Top Adaptogens That Reduce Stress and Cortisol

Adaptogens have a positive impact on stress levels. The hormone cortisol is released when under stress, when cortisol is elevated for long periods of time it has a negative effect on the physiological system. Adaptogens are a natural way to relieve stress and lower long-term cortisol levels. Here are some of the top adaptogens that help reduce cortisol levels. 

What Are Adaptogens ?

Adaptogens are healing plants that are mostly consumed as supplements and herbs. They are used to help balance, restore and protect the body. Naturopaths believe adaptogens help you respond to stressors, normalizing your physiological functions. Studies have shown that various adaptogens have the ability to increase our tolerance to stress. 

How They Work 

Research shows that adaptogens help to promote better sleep, more energy, help with athletic performance, recovery and concentration. They help you to adapt to many forms of stress. They normalize the body and help to keep the body in homeostasis. They are helpful in lowering the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels are high you go into “fight or flight”, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands. When you are constantly in fight or flight you are putting pressure on the adrenal glands, digestive system, that cause many issues like fatigue, weight gain, low libido and acne. Adaptogens help fight against the harmful effects of stress and therefore make us healthier. 

Top Adaptogens

Panax Ginseng

Ginseng is an Asian ginseng that has been shown to help improve feelings of calmness. It may be a useful treatment for fatigue in those with chronic illness. Studies have shown ginseng to help reduce the ulcer index, adrenal gland weight, and blood glucose levels. It is believed to have significant anti-stress properties. It has been found to improve mood and mental performance. 

Holy Basil

Holy Basil is known in India for being an anti-aging supplement. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine to treat numerous conditions, such as skin diseases, common cold, malarial fever and as an antidote for snake bite. There have been studies on holy basil for its anti-stress activity. A reason holy basil may be effective in improving stress response is it having three phytochemical compounds. These are anti-stress compounds that may lower stress hormones and positively affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been studied for its effects on cortisol, stress, and internal stress response for a long time. It has been shown to stabilize cortisol levels and effectively improve resistance towards stress. 

Astragalus Root 

Astragalus is known to boost immunity and reduce the effects of stress. It’s high in polysaccharides and flavonoid compounds that are protective chemicals. It has been shown to support immune regulation and may treat a various amount of ailments that affect the immune system. 

Licorice Root 

Licorice root helps increase energy and endurance, while also boosting the immune system and supporting gut heath. It has been shown to help regulate hormone levels including cortisol. It also may help in fat loss and decrease androgen hormones and testosterone in women. 

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a potent adaptogen shown to provide a defense against stress. Studies show it acts as a mild stressor when ingested, increasing its stress defense.It also found those who struggled with stress related fatigue had a decrease in cortisol levels.

Schisandra 

Schisandra is a medicinal berry that is well known for its healing properties of the adrenal glands and liver function. It helps with focus, concentration, memory, digestion and hormonal balance. Research shows it can lower cortisol levels by modifying the response to stress. 

Turmeric

Turmeric root is a natural remedy for reducing inflammation and boosting brain function. Curcumin is the ingredient in turmeric responsible for many of its benefits. It has been suggested that turmeric may be effective in reducing depression in how the neurotransmitters are impacted.