Ashwagandha

Hi @popolopo, I haven't tried it but thought I share some information for those not familiar with ashwagandha while we wait for members to share their experience. I think it's always best to discuss supplements with your doctor if you take any other kinds of medications.

-- Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much to Take - The herbal medicine can increase energy, improve overall health and reduce inflammation, pain and anxiety:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ashwagandha/
-- A Mayo Clinic Doctor’s Advice Part 2: Science-backed Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiety During a Crisis:
https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/a-mayo-clinic-doctor-s-advice-science-backed-ways-to-manage-stress-and-anxiety-during-a-crisis

I did try it, I found it great for reducing overt sensations of anxiety/stress, but it had a major effect on thyroid function, dropping my TSH to near zero( 0.07) the week of progress check blood draw with my endocrinologist. Don't take it without understanding and monitoring its effects on thyroid function. I only took it at bedtime for about a week.

Thanks for those 2 EXCELLENT articles!

I would add Yogic breathing ... not just meditation and the other techniques mentioned ... to the thing worth learning to do to control stress ... Just doing 'belly breath' can change your physical response to stress.

Dear,

Highly appreciate sharing your experience with everyone.

My thyroid was removed and currently taking levothyroxine and planning to take the Ashwagandha to reduce my depression and anxiety!

Based on your feedback I have two concerns.

1) Was your thyroid removed?

2) Did you check your tsh level before taking the Ashwagandha? If yes how much it was?

Great thanks.

Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect. Ashwaganda is considered a safe supplement for most people, and may help with your low thyroid. But as with anything new to your body, be sure to consult your doctor before starting.
Also, if you have any autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, it may increase your body's immune response, which can cause more symptoms.
Sue

hi. I tried Ashwagandha for the first time last week. After only two days orally I experienced more than 24hours of very low heart rate. I am wondering if that is a common side effect. I stopped talking the Ashwagandha and my heart rate has been "normal" since. I am working with my cardiologist to determine root cause. thanks

Respectfully, I would not purchase herbs from Amazon. The quality may not be as effective as purchasing from an expert in the field. Such experts include: mountainroseherbs.com (Mountain Rose Herbs - Organic Herbs, Quality products-Tinctures, loose herbs/spices, aromatherapy, etc., Educational) rosemarysgarden.com (Rosemary Gladstar, Education, Quality Herbs, Tinctures, etc. ).

Do your homework on the herb. Any herb with nervine qualities is going to lower the blood pressure. Please consult a herbalist or call one of the places I mentioned before taking more herbs. Do not take anyone's word on Amazon or advertising, or even Google. Know what you are taking and how it impacts your body, mind, and interacts with other medications.

I took it for two months after having been on a low dose of SSRI for over a decade and was trying to find an alternative. I honestly didn't notice any improvement with it. Maybe if you have a mild amount of anxiety or haven't been on an SSRI previously, it would help more. I've found CBD to be more helpful. I take an oil twice daily (contains no thc) and then supplement with a higher dose gummy when I'm still feeling closer to a panic attack. There are brands that make products with no traceable THC, if you are worried about drug testing at work. I like the Sunmed brand wellness oil and the Anytime gummies. The only down side it the gummies make me a little drowsy, but I really think they help, and they don't have the nasty side effects of SSRI's.