The 9 Best Natural Supplements to Reduce Cortisol

Our top supplements to reduce cortisol naturally focus on natural compounds and organic adaptogenic herbs that have research to prove their effectiveness.

We’ve researched, tested, and used these supplements with our clients which is how we know they work.

If you’re sick of flushing your money down the toilet on supplements that seem to have no positive impact on your stress levels and overall health, keep reading as we dive deep into the 9 best supplements to reduce cortisol.

The First Step in Cortisol Reduction

As a disclaimer, before running straight to the supplement aisle to tame your stress, we always recommend learning first how to reduce cortisol naturally. 

In order to properly address your underlying stressors, prioritizing living a healthy lifestyle and eating foods that relax muscles and reduce stress must be tackled first and foremost. 

Natural supplements (supplements should be…well…a supplement!) can be the 5-10% push to get you closer to where you want to be, but they are a drop in the bucket compared to making changes to the lifestyle pieces to lower stress. 

Now, if you’re confident you have a healthy diet and have modified your lifestyle in a way that gets your body into a state of “rest-and-digest” versus “fight-or-flight” mode, then these supplements may give you that bit of extra support needed to get you feeling your least stressed self. 

First things first, let’s quickly review what this stress hormone cortisol is and why excess cortisol is a problem. 

What Is Cortisol?

If you’ve read our previous article about how to reduce cortisol naturally you know a little bit about the complicated and highly resilient hormone cortisol. Cortisol is our body’s primary stress hormone in the body, which can be both life-threatening and life deteriorating.

When your body undergoes a stressful situation, the brain sends a signal from the hypothalamus in the brain down to the adrenal glands that sit on the kidneys to pump out cortisol. This hormone literally helps you physically fight dangerous situations, such as running from a bear in the woods or getting through your biking intervals.

Cortisol works phenomenally in emergencies, but chronic stress can create chronically high levels of cortisol on a daily basis that become problematic.

With chronically high levels of cortisol, other hormone levels are pushed out of balance, our sleep quality is impaired, our ability to digest food is reduced, and our health deteriorates.

How Cortisol Supplements with Adaptogens Help

So, can we do anything to attenuate these sky-high cortisol levels when life stress is out of control?

Yes, there is! Adaptogens!

Adaptogens are herbal compounds that enhance how our body works and will help you become more resistant to the negative effects of stress.

Most notably, the neuroendocrine-immune system AKA our nerves and hormones, can really benefit from the support adaptogens provide. While adaptogens are often found in immune system-supporting supplements, there are a large variety of adaptogens out there that are used in various ways.

From supporting hormone regulation, decreasing stress, and improving focus, to naturally boosting energy from the compounds in maca root, there are a massive number of adaptogens out there and they are a much better option to helping our body than using medications with harmful side effects.

In other words, these natural cortisol reducers can stabilize the physiological responses to stress to make us feel more at peace and relaxed when we actually feel like we’re on a hamster wheel! 

>>> Looking to boost energy without caffeine? Consider these foods and supplements.

Why Cortisol Supplements are Just a Supplement

As mentioned, adaptogens are not just pills to fit another ill. They should be used in conjunction with a stress-reducing diet and modification of lifestyle factors.

It is important to understand that lowering stress and cortisol cannot be achieved with supplements alone. They are a drop in the bucket when compared to the pertinent dietary and lifestyle changes that will absolutely hold the most weight in reducing cortisol naturally. 

Without further ado, let’s talk about some of the best and well-researched supplements to reduce cortisol naturally! 

(And if you have zero interest in reading further and you would just like to see what we recommend and also receive 20% off all our favorite cortisol-lowering supplements for life, you can just skip the line right here!)

The 9 Best Supplements to Reduce Cortisol Naturally

1. Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics

• Powerful adaptogen blend that includes L theanine, magnolia, and Phosphatidylserine in addition to having ashwagandha
• Great supplement to naturally support a good night’s sleep

Want the top all-natural ingredients to reduce cortisol naturally all in one supplement? Here it is!

