We’ve all seen days when we juggle a dozen tasks, inhale our food, and survive on coffee. These days are so stressful that your body’s churning out cortisol like a factory running on overtime. Living in a perpetual state of stress can ruin your physical and mental health. However, going to a doctor for this becomes another stressful task, thinking of all those expensive medicines. But you don’t have to live like this. Your kitchen possesses some rather brilliant ingredients that can reduce your cortisol levels naturally. Here are eight drinks to reduce cortisol in your body without much fuss.

High cortisol symptoms

Before we talk about the drinks to reduce cortisol, it’s also important to know how to recognise if you have high cortisol levels. The real trouble starts when stress keeps cortisol elevated for too long, leading to symptoms like insomnia and weight gain, giving you a moonface or a buffalo hump. Constantly high cortisol levels or Cushing syndrome also cause intense mood swings, high blood pressure, stretch marks, acne, and easy skin bruising.

Drinks that lower cortisol levels

1. Green tea

There’s a reason the Japanese have been drinking this for centuries. Green tea contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. Regular green tea consumption can help moderate cortisol levels, particularly when you’re under stress. The caffeine content is gentler than coffee, giving you alertness without the jitters. Aim for two to three cups daily, and do try to steep it properly as boiling water will make it bitter, so let your kettle cool for a minute first.

Related: 5 Beauty Benefits Of Green Tea To Prove There’s Really Nothing Better For Your Skin

2. Orange juice

Orange juice is one of the main ingredients of the viral cortisol cocktail. It contains vitamin C, which has been proven to alleviate high cortisol levels. However, always drink fresh orange juice rather than store-bought juice.

3. Chamomile tea

Chamomile has been unfairly relegated to the “sleepy time” category, but it’s actually a cortisol-busting superstar throughout the day. This little flower contains compounds that bind to the same brain receptors as anti-anxiety medication, helping to dial down your stress response.

4. Ashwagandha tea

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to stress. This ancient Ayurvedic herb has solid research backing its cortisol-lowering abilities. Fair warning: ashwagandha has a distinct, earthy flavour that some find challenging. Mixing it with other herbs or a bit of honey can help. Start with one cup daily and see how you get on.

5. Hot chocolate

Yes, you read that right. Before you start celebrating with a huge cup of hot chocolate, let’s be specific: we’re talking about dark chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa, prepared as a proper hot chocolate with unsweetened cocoa powder. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that can help reduce cortisol levels and improve mood. It also has a modest amount of magnesium, which many of us are deficient in and which plays a role in stress regulation.

Related: Sip Without The Guilt: Homegrown Brands Making Gut-Friendly Hot Chocolate This Winter Season

6. Lemon balm tea

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and often an overlooked gem. It has been proven to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels while improving mood and cognitive performance. The taste is pleasantly lemony without being sharp, making it lovely on its own or mixed with green tea for a double-whammy stress-busting blend.

7. Black tea

As it happens, black tea isn’t just comforting; research suggests it can help you recover from stressful events more quickly, with lower post-stress cortisol levels compared to those who don’t drink it. The key here seems to be the ritual as much as the beverage itself. Taking a proper break, sitting down with your cup, and giving yourself five minutes to breathe, that’s all part of the cortisol-lowering magic.

8. Tart cherry juice

Tart cherry juice is particularly helpful if stress is disrupting your sleep, which in turn keeps cortisol elevated. It’s naturally rich in melatonin and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce cortisol levels, particularly in the evening. A small glass (about 30ml concentrated or 250ml of standard juice) an hour before bed can help improve sleep quality. Be mindful of the sugar content, however, and opt for unsweetened varieties where possible.

So put the kettle on, choose your brew, and give yourself the permission to take five minutes that are just for you. Your cortisol levels and your sanity will thank you for it.

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Related: You’re Not Giving Up Alcohol, So Here’s How To Drink Without Destroying Your Gut

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take for these drinks to lower cortisol levels?

Some drinks like green tea can have immediate calming effects within 30-60 minutes, but consistent cortisol reduction typically takes two to four weeks of regular consumption.

Q2. Can I drink multiple cortisol-lowering drinks in one day?

Yes, you can combine different drinks throughout the day. Just watch your total caffeine intake and avoid exceeding three to four caffeinated beverages daily.

Q3. Will these drinks work if I have a diagnosed cortisol disorder like Cushing syndrome?

No, medical conditions require proper treatment. These drinks are for managing everyday stress-related cortisol elevation, not clinical disorders. Always consult your doctor.

Q4. Can children drink these cortisol-lowering beverages?

Most herbal teas like chamomile and turmeric milk are safe for children over two years old in moderation. Avoid ashwagandha for children and consult a paediatrician first.

Q5. Are there any side effects from drinking too much of these teas?

Excessive consumption can cause digestive upset, headaches, or interact with medication.

Q6. Do these drinks work for cortisol belly fat?

They can help reduce stress-related cortisol, but spot reduction isn’t possible. You’ll need to combine these drinks with proper diet, exercise, and sleep for weight management.