If you're dealing with anxiety, trouble sleeping, inflammation, or pain that won't seem to go away, it could be due to chronically high cortisol levels. But don't lose hope - CBD may be able to help. Some studies suggest that CBD oil can lower cortisol levels by decreasing the amount of cortisol our bodies produce. What's more, it can assist with mitigating anxiety, which is contributing factor to high cortisol levels. 

Intrigued? In this article, we'll explain a bit of the science behind how CBD interacts with cortisol levels and recommend ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.

What is Cortisol and Why You May Want to Lower Your Levels

What does cortisol do for your body?

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates a wide range of vital processes throughout the body, including metabolism and immune function. It also plays an important role in helping the body respond to stress. 

A certain amount of cortisol is necessary and healthy; for example, cortisol levels naturally rise upon waking up or working out. This stress hormone is involved with metabolic regulation, blood sugar control, inflammation management, and sleep regulation. Let’s walk through some of the most important body functions that cortisol is involved in.

Inflammation: Cortisol works to your body’s benefit as an anti-inflammatory hormone, keeping your body in balance. However, when stress exposure is chronic, your cortisol levels may become imbalanced, leading to inflammation.

Sleep-Wake Cycle: The natural ebb and flow of cortisol levels in the body help regulate the sleep-wake cycle or “body clock”. Cortisol levels begin rising approximately 2-3 hours after the onset of sleep and continue to increase into the early morning and early waking hours. As your day continues, levels decline gradually, thus creating a regular cycle of energy, alertness, and ultimately deep sleep. Imbalanced levels of cortisol de-regulate this cycle leading to sleeplessness at night and grogginess during the day.

Blood-Sugar Levels: Cortisol is involved in regulating the glucose levels in your body, increasing the availability of blood glucose to the brain. To put it simply, when your body enters a “fight-or-flight” mode due to stress, you need enough energy to deal with the stressful situation, and cortisol provides your body with the glucose it needs to “fight” or run. When prolonged stress or chronic issues cause an increase in cortisol over an extended period, this can wreak havoc on both your mental and physical health.

What causes elevated cortisol levels?

The main factor contributing to excessive cortisol levels is stress. During stressful situations, cortisol is released into your bloodstream causing your body’s energy to focus on handling the stressor instead of regulating other bodily functions like your digestive and immune systems. In stressful situations, your cortisol levels may spike, but should return to normal once the situation is resolved. However, if cortisol levels fail to level out, your overall health may suffer.

Benefits of lowering your cortisol levels

While cortisol is important for regulating many bodily functions, chronic stress and high levels of this hormone can have negative effects on your health and well-being including increasing inflammation and weakening the immune system. By decreasing cortisol levels, your muscles can relax causing a lowered heart and breathing rate, normalizing blood pressure, and reducing fat release. 

Not only can your overall health benefit from reducing cortisol, but your skin will also show improvement when you get this hormone under control. Cortisol can stimulate oil production, leading to acne and other skin problems, so reducing cortisol can help improve your skin’s health. Including CBD oil in your daily health routine can have a myriad of positive effects on your digestion, metabolism, skin, sleep, and other functions of the body.  

Does CBD Lower Cortisol Levels?

CBD oil can help lower cortisol levels by interacting with various body systems, including the endocannabinoid system and serotonin receptors, while also reducing inflammation, and protecting the brain from stress. When ingested or applied, CBD interacts with naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. These receptors are often found in glands, like the adrenal glands, which secrete cortisol. CBD may influence the secretion level of these glands, which can help regulate the body's stress response and reduce cortisol levels.

CBD also interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, responsible for regulating mood and anxiety levels. By activating these receptors, CBD can lower cortisol levels and reduce stress, while also decreasing inflammation throughout the body caused by high cortisol levels. Adding a CBD supplement to your daily routine may help to support stress management and relax your mind and body, reducing high cortisol levels and their negative effects. 

Botanika Life CBD Wellness Solutions Can Help

Botanika Life is a wellness brand based on an appreciation for the power of plants to help us feel our best, inside-out. We use natural, vegan ingredients free from pesticides and GMOs, as verified through third-party lab results we publish. CBD products that may help you combat stress and lower cortisol levels include: 

Elite Elixir: Botanika Life’s multi-use Elite Elixir is made from the natural ingredients of Hemp Seed Oil and 1,500 mg Full Spectrum CBD. Used to relieve anxiety, lower inflammation, and reduce discomfort, this luxury product provides relief when applied topically and can also be ingested for full-body benefits. 

CBD Sleep Spray:This popular product balances CBD with melatonin, magnesium, and GABA to help you unwind, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Best yet, you’ll wake feeling refreshed rather than groggy. 

CBD Bath Bombs Gift Set:We welcome you to explore our full collection of CBD bath bombs or read CBD Bath Bombs: How They Work, Benefits & FAQ. However, if you’re itching to get started, this variety pack is the perfect way to try our most popular scents. Sit back in your tub and let the full-spectrum CBD lull you into a state of ultra-relaxation, helping to lower your cortisol levels. 

It's important to consult with a professional about your higher cortisol levels. Ideally, CBD is one component of a multi-pronged treatment plan. 

By Emily Wegener

With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.