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14 step 2. esCape From the Cortisol Desert

A SHORT-TERM SOLUTION FOR HIGH CORTISOL.

Before anyone knew about ACTH, or even cortisol, people used chamomile to
help them relax. Now we know why. Chamomile does the job. It stops ACTH.

A study in The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, proves that chamomile
really works. The subjects inhaled chamomile vapor and ACTH went down. But
drinking chamomile tea is a good substitute.
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It’s worth doing because lowering ACTH is the gold standard. When ACTH

drops, so does cortisol. And that’s what you’re looking for. Real solutions that
shut down the problem.

If you’ve looked into lowering cortisol with other herbs, you’ve probably heard
more about “adaptogens” than chamomile.

Adaptogens are substances that are meant to help your adrenals adapt, whether
you’re making too much cortisol or not enough. A few of them are:

s Rhodiola
s Holy Basil

s Ashwagandha
s Schisandra
s Astragalus

In my experience, if you use standardized extracts from a good source, these

herbs are powerful. They truly affect the way you feel, and they may work
well for you, but some adaptogens can leave you feeling foggy or detached.
Others are more stimulating, like Licorice or Siberian Ginseng. It takes practice

figuring out how to use adaptogens to see how they work best for you.

Chamomile is a different kind of choice. It’s fairly straight forward. ACTH
goes down, cortisol follows. That’s why I like to recommend it.

If I’ve been stressed and waking up in the early morning hours, I put half a glass
of strong chamomile tea, with a little sugar, right next to my bed before I go to
sleep. Some sugar is good because it helps tryptophan enter the brain. That
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produces serotonin and melatonin so you’re sleepy and happy! Combine the tea