Not prescribing, but sharing about Ashwagandha

[CarnelianAmber]

In hoping to help me to be more desensitized to situations that would immediately cause the fight/flight/freeze response, my Psychiatrist at the time “prescribed” (no prescription necessary) Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb. It balances the bodies cortisol levels. The high cortisol being behind the high stress and anxiety response.

Ashwagandha has been extremely helpful for me. It also contributes to having a sounder sleep without thoughts spinning and spinning (another anxiety and stress associated survival mechanism).

[Dolphin14 Moderator]

CarnelianAmber

I have seen other members talk about Ashwagandha.

I'm so glad your Doctor suggested it and it's working for you.

My psychiatrist doesn't want me on any of these supplements as she is afraid they may interfere with my prescription meds.

That is so wonderful about the sleep. I'm glad it helps you. I was prescribed many meds to try and help me sleep and nothing worked. I told my doctor let's just let it go. I learned to adjust my life to the lack of sleep. That's really not a good thing but trialing meds that didn't work wasn't a good thing for me either.

It's all so individual isn't it?

I'm glad you have had success with this.

❤️🐬

[CarnelianAmber in reply to Dolphin14]

It is absolutely all so individual. I guess I’m fortunate that it doesn’t interfere with my meds. Thanks, Dolphin

[Dolphin14 Moderator in reply to CarnelianAmber]

My doctor isn't as open to these things as some are. It could work for me but I will never know.

How much sleep do you get? Is it consistent?

[CarnelianAmber in reply to Dolphin14]

I sleep about 8 hours a night. If I am really struggling I might also take Valerian, another herb (that has the disgusting smell of dirty socks!) I worked for a Doctor of Alternative Medicine for a few years which was also helpful in learning. Best wishes to you!

[Dolphin14 Moderator in reply to CarnelianAmber]

That's wonderful... other than the dirty socks lol

You must have learned some fascinating things

Best wishes to you as well

[Biddy7]

Hi. Thanks for sharing about the Ashwagandha. I remember trying it about 10yrs or so ago and on the 3rd day had some anxiety. I am diagnosed with ptsd and anxiety and depression can come along with it but yeah remember on the third day I don't know if it's because it's an adaptogen and perhaps didn't adapt right or if there's new ones I should try but on the third day I got anxiety like a racy feeling so I quit the ashwagandha. Again this is 10 years ago though so it's good to hear the positive. What brand do you take also? Thanks for any feedback. Have a blessed day

[CarnelianAmber]

when my Doctor suggested it he suggested the “Dr.s Best” brand. I used that for a while and it helped enormously. I stopped for quite a while because it wasn’t necessary. Now I take it as needed for sleep. Right now I take “Healths Harmony Organic” brand.