning before a warm shower to invigorate you a bit and calm the doshas.
Regarding your diet, Ayurveda suggests focusing on Vata-pacifying foods. Warm, cooked meals work best. Khichdi or rice with ghee can be gentle on digestion and provide nourishment. Include root vegetables, oats, and whole grains. Given your salt cravings, Himalayan salt can add minerals—listen to the body’s cues mindfully, ensuring not to overload your system. Also, drink herbal teas like ashwagandha or licorice; they might support adrenal function.
It’s tempting to consider detoxes, but steer clear of extensive ones that might deplete your energy further. Instead, consider gentle cleanses, maybe herbal teas or simple mono-diet days. Consult a local Ayurvedic practitioner to tailor these steps to your specific needs. And importantly, don’t abruptly stop steroids—it can be dangerous. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about any changes.
Herbs like ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen, may bolster your stamina when used regularly. Take it in powdered form with milk or warm water at night. You should defintely confirm with a healthcare provider, especially since mixing modalities affects everyone differently. It’s about working together, not just replacement.
Building resilience takes time; patience will be your best friend. Monitor changes closely, and loop in your healthcare providers on any Ayurvedic therapy you undertake. It’s a delicate balance, but, done gently, Ayurveda can help nourish and complement your journey with Addison’s.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.