One of our favorite supplements to help lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety mid-day or wind down in the evening is Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics, which not only contains ashwagandha but several other of our favorite adaptogenic herbs that are discussed further down in this post. 

The immediate relaxation effect from this all-natural supplement is like nothing you have ever experienced before! The “zen” feeling that ashwagandha brings when combined with other adaptogens is REAL!

You may purchase Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics on Amazon.  A better option, however, is to 👉buy it through Fullscript👈, which is nearly $18 cheaper 🤯 when you use our affiliate link to create your Fullscript account (there is zero cost to you, but we may earn a commission which helps support our website). 

Additionally, all supplements shipped from Fullscript come directly from temperature-controlled warehouses and are shipped in temperature-controlled packaging. For this reason, we buy all our supplements, especially ones that are heat-sensitive like our favorite glutathione, directly from Fullscript.  

If you’d like to save some cash and purchase the best supplement for lowering cortisol through Fullscript, simply use our link to create your account which will also give you 20% off all supplements you buy through Fullscript for LIFE. This link will take you directly to our favorite supplements to reduce cortisol naturally. Free shipping on orders over $49 too.🙂

2. Ashwagandha by Pure Encapsulations

• One of the most reputable supplement manufacturers on the market with 3rd party testing and GMP audited facilities to back it!
• A simple and pure supplement with ashwagandha as the only ingredient, allows you to see exactly how you react to this adaptogen without confusion from other ingredients

Ashwagandha is one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs that has been shown to lower cortisol. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, in particular for anxiety. 

Research on ashwagandha has shown significant reductions in high cortisol levels and a significant reduction in self-reported stress and anxiety symptoms by bringing the body into hormonal and neurotransmitter homeostasis. 

In a study with chronically stress individuals, participants were given 300 mg of high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root which showed significant reductions in serum cortisol compared to those who did not receive ashwagandha.[1]

Pure Encapsulations is one of the makes one of the most respected supplement manufacturers on the market which is why we recommend their Ashwagandha 500 mg for those looking for a stand-alone ashwagandha product.

Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha 500 mg is available on Amazon, but a better option is to 👉purchase on Fullscript👈, which is nearly $9 cheaper 🤯 when you use our affiliate link to create your Fullscript account.

3. Rhodiola Rosea by Pure Encapsulations

• Helpful for those with stress-related fatigue & depression

Rhodiola (Arctic root) is a Chinese herb known for its stress-reducing, stamina-building, and mood-stimulating effects in individuals who are fatigued from high stress or struggle with depression. 

In laboratory studies, it has been found to increase the sensitivity of dopamine and serotonin, two prominent neurotransmitters involved in motivation, focus, enjoyment, and mood.

Researchers reported positive results on mood and stress in individuals with stress-related fatigue, stating that Rhodiola supplementation exerted an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental performance and concentration and decreases cortisol response to awakening stress in patients with high levels of fatigue.[2] 

If you’re a person who feels more jittery and anxious, Rhodiola may not be the best choice for you. In contrast, a person dealing with stress-related fatigue and depression who needs a little “wake-up” in the morning or mid-afternoon may benefit more from this herb’s ability to enhance mental performance.

Save BIG $$$ by 👉buying it through Fullscript👈.

4. Organic Schisandra Exgtract by Herb Farm

• Helpful for athletes in improving endurance in addition to reducing cortisol

Schisandra, which is a berry used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a powerful herb that appears to be most applicable in well-trained athletes. It has a unique taste and is added frequently to health juices and drinks!

The plant has been shown to improve coordination and endurance. One study administered schisandra chinensis root in athletes undergoing heavy physical activity and reported decreased levels of cortisol and increased physical performance with adaptogen supplementation.[3] 

For those who are high-performance athletes, consider adding a scoop of schisandra powder to your post-workout smoothie or between meals! 

We prefer the liquid Schisandra by Herb Farm which is 👉over $2 cheaper on Fullscript👈 than on Amazon.

