Do Herbs supplements lower cortisol or raise it?

[mike43]

Some websites say it raises cortisol, some say it lowers, both doctors and sites.. someone says ashwagandha lowers cortisol, some one else in an another site says it raises cortisol..

do they lower cortisol (stress hormone), or raise it? if somebody knows for sure

 

[adreno]

Depends on the herb, but so-called 'adaptogens' usually lower cortisol.

 

[Mary]

@mike43 - This article states that ashwaganda is an adaptogen, which means it will raise or lower cortisol, depending on what your body needs: http://www.livestrong.com/article/423055-herbs-that-increase-cortisol-level/
There have been studies showing it lower cortisol: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
and I think in general people take it to lower cortisol.

When you say "herbs", there are herbs like licorice which raise cortisol, so it all depends on what particular herb you're talking about.

There's a product called Relora, which contains the herb magnolia officinalis, which lowers cortisol. http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Relora-300-mg-120-Vcaps/3340

 

[PeterPositive]

Ashwagandha has a calming, anti anxiety effect, so I'd expect it to lower cortisol.
Personally I've found it to be useful against stress.