What is Relora?
Relora is a proprietary blend of two herbs: Phellodendron amurense and magnolia. Both plants are native to China and Japan. The bark of the magnolia tree contains magnolol and honokiol, two compounds shown to have anti-anxiety properties. Phellodendron has been shown to help in lowering both blood sugar and blood pressure as well as anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cortisol is one of our main stress hormones and is produced by our adrenal glands 24 hours a day. Under normal circumstances cortisol peaks within the first hour we are awake and steadily declines throughout the day, reaching its lowest point during sleep. When we experience chronic stress or anxiety, our adrenal glands release extra cortisol to help the body deal with the perceived stress. If this continues for extended periods of time, the frequent demand takes a toll on our adrenal glands and they can no longer function optimally. This then leads to the normal daily cycling of cortisol becoming disturbed. These abnormalities in cortisol levels have physical repercussions on the body, one of which is stubborn weight gain.*
According to apa.org, “ Nearly two in five adults (37%) reported that when they are stressed, they can’t bring themselves to do anything. Around a fifth of adults also reported experiencing forgetfulness (21%), an inability to concentrate (20%), and difficulty making decisions (17%) in the last month due to stress. Adults with a higher average stress level were more likely than those with a lower average stress level to report experiencing forgetfulness (39% vs. 7%), the inability to concentrate (38% vs. 6%), and difficulty making decisions (31% vs. 5%).” (1)*
“Consistent with psychological science, results from this poll revealed that when adults are feeling stressed, around three-quarters (76%) reported there are aspects of their lives that were negatively impacted. Specifically, their mental health (36%), eating habits (33%), physical health (32%), and interest in hobbies/activities (30%) were among the top aspects negatively impacted by stress. Psychological research on both humans and nonhuman animals revealed that the effects of stress on the brain, immune system, our gene expression, susceptibility to physical illness, mental illness, and subsequently on people’s ability to engage in necessary daily tasks can be long lasting, and even intergenerational.” (1)*
Relora is effective in reducing high cortisol levels, and can act as an anxiolytic, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. A 2006 study found that this formula helped healthy, overweight, premenopausal women (20-50 years of age) reduce their stress eating. They had lower levels of cortisol at the end of the day, felt more able to manage their stress, and gained significantly less weight than the control group during the study.*
This 2013 study concluded that, “daily supplementation with a combination of Magnolia bark extract and Phellodendron bark extract (Relora®) reduces cortisol exposure and perceived daily stress, while improving a variety of mood state parameters, including lower fatigue and higher vigor. These results suggest an effective natural approach to modulating the detrimental health effects of chronic stress in moderately stressed adults.” (2)*
We included Relora in our stress support supplement AnxDefy+ to help the body manage and respond to stress as well as create a calming effect mentally. High stress is chronic and utilizing a natural, herbal supplement to balance cortisol levels and calm the mind and body can prove beneficial for overall health and weight loss goals.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
