Have you tested high on cortisol? I believe that Seriphos is suppose to lower your cortisol levels but if your adrenals are burning out or burnt out, I don't think you want to do that. You may actually need more cortisol to help you deal with the stress.
I do take a very low dose of Cortef whenever I have a very stressful event coming up and am not physically up to the task and it helps a lot, for instance when my mom had to go to the ER and we had a feeling she was going to be admitted.
Also at the recommendation of my environmental doctor I've taken the 4 sample assessment from ZRT labs called Adrenal Stress Profile which measures cortisol and DHEA and their report for me said:
Cortisol is normal throughout the day; however, a significant number of symptoms commonly associated with low and/or high cortisol are reported. Under stress situations the adrenal glands respond by increasing cortisol output. (underline mine)
However, when cortisol levels are within normal range under situations of excessive stress, as reported herein, this suggests that the adrenal glands may be overworking to keep up with the demands of the stressors, which could eventually lead to adrenal exhaustion.
Adrenal exhaustion is most commonly caused by stressors which include: psychological stress (emotional), sleep deprivation, poor diet (low protein-particularly problematic in vegetarians), nutrient deficiencies (particularly low vitamins C and B5), physical insults (surgery, injury), diseases (cancer, diabetes), chemical exposure (environmental pollutants, excessive medications), low levels of cortisol precursors (pregnenolone and progesterone) and pathogenic infections (bacteria, viruses and fungi).
A normal daily output of cortisol is essential to maintain normal metabolic activity, help regulate steady state glucose levels (important for brain function and energy production), and optimize immune function. Depletion of adrenal cortisol synthesis by a chronic stressor, sleep deprivation, and/or nutrient deficiencies (particularly vitamins C and B5) often leads to symptoms such as fatigue, allergies (immune dysfunction), chemical sensitivity, cold body temp, and sugar craving. (Things I check marked on the assessment form I sent with my samples.)
For additional information about strategies for supporting adrenal health and reducing stress(ors), the following books are worth reading: "Adrenal Fatigue", by James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.; "The Cortisol Connection", by Shawn Talbott, Ph.D.; "The End of Stress As We Know It" by Bruce McEwen; "Awakening Athena" by Kenna Stephenson, MD.
Another good book that talks about this some is the Mood Cure Book by Julia Ross. Actually, her book is where I first heard about Seriphos helping with high cortisol.