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Wisconsin ginseng and Ashwagandha for fatigue?

Ski2sea profile image
15 Replies

Hi There Everyone,

Ugh lately the fatigue has been rough. I am an active person (I scull 4-days a week, 20 mins of yoga and I work full time although not a very stressful job) The fatigue has intensified the last month or so. To the point I am mentally spent at 3pm and can do nothing at 6pm. My labs are good, yes WBC are low and have been consistently but no way critical. Oncologist does not want to lower anything and I’ve had very good results so I am inclined to agree. She is recommending Wisconsin ginseng and Ashwagandha to help me feel better. Anyone ever try either one of these? Has the fatigue been delayed for anyone? Also if you are a rower, I would love to hear from you 🚣❤️.

I wish nothing but peace and good health to all of you — my fellow warriors.

Tara ❤️

DX BC Mets to lungs - 8/2018

16 rounds AC taxol - completed Feb 2019, no surgery

Letrozole, 3 mos zolodex and 125mg Ibrance - since June 2019.

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15 Replies

Hi Tara! I'm so sorry about the fatigue...It sounds similar to what I have, i.e. half-day at best of normal functioning. I'm eager to see what the others say about those supplements...It's interesting (and great!) that your doc actually recommended some!

My "ears" perked up when you said you scull! What a wonderful sport. While I can't claim to "be a rower", I have tried out sculling. My son was a rower in high school and college and I hired his high school coach for a while to teach me how to do it, but I was not very successful, unfortunately! Although I keep looking at a property on a lake in NC, picturing myself taking it back up!

Have you, by chance, ever done any sessions at Craftsbury Outdoor Center? It's a major sculling (and x-country skiing) facility in VT. Both of my children went there for several years for sculling and one of our fellow board memeber's daughter has gone for skiing, I think... :)

Take care,

Lynn

Ski2sea profile image
Ski2sea in reply to

Hi Lynn, Txs for the note. Sorry that you have the same. It’s so debilitating.

Rowing is so beautiful and so frustrating. Rowing the first few times is like a giraffe in heels haha. You should try a learn to row class, they use the larger boats and it’s easier to start. Funny you should mention Craftsbury, I have never been but a group of us where gonna go this season and well you know....

I’ll be sure to report about the supplements.

Tara ☀️🚣

Pbsoup profile image
Pbsoup

Have not tried these—but have heard they are good for fatigue and if your oncologist recommends then worth a try!

Have you had a comprehensive look at your blood to see if there are possible nutrient deficiencies? Vitamin D for example. Or other inflammatory markers?

I am an n of 1, but have had great results with ginger. I buy it raw and break off a bit about the size of my thumb and blend it in a smoothie or juice with a whole lemon, (I cut the peel off of course) spinach, kale or whatever green veg is about to go off in the fridge if I don’t eat it soon.

I find I am almost caffeinated with energy.

Let us know how the Ginseng and Ashwaganda work!

Ski2sea profile image
Ski2sea in reply toPbsoup

Hi there PBsoup, yes I did have my Vitamin D, CBC and Comp, tumor markers checked. All is good. Txs for the ginger tip. I do feel better when I toss it into juice, but your smoothies sound yummy!

I will surely report back.

Tara 🙂☀️

Hi Tara,

The fatigue you are experiencing sounds debilitating. I'm sorry to hear that. I take one enhanced rhodiola complex capsule by Viridian Monday-Friday. Two of the active ingredients are Siberian ginseng and Ashwagandha. My energy levels are normally very good. I can't say if it's due to this supplement or something else that I might be doing. But I do think it helps.

Sophie ❤

Ski2sea profile image
Ski2sea in reply to

Hi Sophie, good to hear! Txs for responding. I like the idea of the one vs two pills. If you don’t mind me asking, are you very active?

All the best

Tara 🙂🌺

in reply toSki2sea

Hi Tara,

You're welcome! Yes, I am very active. I run my own pet sitting and dog walking business, so I walk for hours each day, I workout, and lead a busy, active life. Living with this disease is like another appointment I have to schedule in to my life.

Take care,

Sophie🌹

Rhwright12 profile image
Rhwright12

I’m impressed that they suggested Homeopathies for the fatigue. It can’t harm u...so I would try it...I’m on a lot of supplements...I’ve heard of both...I’d try it! My exercise routine keeps me sane...the rowing stays! Add a supplement is my 2 cents worth...

Ski2sea profile image
Ski2sea in reply toRhwright12

Hi Rhwright12,

Yes me too. Oh good, I’ve never heard of the Ashwagandha until she mentioned it. Txs for replying. I agree, if I don’t exercise, my mind gets restless and well ahhhhh.

Tara 🚣😎

Topood profile image
Topood

I salute you! I often think I’m only getting through this relatively easily because I’m retired....you are AMAZING! I hope the herbs help.

Ski2sea profile image
Ski2sea in reply toTopood

Awww Txs Topood. As you know some days are better than others.

Take care 🙂☀️

Ilovehorses profile image
Ilovehorses

Those are two great things to try! Ashwaganda is an adaptogen meaning it can help manage stress in the body whether mental or physical. Thus it helps with mood support, reduce stress and can increase energy. Like Curcumin it is more effective when combined with black pepper extract so you might want to look for a supplement that has that in with it

Ginseng is great for the immune system and I’ve read that it’s great for cancer patients undergoing chemo as it can reduce the side effects and actually enhance the effects of the treatment! It’s also been shown to help with fatigue in cancer patients. You should start with a low dose and gradually increase. Take it in 2-3 week cycles with a 1-2 week break as if you use it constantly it will stop working That’s awesome your doctor actually suggested these! Worth a try for sure. Let us know if they help!

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

I have read that ashwaganda is good for fatigue. Surprised your onc is on board with this. Talked to my onc about it a long time ago but she wasn't for it. I get B12 shots which help my fatigue.

blms profile image
blms

I take ashwagandha which is an adaptogen and no ibske a strong ginseng for immune

blms profile image
blms

Yes on ginseng

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