Ashwagandha;anyone had experience of long use with hashis?good or bad.

[cloud1]

I have recently started taking this herb(at low dose to start)that is supposed to be anti-stress and energizing and apparently g for hypothyroid.it is tonic and adaptogenic.its actually good for hashis,hypo or hyper as it provides general support to adrenals.balances high/low cortisol.It is also immune modulating.anti-inflamm., anti-tumour,anti oxidant rejuvenating!(also good for endocrine,cardio,nervous system).it can even poss directly incr T4.may help hypothalamus communicate withpituitary(and so regulate thyroid and adrenal hormones).Lastly,it is supposed to be one if the safest herbs...This has become more of a blog than question but would v appreciate any experience of use w hashis or hypo.

[greygoose]

Well, call it a tonic or an adaptogen if you like. But what it comes down to is that it's a stimulant, and stimulating a sick gland is not a good idea. Sick glands need rest not stimulation. I have never tried it myself and neither would I, for that very reason.

But that's just my opinion, Grey

[janiebell]

I'd like to know the answer to this too, especially re the Hashi aspect. If it dampens dwn Hashi then your thyroid gland will obviously benefit. I've just joined hashimoto 411 on Facebook - they might know.

[Agapanthus]

I used it along with some other herbs like ginseng, and licorice, and Rhodiola for about 6 mths from around last October as my adrenal saliva test indicated I had lowish cortisol. However I had a lousy winter - frequent viral stuff going on but my immune system is dysfunctional anyway. Also worsening could have been for a load of other reasons!

Someone on another forum recommended I come off it all, so I have, and have taken myself off LDN too after a year. I am doing other changes including increasing T3 slowly, plus diet changes and support, and have just had the best week for months. I am keeping fingers crossed on this as you can imagine!

It's hard to reach any conclusions about that though - we are all different!! I have been hypo on T4 only for 17 yrs, plus diagnosed with ME/CFS 5 yrs, so if I improve it will be a bonus. I am often better in the summer anyway, but had got worse over the last year and was concerned about this.

[mamamazz]

For info an adaptogen herb is one that offers either effect so the tonic it offers will be the one the body requires, I would suggest however that you seek the advice of a good herbalist what us good for one person may not be good for another, a good herbalist will look at you holistically and take in all factors before advising on specific remedies

Hope that helps

[Heloise]

I see it's included in adaptogens so I don't know why it wouldn't be good. I've just started myself very recently.

If you are interested in an herbalist, you could put a question out there as I know someone who has benefited from one.