Stress isn’t just something you feel, it’s something your body actually remembers. Elevated cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone, affects everything from blood sugar and sleep quality to mood, energy levels, and even skin resilience. If you’re in a pattern of daily stress or long-haul burnout, your cortisol levels may be staying high long after the stressors pass.
This ancient adaptogen is one of the most clinically studied ingredients in modern cortisol-lowering supplements. It’s been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine (a traditional Indian system) to help the body adapt to stress. But what does the data say? And is ashwagandha actually effective for people struggling with high cortisol?
Here’s what you need to know without the noise.
First, Why Does Cortisol Matter?
Cortisol plays a central role in the body’s stress response. It spikes during moments of acute stress, but ideally, levels return to baseline after the stress passes. The problem? For many of us, chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated for long periods, leading to symptoms like:
- Fatigue or wired-but-tired energy
- Poor sleep or 3 a.m. wakeups
- Irritability or brain fog
- Sugar or salt cravings
- Hormonal disruption
That’s why interest in supplements for high cortisol has grown. Nutrition and adaptogens may offer gentler, body-first support.
What the Research Says About Ashwagandha and Cortisol
Multiple high-quality studies have shown that ashwagandha lowers cortisol in both stressed and generally healthy adults. Here are a few standout findings:
- A 60-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that participants taking 600 mg/day of full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract saw an average 27.9% reduction in cortisol levels compared to placebo*.
- Another randomized trial showed significant improvements in perceived stress, cortisol levels, and sleep quality after 8 weeks of daily ashwagandha use**.
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A third study focusing on adults under chronic stress found reduced serum cortisol and improved resilience in as little as 30 days***.
These results point to ashwagandha’s effect on the HPA axis (the body’s central stress-management network), helping regulate cortisol production and bring the stress response back into balance.
Ashwagandha vs Other Cortisol-Lowering Supplements
Many ingredients get lumped into the “stress relief” category, but not all are backed by the same level of evidence. Compared to typical cortisol-lowering supplements like rhodiola, holy basil, or phosphatidylserine, ashwagandha stands out because:
- It’s been studied in both clinical and subclinical stress populations
- It supports both physiological and psychological resilience
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It shows measurable cortisol reductions on lab tests, not just “feeling better” outcomes
In other words, ashwagandha and cortisol reduction aren’t just correlated. They’re causally linked in the data.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Cortisol Support
If you’re exploring supplements for high cortisol, here’s what to look for in a quality ashwagandha product:
- Root-only extract (not leaves, which are less studied)
- Standardized withanolide content (5% is common for effectiveness)
- Clinically dosed (300–600 mg/day, depending on form)
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A clean label with no artificial fillers or synthetic additives
Adaptogens aren’t a quick fix—but they are powerful over time. Think of ashwagandha as a long-term stress partner, helping your body rebuild its rhythm and response.
Where to Find Ashwagandha in the Sera & Mattina Lineup
If you're searching for a smarter way to support your stress response, Daily Chill is built for exactly that. It combines botanicals and bioactives that work together to lower cortisol, regulate the nervous system, and keep your mind clear and focused.
At the center of the formula is ashwagandha, a clinically studied adaptogen that helps balance cortisol levels. This makes it a powerful tool for managing daily stress and supporting a steady mood. It's paired with:
- Organic lavender, which promotes calm without causing drowsiness
- Organic passionflower, known for its ability to ease anxiety and support alert relaxation
- Organic ginkgo biloba, which helps improve blood flow and sharpen focus
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5-HTP, which supports serotonin production and emotional balance
Together, these ingredients help regulate your nervous system, support digestion through the gut-brain connection, and keep you clear-headed even when life feels chaotic.
Daily Chill is vegan, gluten-free, third-party tested, and made in the USA. It’s designed to help you feel calm, not sluggish and resilient in both mind and body.
If you’ve been looking for a supplement that addresses stress from multiple angles, Daily Chill delivers a well-rounded solution grounded in both traditional herbal wisdom and modern research.
* Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;
** Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255–262;
*** Auddy B, Hazra J, Mitra A, Abedon B. A standardized Withania somnifera extract significantly reduces stress-related parameters in chronically stressed humans: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. JANA. 2008;11(1):50–56
