Ashwaghanda

[wowserclo]

Has anyone had any success with ashwaghanda? Is it safe for me to take alongside my levothyroxine? I'm finding it hard to get an answer as internet is mixed responses.

[greygoose]

I think ashwagandha is one of those things that doesn't suit everybody, and you have to try it to find out if it suits you. It's an adaptogen, supposed to raise low hormones and lower high ones. But, in my experience, adaptogens are better at lowering hormones than raising them.

[Scazzoh]

I have been taking Ashwaghanda for nearly one year for high cortisol. I have not had my cortisol levels tested recently, but I feel much better. I feel more relaxed and able to cope with stress (my Dad's hospitalization for example), without feeling like I was going to pass out, which is how I felt last year. There are lots of different herbal adaptogens, so you could try another one if it doesn't suit. I don't take it at the same time as my thyroid hormones (I take NDT). So I take my NDT at 6 a.m. then the ashwaghanda (one 500mg capsule) late morning. This is quite a low dose, as I am seeing if I can cope on a reduced dose. So far so good. Some say don't take it any later than that as it can cause 'hyper' type symptoms, but I have never done that, so wouldn't know. I use the Jarrow Brand.

[marigold22]

Ashwagandha didn't agree with me. I take only T3 meds. But I find 5-HTP helps a lot, calms stress.

"It's a natural compound that our bodies make from the amino acid, tryptophan. 5-HTP is converted in the brain, into serotonin, which acts as a brain chemical messenger.

The tablets are extracts from griffonia seeds.

5 HTP is a well researched nutrient with over 15 published studies supporting its use. 5 HTP tablets are now a top-selling supplement in the USA and its long history of use has shown it to have an excellent safety record."