Ashwaghanda

[Naomi8]

I am trying to lower my morning cortisol which is causing anxiety.I am getting on well with Holy basil & L theanine,also L taurine.I also use 1 gram vit C & Magnesium bisglycinate for this.

Is it okay to add Ashwaghanda?Seem to remember reading a while back that it may not be suitable if hypo

[Wishingwell]

I wasn't aware of that - I read that it can balance cortisol so reduce if high, increase if low so a good balancer but I may be wrong ... Just going by what I read in STTM.

If anyone else knows any more about this please add as I thought this was ok to take?

[PastelOak]

Hi Naomi, I've also been using Ashwaghanda for morning anxiety with good results. I'm hypo and have understood that Ashwaghanda can actually support thyroid health. It was prescribed to me by my naturopath who is very much aware of thyroid issues. Gotu Gola can also work wonders for anxiety, I used to take them both together before. Good luck!

Pastel x

[Naomi8 in reply to PastelOak]

Many thanks-will add Ashwaghanda to the Holy Basil & may try Gotu Kola,too

[QUE6T-33 in reply to Naomi8]

Hi Naomi. I've just started Holy Basil & thinking of adding Ashwaganda to it for high Cortisol. Did you find it lowered yours ?

[Naomi8 in reply to QUE6T-33]

Hi QUE6T.Unfortunately I developed full blown panic disorder with depression for the second time & ended up on an SSRI.Been on a low dose for about 6 months & am slowly weaning off.May try adaptogens again later

[QUE6T-33 in reply to Naomi8]

Oh, yes understand. Maybe once your more settled adaptagen may just keep you stable.

Take care

[Polaris]

Our family found Ashwaganda eally effective and I was delighted to see it was one of the main herbal supplements recommended by Dr Datis Kharrazian, in his excellent book, "Why do I still have Thyroid Symptoms, when my Lab Tests are Normal?" . His other book,' Why isn't my Brain Working' is one of the most exciting and interesting books I've read....

He recommends it for adrenal dysfunction, exhaustion and fatigue, neurotransmitter balance, stress, etc. Like any new supplement, I would start on a very small dose or consult a practitioner.

I notice Dr Kharrazian is going to be one of the speakers in the excellent free series, 'Betrayal', which I believe is posted here as well as the PA site - latest research and information on all Autoimmune Disease.

[Polaris in reply to Polaris]

Just come across this in the book Naomi :

"Also exerts adaptogen-like glucocorticoid activity, which makes it helpful in thyroid imbalances that are negatively influenced by the stress hormone cortisol. COrtisol has the potential to lower TSH, suppress peripheral T3 conversion, increase inactive T3 production and antagonise the effects of thyroid signalling at the genome. Since Withania Somnifera has demonstrated abilities to increase T3 and T4 hormone levels, decrease peroxidation and act as an adaptogen to modulate the release of cortisol it should always be considered as a powerful agent when to use when supporting the thyroid."

[Naomi8]

Many thanks for the info,Polaris.

Just read the intro on Amazon UK to the book"Why isn't My Brain Working"the description fits me to a tee.Unfortunately,it has triggered more anxiety!

Please can you PM me how you started dosing with Ashwaghanda,which I would like to try adding to Holy Basil.Not sure what to do about Gotu Kola.

I am so frightened I am developing dementia.

[PastelOak]

Hi Naomi, have you tried contacting Pukka Herbs directly? They supply both Ashwagandha and Gotu Gola and even though they probably cannot advice you like a doctor/naturopath, they can give you an example of a normal dosage and tell you more about the herbs. If not, I would actually try to speak with a good naturopath before if you are not feeling good. But my guess is that taking the recommended (lower side) dosage will be fine and helpful for you.

[Naomi8]

Thanks PastelOak

I am taking Holy basil,Ashwagandha & Gotu Kola at recommended minimum doses at present.I'll see how it goes