5. Nordic Naturals Fish Oil

• Helps decrease inflammation, stress, and symptoms of depression
• Improves cognition and decreases the risk for developing dementia

It’s no secret that we love omega 3 fish oil! Its ability to fight inflammation, improve symptoms of depression, decrease the risk of heart disease, improve insulin sensitivity, improve cognitive performance, and more is astounding.[4,5,6,7] 

Fish oil has even been shown to blunt the stress response by reducing cortisol levels in humans.[8,9]

Of course, you always want to go with professional-grade fish oil supplement from a trusted company that practices third-party testing to which can be found in the as Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals which tests each of their products for toxicity such as from mercury and ensure the potency is exactly what their label claims. 

For athletes looking for something NSF Certified for Sport, your best best is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega D3 SPORT. 

Omega 3 supplementation or consumption of wild-caught fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, or anchovies about two times per week may be one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce cortisol and improve adrenal dysfunction when combined with an anti-stressful diet and lifestyle practices. 

If you’re looking for the most affordable option to purchase high-quality fish oil 🐟, you can save $8 💰 or more by purchasing Nordic Naturals supplements on Fullscript👈 instead of on Amazon.

6. L-Thenine by Integrative Therapeutics

• Commonly found in green tea and commonly shown to increase focus in addition to reducing cortisol

Where are the green tea lovers at?! We love, love to have ourselves some green tea as well.

Green tea is amazing not only for its smooth and delicious taste but it’s also rich in the amino acid L-theanine. This amino acid is the component of green tea that gives it its calming effect.

The great thing about l-theanine and green tea is that it gives you the feeling of “alertness” that coffee provides without making you feel jittery or spiking your cortisol. 

What more could you ask for?!

Our clients report noticeable differences in their cognitive performance and ability to relax with l-theanine supplementation. This amino acid has even been studied for its ability to reduce stress and support healthy cortisol levels, improve cognitive function, and improve sleep, and other positive effects.

One randomized, double-blind crossover trial explored the effects of an l-theanine-based nutrient drink on mood responses to a cognitive stressor and revealed a significant reduction in stress and a blunted cortisol response for up to three hours after following the treatment of l-theanine.[10] 

Consuming a few cups of green tea daily or considering a supplement of l-theanine may work wonders for reducing stress and improving energy without compromising your adrenal health. 

You may purchase high-quality L-Theanine from Integrative Therapeutics on Amazon, or, save $6 now and for years to come by creating an account and purchasing supplements like L-Theanine on Fullscript.👈

7. BIOHM Probiotic

• Feeding the guy prebiotics helps balance the healthy gut bacteria as well as hormones

As you may know, scientists are discovering groundbreaking associations between the gut microbiome and system-wide health every year. Providing the gut with adequate amounts of prebiotics, which are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly probiotic bacteria in your gut, is crucial for a balanced microbiome.

When the gut bacteria are balanced, the brain is happy. 

When the brain is happy, hormones are balanced, and cortisol levels are in check.

While this may sound like kook science, research findings confirm the vast role gut bacteria play in our overall health, in particular stress levels.   

One study administered two different prebiotics in forty-five individuals for 3 weeks and reported a significantly lower salivary cortisol awakening response compared with those who did not receive prebiotic supplements.[11] 

This type of evidence suggesting that microbiota may influence brain function and cortisol levels in the body is a complete game-changer. 

Check out our article for guidance on the best prebiotic supplements on the market to find the one that will specifically help you the most, or start with taking one of our all-time favorites prebiotics and probiotics with a powerful 1-2 punch👌.

We recommend the Prebiotic Boost from BIOHM used in combination with the BIOHM Total Gut Probiotic or BIOHM Women’s Balanced Probiotic Supplement 💃 which have a substantial amount of research behind them. Even better, anytime you 👉use our coupon code “FWDFUEL”👈. at checkout, you’ll receive 20% off!

Lastly, and really the best option to improve your gut health, is to take a food-first approach by crushing lots of naturally occurring prebiotic-rich foods!

