Licorice

Licorice – Contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which raises the body’s level of cortisol by inhibiting its breakdown (5). As such licorice acts as an adrenal stimulant. A common dosage is 2-3 grams of licorice root (make sure it’s not de-glycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) twice a day. It is best to use licorice only for a maximum of 8 weeks before tapering off the dosage as it can raise cortisol levels too high and cause high blood pressure as well as interfer with fluid balance if taken chronically due to its effect on mineralcorticoid hormones.