Introduction
There are lots of terrific herbal/botanicals that can help you in regulating your cortisol levels. There are primarily 3 types of results with botanicals:
- To lower the cortisol response: This is beneficial in lowering cortisol levels during times of increased stress.
- To extend the cortisol response: This would be helpful in cases of adrenal fatigue, where the adrenals are UNDER-producing cortisol.
- Adaptogens: These wonderful herbs interact with your body in a manner which enables it to reach homeostasis whichever direction cortisol is. If it’s too low, the herb will boost it, is it’s too large, then it’ll lower it.
Herbs to regulate cortisol
Here are some of the best botanicals to regulate cortisol:
To raise cortisol
Licorice Root
This herb prolongs the half-life of cortisol by preventing its breakdown in the liver. Typically it’s used in low-cortisol conditions, and reduced morning energy.
To lower cortisol
Reishi Mushroom Extract
This herb works to reduce cortisol and is very useful with people who have anxiety. It is extremely soothing and sedative, and contains numerous additional advantages, such as being anti inflammatory.
Valerian Root Extract
This herb is another excellent one for people with anxiety. It is extremely good at increasing GABA levels in the brain and can be useful especially in the day to assist with sleep.
Adaptogens
Holy Basil
This herb is an superb well-rounded helper which can bring the body back to homeostasis. It not only balances cortisol levels, but also aids in supporting strain induced hypertension, blood sugar regulation, and supports the thyroid.
