Ashwagandha and cortisol? Oh, they’ve got history. And it’s one you’ll want to know about. Kuala Lumpur is known for its demanding work culture, and studies show that a large number of workers there experience stress related to their jobs. In a world where stress feels like a full-time job, cortisol levels are running wild, and our bodies are paying the price. But don’t worry, that’s help: ashwagandha. This herb is turning heads for its ability to dial down stress and bring those chaotic hormones back in check. In this article, we’re breaking down exactly what cortisol does, and how ashwagandha might just be your treatment for high cortisol.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by your adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. When your body senses stress, it releases more cortisol into the bloodstream. The right cortisol balance is essential for your physical and emotional health. Too much or too little can lead to serious issues.
Cortisol has many critical functions in the body. It helps:
- Respond to stress or danger
- Regulate metabolism of glucose
- Control heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduce inflammation
- Support the development of an unborn baby
Cortisol is also central to your “fight or flight” response. This is your body’s natural way of reacting to threats or emergencies.
What Triggers Cortisol Production?
Cortisol production is controlled by your pituitary gland, located at the base of your brain. This gland sends signals to your adrenal glands to release cortisol as needed.
Several factors can trigger increased cortisol production:
- Intense or long-term stress
- Extreme temperatures
- Illness or infections
- Physical exercise
- Obesity
- Certain medical conditions
Your cortisol levels follow a daily rhythm. They peak in the morning to help you wake up and slowly decline by evening. However, if you work night shifts or face chronic stress, this rhythm may get disrupted.
When Cortisol Levels Are Too High or Too Low
Usually, your body keeps cortisol in a healthy range. But in some cases, this balance breaks down.
Symptoms of High Cortisol (Cushing’s Syndrome)
Too much cortisol in the body can cause:
- Weight gain (especially around the stomach and face)
- Thin, easily bruised skin
- Acne
- Irregular menstrual cycles and excess facial hair in women
- Reduced fertility
High cortisol can also affect your mood, leading to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Trouble focusing
- Lower sex drive
This is why finding an effective treatment for high cortisol is so important.
Symptoms of Low Cortisol (Addison’s Disease)
On the other hand, too little cortisol can result in:
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Weak muscles
- Abdominal pain
People with Addison’s disease may also crave salty foods and develop darker skin patches.
How Are Cortisol Levels Measured?
If your doctor suspects a cortisol imbalance, they may order a blood test. Because cortisol levels shift throughout the day, multiple tests may be needed.
Other possible tests include:
- Saliva samples
- Urine tests
- Additional blood panels to rule out conditions like Cushing’s or Addison’s disease
Herbal Support for Cortisol Management
Several herbs, especially adaptogens, have been studied for their role in regulating cortisol levels. These natural substances help the body respond better to physical and emotional stress. Among these, ashwagandha is one of the most promising options for those seeking treatment for high cortisol.
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Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogenic herb with a long history in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps the body adjust to stress and has been shown to lower cortisol levels.
Research shows that ashwagandha and cortisol have a clear connection, regular supplementation with ashwagandha may help reduce stress, lower anxiety, and balance cortisol levels. This makes it a strong option for treatment for high cortisol. -
Rhodiola
Another adaptogen, Rhodiola helps the body manage both mental and physical stress. It has shown promise in lowering cortisol and improving stamina during stressful situations. -
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is known for its calming effects. It may help ease anxiety and promote better sleep while lowering cortisol levels naturally. -
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy Basil is another adaptogen that supports hormone balance. It has been found to regulate cortisol and help reduce inflammation caused by stress. -
Licorice Root
Licorice root contains compounds that mimic cortisol. In small amounts, it can stimulate cortisol production and help manage stress. However, it must be used with care, as it can also raise blood pressure if overused. -
Chamomile
Chamomile is widely used for sleep and relaxation. Some studies suggest it may help regulate the body’s cortisol response, making it helpful in the treatment for high cortisol.
How Ashwagandha Helps with Cortisol
Ashwagandha and cortisol are often studied together due to the herb’s ability to support hormonal balance. It works by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system responsible for producing cortisol.
What the Research Says
Multiple studies have shown that ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels in people experiencing stress:
- The drop in cortisol only happened in people who started with high cortisol levels. In those people, the ones taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) had a much bigger decrease in cortisol than those taking a placebo.
- Participants took either an ashwagandha root extract or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. While ashwagandha did help reduce fatigue.
- People taking ashwagandha showed a big improvement in their quality of life scores from the start of the study to day 60. Researchers also noticed that participants in this group got better at multitasking and staying focused.
These findings support the use of ashwagandha in any natural treatment for high cortisol. It's also worth noting that ashwagandha is generally safe for most people when used in proper doses, though it's always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Why Choose Herbal Remedies?
Using herbs like ashwagandha and others offers a more natural approach to managing stress and hormonal imbalances. Many people prefer herbal support as it often has fewer side effects than prescription medications. Plus, herbs can support overall well-being, not just one symptom.
Ashwagandha and cortisol balance go hand in hand. By including this powerful herb in your wellness routine, you may experience reduced anxiety, better sleep, improved mood, and greater resilience to daily stressors. All these benefits make ashwagandha an excellent choice in the treatment for high cortisol.
The Bottom Line
Cortisol is a vital hormone that plays a major role in how your body handles stress, metabolism, immune function, and even mood. However, too much or too little cortisol can cause significant health problems.
Ashwagandha is one of the most effective natural tools in the treatment for high cortisol. Supported by clinical studies, this adaptogenic herb can help lower stress, regulate mood, and bring balance to your hormone levels. Along with other herbs like Rhodiola, Lemon Balm, Holy Basil, and Chamomile, ashwagandha offers a gentle, natural solution to help your body cope with stress.
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