7 Adaptogen Herbs To Lower Cortisol

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7 Adaptogen Herbs to Lower Cortisol

Dr. Axe, May 11 2016.
It’s likely that you’ve heard about the detrimental effects of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated
cortisol levels and chronic stress can affect every physiological system in your body, including
your thyroid and adrenal glands. It can make you anxious and irritable, lead to weight gain and
bone loss, contribute to diabetes and heart disease risk, and deplete your energy levels. Cortisol is
also known as the aging hormone. When cortisol gets too high, it puts you into a “fight or flight”
response, which stimulates your sympathetic nervous system and your adrenal glands. When this
occurs, there is a decrease in your digestive secretions and an increase in blood pressure. This
puts your body in a state of constant stress, which will burn out your adrenal glands, stress your
digestive tract and cause you to age more rapidly.
So what can help us adapt to stress and lower cortisol? Adaptogens … So if you want to look
younger, feel younger and be healthy — and heal adrenal fatigue — you must get your cortisol
levels balanced. Side effects of chronically elevated cortisol can include:
• Anxiety
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Common Colds
• Hormone imbalance
• Irritable bowel disease
• Thyroid conditions
• Weight loss resistance
• Top 7 Adaptogen Herbs

1. Ginseng
Benefit-rich ginseng is the most well-known adaptogen, and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is
considered the most potent. According to Wallace, research has validated Asian ginseng’s use for
improving mental performance and your ability to withstand stress. This red ginseng also has
antioxidant effects, antidepressant effects, and can help naturally lower blood pressure and blood
sugar levels. There are a number of adaptogens referred to as ginsengs that aren’t technically
ginsengs, but keep in mind that they have similar composition or effects.
2. Holy basil
Also called tulsi, holy basil is known in India as the “elixir of anti-aging.” Preliminary studies
suggest that holy basil benefits include helping you fight fatigue and stress; boost your immune
system; and regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and hormone levels.
3. Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda is often referred to as Indian ginseng. Often used in Ayurvedic medicine,

ashwaganda regulates the immune system and eases anxiety. Ashwaganda has been used in
Eastern medicine for over 2,500 years and has immuno-modulating effects that boost your
immune system and aid the body in lowering cortisol levels.
4. Astragalus root
Used in Chinese medicine, astragalus boosts immunity and buffers the effects of stress. It
increases the amount of anti-stress compounds our bodies use to repair and prevent stress-related
damage. It may also reduce the ability of stress hormones like cortisol to bind to receptors.
5. Licorice root
Licorice root can increase energy and endurance, boost the immune system, and protect the
thymus from being damaged by cortisol, but its use requires professional supervision because of
how it may affect blood pressure.
6. Rhodiola
Rhodiola (rhodiola rosea), or golden root, is a potent adaptogen that has been the focus of much
research. Rhodiola provides a buffer to stress-related mental and physical fatigue. According to
Whiticomb, Rhodiola was used by Russian cosmonauts, athletes and military personnel, and
years of study have begun to uncover the very mechanisms by which it acts as an adaptogen.
Rhodiola rosea contains a phytochemical known as salisdroside. This component helps relieve
anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of
stress-resistant proteins. Studies have found that it restores normal patterns of eating and sleeping
after stress; lowers mental and physical fatigue; and protects against oxidative stress, heat stress,
radiation and exposure to toxic chemicals. Rhodiola also protects the heart and liver, increases
use of oxygen, improves memory, and may even extend longevity. Also, new research proves it’s
effective as a weight loss agent.
7. Cordycep mushrooms
Cordyceps, reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms are funguses with antioxidant properties. That
means nutrition-rich mushrooms have all the benefits of antioxidant foods. They may not be
adaptogens in the classic sense, but each has adaptogenic, anti-tumor and immune-enhancing
properties. Eating well, getting proper rest, staying active, writing down what you’re grateful for
and maintaining social connection all help protect you from chronic stress, which can kill your
quality of life. Adding adaptogens to your routine can make you even more resilient to the
damaging effects of high cortisol levels.

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Brampton: 220 Wexford Road Unit 2 Brampton, ON L6Z-4N7

Ph: (905) 840-WELL Fax: (905) 840 -LIFE

7 Adaptogen Herbs to Lower Cortisol

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Irritable bowel disease

• Weight loss resistance

• Top 7 Adaptogen Herbs

Ashwaganda is often referred to as Indian ginseng. Often used in Ayurvedic medicine,

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