Prebiotic-rich foods include:

• Apples
• Chicory root
• Bananas
• Garlic
• Onion
• Dandelion greens 
• Jerusalem artichoke 
• Leeks
• Raw cacao
• Flaxseeds
• Jicama root 
• Oats

Here we are again, talking about the gut! It all comes back to the gut…

We can significantly move the needle with stress and adrenal health by diving deep into the gut microbiome!

8. Phosphatidylserine by Integrative Therapeutics

• Helps improve neural messaging in addition to reducing cortisol response from high-intensity exercise

Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring combination of tow fatty acids produced in the body that plays a large role in the brain and nervous system’s control, helping to transmit messages all around the body.

This powerful cortisol-blunting nutrient has been well-researched in athletes who face heightened levels of cortisol, especially those engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercise.

It has proposed benefits for athletes, revealing a more favorable testosterone-to-cortisol ratio, thus indicating that phosphatidylserine may be an effective supplement for combating exercise-induced stress, preventing the physiological deterioration from too much exercise, and stimulating a beneficial hormonal status for athletes by blunting cortisol levels.[12] 

Another study showed that 800 mg/d of phosphatidylserine supplementation for 10 days significantly blunted the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol responses to physical exercise in men. The results from this study suggest supplementing with Phosphatidylserine by Integrative therapeutics may be warranted in individuals with high levels of stress in general, not just those who have high levels of exercise-related stress.[13] 

Want to try Phosphatidylserine by Integrative Therapeutics for yourself to reduce your cortisol naturally? Well, you can try one of the prior links to Amazon, or 👉SAVE OVER $14👈 when you buy where we buy our supplements, Fullscript!

9. Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics (Repeat because of Magnolia Bark)

• Powerful herb for reducing cortisol levels and can be found in Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics

Magnolia bark is a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese and distributed throughout temperate and tropical regions of Asia, North America, and South America to help alleviate stress and decrease depression through its positive effects on the central nervous system.

In one clinical trial, magnolia reduced the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in moderately stressed individuals compared to placebo.[14] 

Interestingly, there has also been some preliminary research using magnolia for weight management in females. One study used healthy, overweight premenopausal female adults between the ages of 20 and 50 years, who typically eat more in response to stressful situations and self-reported anxiety. They found a reduction in cortisol levels and reductions in weight gain in the treatment group.[15] 

So, what do you do if you want a supplement with Magnolia baark in it?

Simply select our top pick on this list, Cortisol Manager by Integrative Therapeutics, which already has this amazing herb in it. Cortisol Manager is our top pick for a reason!

Remember, you could buy Cortisol Manager on Amazon, or you could save $18 by buying it through our favorite affiliate, 👉FULLSCRIPT👈, which helps support our website and will also give you massive discounts automatically on all future supplement purchases of any kind when you simply create your account with our link 🙂.

Summing Up The Best Supplements to Reduce Cortisol Naturally

Our top 9 supplements to reduce cortisol naturally are meant to work in combination with lifestyle cahngesr and a healthy diet. Even. the best cortisol supplements will struggle to fix things if we don’t work on lifestyle changes to improve sleep, nutrition, and managing stress.

There is still substantial research needs to be done on most natural cortisol supplements; however, these are the ones that we find have some preliminary evidence for use and have worked well for lowering cortisol levels in the highly stressed individuals we coach.

Achieving healthy cortisol levels is not an easy feat. It will take a significant commitment to change the necessary lifestyle factors, but it will happen if you keep putting in the effort. Stay the course! You’ve got this!

Your fatigue and gut issues could be related to food sensitivities; thus, embarking on an elimination diet may also be a necessary next step!

If you’re ready to take the fastest route to normalizing hormone levels, we offer 1 on 1 coaching that has helped countless clients. Book your free 15-minute strategy call now 👌 to map out a plan and get started today.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19016404/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10228607/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3990713/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178115003844
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16552404/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24470182/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12909818/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958879/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728665/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4410136/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503954/
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1325348/
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23924268/
15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16454147/