Ashwagandha?: Hi Folks Wonder if anyone here... - CLL Support

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Ashwagandha?

Seok profile image
Seok
23 Replies

Hi Folks

Wonder if anyone here tried this Indian ginseng?

I’m keen to take it for reducing anxieties and improve quality of sleep. It may cause increase in T-lymphocytes when I googled; not sure if it will also increase our absolute lymphocytes?

Seok

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Seok
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23 Replies
Canuck901 profile image
Canuck901

Acupuncture works great for sleep you need to go 2-3 times a

Week for 4-6 weeks, and you should notice a big improvement

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to Canuck901

Thanks Canuck901, that’s new info for me. I’ll ask around and see if I could find a acupuncturist who does that.

AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilPartnerAdministrator in reply to Seok

From theJournal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Acupuncture appears to be effective in treatment of insomnia. However, further large, rigorous designed trials are warranted.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to AussieNeil

Thanks AussieNeil for reassuring the role of acupuncture for insomnia. I’ll forward the article to my insomniac friends...

Canuck901 profile image
Canuck901 in reply to AussieNeil

I can tell you accupuncture works great for sleep and stress. The big thing is you can’t go once for twice and expect to see results , it needs to be done 12-14 times and like I said 2-3 times a week for 1 hour sessions.

also get a fit bit they are great at measuring your REM and deep sleep Which is super important In having a restful sleep. I highly recommend it , put it on your wish list

starsafta profile image
starsafta

Are you taking any CLL meds at the moment? Before taking any supplements, I ask an oncology pharmacist where they provide my Ibrutinib. They have a database that can look for interactions, including whether it uses the CYP3A4 enzyme.

I'm assuming you aren't drinking caffeinated drinks that might affect sleep? Have you tried magnesium, which is purported to help with relaxation and sleep? Exercise and physical activity during the day might also help, in addition to the acupuncture already suggested, as well as yoga and meditation.

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to starsafta

Thanks Starsafta, I’ve been off IB since June. Yes, currently attending Yoga and learning meditation too. Magnesium by itself seemed to give me loose stool. Already taking calcium & magnesium supplement at bedtime.

Need to add more steps into my routine.

Lasweetpea profile image
Lasweetpea in reply to Seok

I take magnesium glycinate at dinner and it is much easier on the bowels. Also, magnesium comes in spray and gel form and of course is in Epsom salts if you like to soak. Best to you...

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to Lasweetpea

Thanks Lasweetpea, I used Sunfood Magnesium oil or magnesium lotion from Life Extention for muscle aches; didn’t realize it helped with sleep.

vinnet profile image
vinnet

I have taken two tabs everyday for over one year. Doctor has stopped it ( temporarily) for past one month as he thinks that ashvagandha may have reduce my body weight. (I lost 3 to 4kg in past few months...)

Ashvagandha is very safe and you can take it for few months ,as a tonic and see if it helps you.

Best wishes

Vinnet

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to vinnet

Thanks vinnet, my friend recommended the powder form. I tried adding a teaspoon to warm turmeric milk with honey. Taste is challenging but my sleep seemed to improve a little.

vinnet profile image
vinnet in reply to Seok

I am sure tablet or powder form makes no difference.

You are taking great ingredients, turmeric and honey!! I take turmeric with Aloe vera , empty stomach, in morning. I drink two glasses of water.

vinnet profile image
vinnet

I avoid honey, which i used tk take, bcz of high blood sugar.

4Glory profile image
4Glory

Hi, I use ashwanganda and Eluethero supplements. I was having huge focus issues and loss of energy and I know they help immensely. Please note, at this time I don't have any prescription medications, nor am I being treated for my CLL yet. They might recommend I stop at that point.

Blessings and peace in your personal journey, ~Lisa

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to 4Glory

Amen 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

SeymourB profile image
SeymourB

Consumerlabs has a report on ashwaganda, including side and adverse affects, plus links to studies.

consumerlab.com/reviews/ash...

Only 5 of the 9 brands they tests passed their tests for quality and labeled strength. They seem to like GNC Herbal Plus brand best for quality and cost, with Nature's Way a close second. There was an isolated report of liver injury with Nature's Way and some other brands that may be dose dependent. There's also some controversy on standard USP quality testing methods for a couple of brands reported. One brand failed tests for labeled dosage.

Consumerlabs works on an annual subscription basis for access to detailed reports, US $47.40/year US $78/2 years.

Ashwaganda is a complex drug, so its best to discuss it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Seok profile image
Seok

Thanks SeymourB, another rare gem from HU here. Thanks for all your guidance.

1wombat profile image
1wombat

I have diabetes, some osteoarthritis, and am hoping to avoid metastases from a past uveal melanoma, so I choose foods to help with all. Breakfast is my largest meal and I soak oats, grated ginger, galangal powder, ashwagandha together, cook with a portion of boiled chickpeas, pour over a small chopped apple and sprinkle with wheatgerm and flaxseed powder most mornings. It's cheap and I like it. I also use triphala with a selected probiotic beforehand, based on the study tinyurl.com/y9zafuju.

Seok profile image
Seok

Thank you 1wombat, wonder if you’re on any medication for CLL? May I know your Dr’s opinion on this regimen.

1wombat profile image
1wombat in reply to Seok

No sorry for the confusion, my wife is but doesn't have the same type of meal. She is currently on Imbruvica but before that followed the advice in ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

This seemed to have helped for years then the CLL changed into SLL at which stage she was given Imbruvica.

Seok profile image
Seok in reply to 1wombat

Thanks 1wombat for the clarification.

AnnieZ102 profile image
AnnieZ102

Ashwagandha is and adaptogen, so depending on your genetics I think it can work either way. I tried it to help with sleep and it kept me awake all night!

Seok profile image
Seok

Thanks AnnieZ102 for sharing with me your experience.... think I’ll go easy on Ashwagandha 😓

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