Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in regulating your metabolism and immune response. When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol to help manage the situation, but too much of this hormone can cause problems like high blood pressure and increased inflammation.
It’s important to keep cortisol levels in check, and certain herbs can help with this. By maintaining the right balance between salt and water in your body, cortisol also helps regulate your overall health, including mood, motivation, and fear responses. When you feel that “fight or flight” sensation, it’s your body’s cortisol levels at work.
Using herbs to manage cortisol can be a natural way to support your body’s glucose levels and other vital functions.
Herbs To Reduce Cortisol
How Cortisol Works in Your Body
Cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, plays a vital role in managing your body’s response to stress. When you’re having a particularly stressful day, your brain adjusts the cortisol levels accordingly, ensuring the right amount is released.
However, if these cortisol levels become too high, it can lead to various issues. You might notice symptoms like anxiety, depression, headaches, or even heart disease creeping in. Memory and concentration problems, trouble sleeping, and weight gain are also common when cortisol is not balanced properly.
Additionally, your immune system and digestive or reproductive systems can be affected, leading to problems with digestion or an increase in blood pressure. Managing these levels naturally through herbs is essential for maintaining overall health, especially when stress levels are high.
3 Ways to Measure Cortisol
When looking to measure cortisol levels, it’s essential to ensure accuracy by testing more than once. Typically, a blood test is recommended, especially when cortisol levels are running high in the morning and lower in the evening.
However, there are other ways to track cortisol as well. For instance, a urine test requires collecting urine over a 24-hour period to get a clear picture of your body’s cortisone levels. Alternatively, a saliva test can be done, where your healthcare provider provides a kit with proper instructions for use. Each method offers its own advantages, but ensuring accuracy is key when trying to understand how cortisol might be impacting your health.
Reducing Cortisol Levels
When it comes to reducing cortisol levels, adopting a natural approach is not only effective but also sustainable. In my experience, incorporating lifestyle practices such as regular exercise and maintaining balanced meals has had a significant impact on my overall well-being.
The key is to not overdo it; consistency is more beneficial than intensity. Additionally, exploring the use of supplements has been a game-changer for me. It’s fascinating how these small adjustments in my daily routine have helped me stay cognizant of stressful moments, allowing me to engage in relaxation activities and effectively control blood pressure.
I’ve found that spending quality time with loved ones, who are supportive and healthy, contributes to my ability to cultivate strong relationships, which further aids in stress management.
Which Herbal Supplements Should You Choose?
When looking for herbal supplements to help manage stress and lower cortisol levels, it’s important to consider adaptogen herbs. These plants are known for their ability to resist the effects of physical, chemical, and biological stressors on the body.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a powerful Indian herb known for its ability to act as a nervine tonic that calms the nerves and promotes overall well-being. This herb, often called Indian ginseng or Winter cherry, is a cornerstone of Ayurveda and is celebrated for its numerous health benefits.
It not only helps in immune system regulation and easing anxiety, but it’s also used to manage asthma and cancer. What makes Ashwagandha truly remarkable is its potential in enhancing memory, supporting reproductive balance, and increasing the body’s resistance to stress. I’ve found it incredibly versatile, whether in capsule, pill, powder, or elixir form, making it a go-to for many. It’s safe for all ages, with a recommended dose of 300 mg taken twice daily.
Holy basil
I was amazed by its versatility as an aromatic shrub from the basil family. This herb, cherished for centuries, is a natural powerhouse for tackling physical, chemical, and psychological stressors. It works wonders by helping to protect tissues and organs from pollutants and heavy metals.
Moreover, Holy basil is excellent for reducing physical stress, especially the kind that builds up from prolonged exertion. I’ve noticed it can also help manage blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels, which is a big plus for overall health.
Its anti-depressant properties are a bonus, as they seem to improve brain and memory function too. Whether you take it in capsule, essential oil, or tea form, it’s recommended to use about 600 mg multiple times per day for the best results.
Rhodiola
When it comes to natural ways to manage stress, Rhodiola stands out as a powerful herb that offers a wide range of benefits. Known for its adaptogens properties, Rhodiola helps your body adapt to stress and is effective in reducing anxiety and suppressing cortisol levels, which can help you build resistance to various stressors.
The Rhodiola rosea extract not only supports mental and physical endurance but also has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest that it has potential pharmacological properties for cancer chemoprevention, particularly in the urinary bladder. Available in capsule, tablet, dried powder, and liquid extract forms, a daily dosage of 200-300 mg is recommended for optimal benefits, ensuring a standardized extraction that maximizes the herb’s effectiveness.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a powerful medicinal mushroom known for its antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties. As someone who values natural remedies, I have found Cordyceps to be particularly effective in supporting overall health, especially for those dealing with kidney disorders.
This mushroom has gained recognition as a natural energy booster, which many people turn to when feeling overwhelmed by fatigue or depression. Although scientific evidence on some claims is still pending, personal experience has shown that Cordyceps can be helpful in managing hormone levels and making the body more resilient to the effects of high cortisol.
Similar to Rhodiola, another adaptogen, Cordyceps is sometimes used by athletes to enhance performance, though this is more anecdotal than proven. Moreover, its potential to assist with asthma and upper respiratory infections adds to its versatility.
FAQS
What is the best herb to lower cortisol?
Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Lemon balm, Chamomile are the best herbs to lower the cortisol
What lowers cortisol immediately?
Deep-breathing exercises for five minutes just three to five times a day can effectively lower cortisol levels, ease anxiety, and improve memory.
What is a natural cortisol blocker?
Incorporating ashwagandha and fish oil into your routine as natural cortisol blockers can effectively help reduce cortisol levels and manage stress, promoting a calmer, balanced state. These herbs and natural remedies work together to support your body’s response to stress, ensuring those cortisol levels stay in check for a more centered day.
