Traditional Chinese Medicine's Effect on Cortisol

by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

5 Chinese Herbs to Lower Cortisol

When we endure prolonged periods of high stress, it can lead to a condition known as adrenal fatigue or ‘burnout.’ When the adrenal gland, responsible for producing stress-related hormones, becomes depleted after prolonged stress, it results in increased feelings of exhaustion and overwork. Furthermore, adrenal dysregulation can manifest as either insufficient or excessive levels of cortisol.

In today’s fast-paced world, managing stress has become more crucial than ever. Elevated cortisol levels, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” can lead to a range of health issues, from anxiety and fatigue to more serious conditions like heart disease. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine offers natural solutions to help keep cortisol in check. In this blog, we’ll explore five powerful Chinese herbs known for their ability to lower cortisol levels, promoting balance and well-being in your daily life.

This article explores Chinese herbs that lower cortisol and regulate adrenal function, as well as acupuncture therapies that support the body’s stress response.

Table of Contents:

All About Cortisol
3 Chinese Herbs to Lower Cortisol
- Sini Decoction and Adrenal Regulation
- Ashwagandha and Managing Cortisol
- Panax Ginseng & the HPA Axis
Acupuncture to Reduce Cortisol and Support Sleep
Conclusion

All About Cortisol and Adrenal Glands

Adrenal Glands – small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that produce a variety of essential hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone, which help regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the body’s response to stress.
Cortisol – a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and low blood glucose levels.

The adrenal glands are central to the body’s stress response, with cortisol being one of their most important outputs. When the brain perceives a threat—whether physical, emotional, or environmental—it signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol into the bloodstream.

This hormone prepares the body to respond quickly by increasing glucose availability, enhancing brain function, and suppressing non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction during the stress event.

Cortisol, on the other hand, is released in a rhythm throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help wake you up and gradually decreasing to allow for rest at night. However, when stress is chronic, the adrenal glands can overproduce cortisol, disrupting this natural cycle and leading to “adrenal fatigue.” This condition can manifest as constant tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and weakened resilience to stress.

Over time, chronic high cortisol can:

impair adrenal function
lead to a diminished ability to produce not only cortisol but other essential hormones
creating a ripple effect that impacts overall health.

Understanding the connection between the adrenal glands and cortisol is key to managing stress and supporting long-term well-being.

3 Chinese Herbs to Lower Cortisol

Sini Decoction and Stress Regulation

“Sini Decoction” is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula known for its ability to lower cortisol. It is commonly used to address conditions related to the spleen and stomach, such as abdominal discomfort, poor digestion, bloating, and lack of appetite.

The formula typically includes specific herbs that regulate and support spleen and stomach function, although the exact composition and usage may vary depending on individual diagnoses made by a qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine.

In 2014 a randomized controlled trial evaluated the Sini decoction in comparison to a control group and a group that received a corticoid. The Sini decoction included monkshood, dried ginger, and honey-fried licorice. The corticoid utilized was hydrocortisone, cortisol directly given to the body.

The researchers administered the therapies for 7 days and collected adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels before the study, 3 days after the therapies, and 14 days after the therapies. ACTH is the precursor to cortisol in the body and therefore can indicate future cortisol synthesis.

The study found no significant difference in ACTH levels between the corticoid and Sini decoction group. The groups that received the corticoid or the Sini decoction behaved similarly and had higher cortical levels in comparison to that of the control group.

Therefore, the study suggested that the Sini decoction can improve adrenal dysregulation.

Managing Cortisol with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance by regulating various physiological processes. As an adaptogen, it assists in managing stress by lowering cortisol levels. In addition to its stress-reducing effects, ashwagandha is known for boosting energy levels and enhancing overall well-being.

Ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for addressing a range of health concerns. It is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and fatigue, supporting mental and physical resilience.

Researchers in 2019 investigated ashwagandha’s effect on stress-relief through a randomized controlled trial. Over 60 days, 60 adults were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 240 mg of standardized ashwagandha extract once a day. To measure their stress, participants had their cortisol levels collected and they also completed the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21).

Ashwagandha intake was found to lower cortisol compared to the placebo. Additionally, ashwagandha was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the HAM-A scale. These findings suggest that Ashwagandha’s reduction in cortisol helped regulate the participants’ stress levels.

