Relora® (proprietary)
Synopsis of relora® (proprietary)
Relora® is a proprietary, standardized herbal blend developed to help manage stress, reduce cortisol levels, and promote emotional well-being. It is composed of extracts from two traditional medicinal plants: Magnolia officinalis (bark) and Phellodendron amurense (bark), both long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Manufactured by NPI, a company specializing in patented natural health formulas, Relora® has been clinically studied for its adaptogenic effects, particularly in people with high stress, anxiety, or stress-induced eating.
The formulation is designed to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system responsible for managing stress responses and cortisol output. Clinical studies show that Relora® may help lower elevated cortisol, the “stress hormone” that, when chronically high, can lead to fatigue, abdominal weight gain, irritability, poor sleep, and suppressed immunity. It also appears to enhance mood and decrease anxiety without the sedating or habit-forming effects associated with pharmaceutical anxiolytics.
Key active compounds in the formula include honokiol and magnolol from Magnolia officinalis, which exhibit anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions, and berberine from Phellodendron amurense, which contributes antioxidant, antimicrobial, and metabolic-regulating properties. These compounds together create a synergistic effect that supports a calmer, more balanced nervous system and reduced physiological stress responses.
Modern applications of Relora® often include support for stress-related overeating, mild anxiety, PMS-related mood swings, and fatigue. It is generally well tolerated and non-sedating, making it suitable for daytime use and long-term stress management plans.
Historical Usage
Although Relora® itself is a modern innovation, its components—Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense—have deep roots in East Asian herbalism, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Magnolia officinalis (called Hou Po in Chinese) has been used for centuries to move Qi, reduce anxiety, calm the mind, and alleviate digestive upset. It is often included in formulas for stress, insomnia, bloating, and chest tightness due to emotional tension.
Phellodendron amurense (known as Huang Bai) is a bitter, cooling herb traditionally used to clear heat, dry dampness, and reduce inflammation, often in urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, and skin conditions. It also plays a secondary role in emotional regulation in TCM, especially when liver or digestive stagnation contributes to irritability or restlessness.
The combination of these two herbs in Relora® reflects a modern integrative approach, taking ancient herbal wisdom and refining it through standardized extraction and clinical validation. The formula emerged in the early 2000s as interest grew in natural, evidence-based alternatives to manage chronic stress and HPA-axis dysregulation.
Relora® (proprietary) is used for these health conditions
Adrenal Fatigue (Scientific)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Appetite (excessive) (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Irritability (Scientific)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
PMS (general) (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Sugar Cravings (Scientific)
Worry (Scientific)
relora® (proprietary) is used to support these body systems
Adrenal Cortex (Scientific)
Adrenal Glands (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Cortisol (Scientific)
Hypothalamus (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Products containing relora® (proprietary)
Nature's Sunshine Cortisol Formula (Nature's Cortisol Formula)
