Evidence-Based Uses of Salivary Cortisol Testing

The adrenal hormone cortisol is responsible for the body’s response to stress, and as such is an important regulator of inflammation, fuel utilization and metabolic function, as well as circadian rhythm and the sleep/wake cycle. A variety of methods are used to assess cortisol levels in the body. Salivary cortisol measurement may offer some specific advantages, and has been used as a marker of stress function and in biobehavioral research. This article discusses the advantages and limitations of salivary cortisol testing, as well as areas where such testing has a demonstrated utility. Natural therapeutics or interventions shown to ameliorate aberrant salivary cortisol patterns are also discussed, including acupuncture, yoga, bodywork, meditation, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid complex, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, and magnolia and phellodendron.