Read More: Chinese Medicine and Anxiety

Panax Ginseng & Mood Control

Cortisol regulation involves a communication network between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands, known as the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis.

When the HPA axis is overactive due to chronic stress or other factors, it can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may contribute to various health issues, such as anxiety, weight gain, and immune system suppression. Herbal remedies can play a supportive role in modulating the HPA axis and regulating cortisol levels.

For example, Panax ginseng supports mood and stress regulation. Research suggests that Panax ginseng can positively influence the HPA axis by modulating cortisol secretion and improving the body’s ability to manage stress. By supporting this regulatory pathway, Panax ginseng may help reduce the physiological impacts of stress.

A review in 2019 collected current research focused on Panax ginseng’s mechanism of action as an antidepressant. Modulation of the HPA axis can help relieve depression as well as other mood disorders. The summary noted that mice that received extracts from Panax ginseng not only improved sleep but lowered cortisol levels in blood serum.

In a normal 24-hour cycle, cortisol should be the lowest at night to help support sleep. The researchers suggested that by lowering the cortisol levels, the extracts helped calm heightened cortisol levels that disrupted sleep.

Similarly, researchers in an animal study in 2012 directly evaluated the effect of Panax ginseng extract on cortisol levels after inducing stress in mice. In comparison to controls, the mice that received the extract had reduced cortisol levels during the mild stress and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that helps promote the growth and health of nerve cells and is often negatively correlated with cortisol levels.

Acupuncture to Reduce Cortisol and Support Sleep

In addition to Chinese herbs, acupuncture can also help regulate various physiological processes in the body, including the stress response and hormone levels such as cortisol.

During an acupuncture session, needles are carefully inserted into specific points on the body. This process stimulates the nervous system, which in turn prompts the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins—chemicals that play a crucial role in managing pain and stress.

Acupuncture stimulation helps alleviate stress and induce a state of relaxation. By promoting a calming effect and balancing the body’s energy flow, acupuncture can have a positive impact on cortisol levels. Over time, this practice may contribute to a gradual reduction in cortisol, supporting overall well-being and enhancing the body’s ability to cope with stress.

To explore the underlying mechanism of how acupuncture benefits patients with chronic insomnia, researchers in a randomized controlled trial in 2021 measured plasma cortisol levels after acupuncture therapies in comparison to a control. These therapies included either acupuncture or electroacupuncture at four therapeutic points. The control group received acupuncture or electroacupuncture, however, at three points that were not related to chronic insomnia relief.

Compared to before the treatment, plasma cortisol levels in the treatment group were significantly down-regulated while plasma melatonin levels were up-regulated in comparison to those in the control group. Ultimately, this study found that through hormone regulation, therapeutic acupuncture helped support sleep.

The study additionally measured scores on the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) to evaluate sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Compared with before the therapies, the PSQI scores and total FSS scores decreased significantly in the therapeutic group, suggesting chronic insomnia relief.

Similarly, a randomized controlled trial in 2021 also explored cortisol levels in patients with chronic insomnia, compared acupuncture to Estazolam tablets. Estazolam is a prescription sedative medication prescribed for insomnia.

The researchers randomly divided 60 patients into an observation group or a control group for 4 weeks. The observation group received acupuncture once every other day, 3 times a week while the control group received Estazolam tablets (1 mg) before bed every night. The researchers measured serum GABA, serum cortisol, and PSQI ratings. GABA is a relaxing neurotransmitter that can be supportive of sleep.

The study found acupuncture to be similarly effective as Estazolam for PSQI ratings. The serum GABA levels were higher, and the serum cortisol levels were lower in both groups after the four weeks. Therefore, this study shows that acupuncture is equally as effective as Estazolam for chronic insomnia relief.

Conclusion

Research highlights how Traditional Chinese Medicine, including both herbal remedies and acupuncture, effectively reduce stress and stress-related ailments by directly influencing cortisol, the primary stress hormone. While the considerable reduction in stress levels underscores the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the additional evidence provided by research in this blog further solidifies the efficacy of these practices.

By incorporating TCM methods into your wellness routine, you can benefit from a comprehensive approach that nurtures both body and mind, helping you achieve a healthier, more balanced life. Consider consulting a qualified TCM practitioner to discover personalized treatments that align with your unique needs and goals.