1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Ashwagandha

Posted by popolopo @popolopo, Jan 5, 2023

Anyone tried it, it is an ancient drug that is sold on Amazon,looks promising

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 5, 2023

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

REPLY
1 reply
nancyoinnc | @nancyoinnc | Jan 6, 2023

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.

REPLY
1 reply
rjmtwit | @rjmtwit | Jan 7, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @popolopo, I haven't tried it but thought I share some information for those not familiar..." + (show)
@johnbishop

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

Jump to this post

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.

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shammk0n | @shammk0n | May 20, 2023
In reply to @nancyoinnc "I did try it, I found it great for reducing overt sensations of anxiety/stress, but it..." + (show)
@nancyoinnc

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.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 21, 2023
In reply to @shammk0n "Dear, Highly appreciate sharing your experience with everyone. My thyroid was removed and currently taking levothyroxine..." + (show)
@shammk0n

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.

Jump to this post

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

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