July 25, 2025

Does Ashwagandha Reduce Cortisol? What the Research Says About Stress and Hormone Balance

Ashwagandha, a revered adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, may help regulate cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone—offering support for mood, energy, sleep, and overall resilience under pressure.

Does Ashwagandha Reduce Cortisol? What the Research Says About Stress and Hormone Balance

Cortisol plays a pivotal role in managing our response to stress. However, when cortisol levels remain elevated for extended periods, they can lead to unwanted health issues like fatigue, weight gain, and mental fog. 

Managing cortisol effectively is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. This is where natural remedies like ashwagandha, an adaptogen known for its hormonal and mood-balancing properties, are gaining popularity.

For those seeking a trusted source of natural stress relief, JM Drug Store provides pharmacist-approved ashwagandha supplements. These products are designed to offer safe, effective support in navigating modern stressors.

What Is Cortisol and Why Does It Spike?

Cortisol is essential for helping your body handle stress. It’s part of the “fight or flight” response, ensuring you have the energy and focus to tackle immediate challenges. However, factors like chronic stress, sleep disturbances, overexertion from workouts, and illness can cause sustained elevations in cortisol.

When this happens, high cortisol can lead to:

  • Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.

  • Weight gain, particularly in the belly area.

  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating.

  • Weakened immunity, leaving you more prone to illness.

Signs Your Cortisol Might Be Too High

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

  • Increased cravings for sweets or carbs.

  • Feeling “wired” but simultaneously exhausted.

Recognizing these signals early can prompt action to help regulate your cortisol levels effectively.

Ashwagandha 101: Ancient Root, Modern Benefits

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or “Indian ginseng,” has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It is most renowned for its adaptogenic qualities, helping the body resist physical and mental stress.

Where Ashwagandha Comes From

  • A key herb in Ayurveda, rooted in centuries of traditional healing. 

  • Known for its versatility and referred to as “Indian ginseng” due to its energizing properties.

How It Works as an Adaptogen

Ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress by promoting hormonal balance, including reducing elevated cortisol levels.

It may modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system responsible for your body’s stress response. This adjustment can bring equilibrium to your stress hormones, fostering a sense of calm and focus.

Research Roundup: What Studies Say About Ashwagandha and Cortisol

Scientific research has increasingly validated ashwagandha’s ability to support cortisol reduction and overall stress management.

Clinical Trials on Cortisol Reduction

  • A 2012 clinical trial observed that individuals taking ashwagandha experienced an average cortisol reduction of 27.9% over 60 days. 

  • Other studies highlight improvements in areas such as anxiety relief, reduced fatigue, and better sleep quality in participants using ashwagandha supplements.

Benefits Beyond Cortisol

  • Enhances focus, cognitive health, and immune function. 

  • Supports thyroid regulation and testosterone levels in men, contributing to improved energy and vitality.

Who Can Benefit from Ashwagandha for Cortisol Support?

Ashwagandha is suitable for a wide range of individuals looking to mitigate the effects of stress on their bodies.

  • Everyday Stress Warriors: Professionals juggling demanding careers and parents balancing work pressures and family life. 

  • Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: Supports quicker recovery and helps reduce cortisol spikes caused by intense training. 

  • Those With Burnout or Adrenal Fatigue: Combat feelings of lethargy, irritability, and brain fog that stem from chronic stress. 

How to Take Ashwagandha for Best Results

To get the most from ashwagandha, understanding proper dosages and timing is key.

Recommended Dosages

  • A daily intake of 300–600mg of standardized ashwagandha extract is typically recommended for noticeable results.

  • Choose supplements with 5% withanolides for optimal potency.

JM Drug Store’s Ashwagandha 240 delivers 240mg of potent extract with 35% withanolide glycosides, a highly concentrated form known for its effectiveness in supporting stress reduction, energy, and hormonal balance.

When and How to Take It

  • Take your dose with food to minimize potential stomach irritation. 

  • Morning or early evening doses work best, depending on when you experience the most stress.

Combine It with a Healthy Lifestyle

Ashwagandha works best when paired with lifestyle habits like:

  • Prioritizing quality sleep.

  • Engaging in mindfulness or meditation. 

  • Eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods.

These habits enhance the adaptogenic effects of ashwagandha, offering a well-rounded approach to cortisol regulation.

JM Drug Store: Your Partner in Natural Stress Relief

At JM Drug Store, we believe that managing stress shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we offer pharmacist-guided supplement support—so you can feel confident about what you’re taking. 

Our team is here to help you find the right formula, whether you’re dealing with daily stress, poor sleep, or hormonal imbalances. We carry clinically backed ashwagandha supplements designed to support energy, calm the nervous system, and promote hormone balance. 

With both in-store guidance and convenient online options, JM Drug Store makes it easy to take control of your stress—naturally, effectively, and safely. Shop our supplements today.

Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Stress Spikes and Hello to Balance

Stress can take a toll on your mental clarity, physical health, and quality of life. But with ashwagandha’s scientifically backed benefits, you don’t have to endure these challenges unchecked. Regulate your cortisol levels and reclaim your sense of energy and focus with this powerful adaptogen.

Take the first step toward a healthier life. Contact JM Drug Store to explore pharmacist-approved ashwagandha supplements tailored for stress support. A calmer, more energized you is just a supplement away!