How to Reduce Cortisol With Gingko

Cortisol is a steroid hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone is necessary for normal brain function, maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and is integral in the immune system. Excessive cortisol, however, can have negative effects, including memory impairment, fatigue, high blood sugar, muscle problems and reduced immunity. Some alternative health care practitioners believe ginkgo biloba can reduce cortisol levels. Since the herb has other potential benefits--it is commonly used for memory enhancement, for example--and side effects are uncommon, taking it for reducing cortisol levels may be worth a try.

Things You'll Need

• Ginkgo biloba supplement

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a high-quality ginkgo biloba supplement from a natural food store or a reputable online retail shop. If you're unfamiliar with ginkgo, talk with the herbal specialist at a local store.

• 2

  Begin with a ginkgo biloba supplement of 40 mg three times a day. You may need to take the supplement for a few weeks before appreciable positive results are noticeable, according to Ray Sahelian, a physician who specializes in nutrition.

• 3

  Increase your supplement intake to 60 mg three times a day if you do not have side effects and would like to achieve better results.

• 4

  Drink ginkgo tea in place of your capsule or tablet supplement any time you want to. Ginkgo tea bags typically have 30 mg of herbal extract.

• 5

  Watch for the most frequent side effects that occur with ginkgo biloba, which may be an upset stomach, nausea, gas, diarrhea, or headaches. Reduce your dosage or take the supplement less often if any of these occur.

• 6

  Take the supplement for up to six months, the maximum continuous time frame recommended by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).