If your attempts at shedding fat stores around your abdomen are getting you stressed, relax. Cortisol, one of the body's stress hormones, increases fat storage around the body and has a particularly strong effect at the abdomen. While cortisol remains a necessary hormone for its effects on blood sugar levels, inflammation and energy levels, there are a number of herbs that show promise in reducing excessive release of cortisol. Always talk to your doctor before taking unregulated herbal products.
Ginseng
Ginseng stands out as one herb with a rich array of research. Siberian gingseng, full name eleuthero senticoccus, played an important role in the traditional medicine of both Russian and Chinese practitioners, but modern science has underlined some valuable effects in the case of stress response, and resistance to infection. Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center record a number of studies that show the adaptogenic effects of the herb, noting that it reduced levels of cortisol when they measured high but had no such effect when cortisol levels were normal. Although not all research supports the effectiveness of siberian ginseng, it nonetheless comes with a wealth of research to document its adaptogenic properties. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with high blood pressure should not take ginseng.
Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda remains one of the most prized herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Todd Caldecott, a respected herbalist and Ayervedic practitioner, explains how the herb has been used for centuries to reduce excessive hormonal production at the adrenal glands. Caldecott identifies the withanolides, phytosterols and alkaloids as relevant components and explains how the combination of these compounds alters the response from the adrenal glands, balancing the production of cortisol. He also points out a variety studies that show the herb as useful in improving immunity, reducing inflammation and even helping in diabetes. Ashwaganda also falls into the class of herbs known as adaptogens.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not actually a herb, but a vitamin. However, its proven effects on reducing high output of cortisol make it a wise choice in the task of reducing levels of this stress hormone. The adrenal glands required vitamin C for the production of all steroid hormones, but use of vitamin C supplements has proved useful to ease cortisol production in studies. David Robson, a contributor to Bodybuilding.com, notes how patients receiving 3g of vitamin C per day recorded lower levels of serum cortisol. If using this level of vitamin C per day, you should take the supplements more than four hours apart to avoid loose stools.
