Ashwaganda for thyroid

[TSH86]

I wondered if anyone has heard of or tried this herb. I have read about it on the Internet but am too scared to try it out.

Thank you

[greygoose]

As far as I know, Ashwagandha will have more effect on your adrenals than your thyroid, and could lower your cortisol. Does your cortisol need lowering? If not, I should leave it alone, if I were you.

[jupiterconjunct in reply to greygoose]

Please. How can you tell if your cortisol is too high. Thank you in advance. ( not sure if I should post here)

[greygoose in reply to jupiterconjunct]

You have to have it tested. You could ask your doctor for an early morning blood test. But, that doesn't give you much information. Or you could do a private 24 hour saliva cortisol test. I take it you're in the UK? The NHS doesn't do the 24 hour test.

[jupiterconjunct in reply to greygoose]

Thank you. I had a private test done some 3 years ago and everything was fine then. Just wondering now has I get fired up a lot,56 and menopausal.....I’m in the Uk (just been to the 2nd Thyroid conf last wk in Warwickshire)

[greygoose in reply to jupiterconjunct]

If you're worried, the only way you'll find out is to do another test.

[TSH86 in reply to greygoose]

My 9am cortisol level was.

June 18

271 nmol/L. Range 140 to 690 nmol/L

Jul 18

186 nmol/L

[greygoose in reply to TSH86]

Well, that's not in the least high. So, I would stay away from Ashwagandha, if I were you. In fact, your adrenals look as if they could do with a bit of TLC. Lots of B vits (have you had them tested, B12 and folate?) and vit C, and don't skimp on the salt - adrenals need salt. High protein breakfast as soon as you rise. You could even try taking a glandular, like Adrenavit.

[TSH86 in reply to greygoose]

I am seeing my GP on Thursday to book blood test for B12 and folate together.

I will start taking vit c again. I had lowered salt but will add a bit more.

I have never heard of glandular and will look into it.

Thanks Greygoose

[greygoose in reply to TSH86]

You're welcome.

[spongecat in reply to TSH86]

Try using pink Himalayan salt ground in a mill. It's far better for you and provides essential minerals. Ordinary table salt is just sodium chloride.

[Angel_of_the_North]

As GG says, Ashwaghanda is for adrenal support. However, I find it raises my low cortisol, so it is not just for high cortisol.

[greygoose in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Really? Not heard that before. Most people say it lowers cortisol. Bit of a risk, though, when cortisol is already low.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to greygoose]

Most of the scientific studies that have been done were on people with high cortisol. Traditionally, however, it is also used to support adrenals and reduce cortisol loss, and it described as an adaptogen.

[greygoose in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Yes, I know it's an adaptogen, and I know what adaptogens are supposed to do. But my experience is - and the experience of many others, is that they decrease hormones rather than raise them.

[TSH86 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Sorry I am being a little bit slow. Does ashwagandha lower or raise cortisol ?

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to TSH86]

It is supposed to be an adaptogen - in other words it "normalises" cortisol.

[TSH86 in reply to TSH86]

You are both right. Apparently it is an "adaptogen" It lowers high cortisol and increases low cortisol but I think maybe best to stay away from it myself.

[TSH86 in reply to TSH86]

Thanks guys

[greygoose in reply to TSH86]

It is supposed to lower high cortisol and raise low cortisol. But it doesn't always.

[Naomi8 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

I have a book called"Adaptogens" by David Winston & Steve Maimes-see Amazon for more info.Nowhere do they state that adaptogens which are good for the adrenals,like Ashwaghanda,Holy basil etc,lower or raise cortisol.They say that adaptogens have a balancing effect.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Naomi8]

That's what's supposed to happen, but i seem to be one of the few people whose cortisol went up from below or just skimming the bottom of normal range to being good.

[Naomi8 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Well,I would call that balancing your cortisol

[Treepie]

Stop the Thyroid Madness 11 ,2 contributers say it increases T4 and aids conversion.In chap.2 ,three contributors say it regulates the immune system,lowers cortisol and has testosterone like characteristics.It may resolve insomnia,inflammation,and normalise blood sugar.It may also impact thyroid function and it is recommended to monitor and adjust dose to avoid over active thyroid.

Safe when taken for a short time.Long term unknown.May cause sedation,reduce respiratory capacity,decrease blood pressure and cause abnormal heart rhythms.Large doses might cause,stomach upset etc

May irritate intestinal membranes

Rather a lot of “may” and “Might”

[TSH86 in reply to Treepie]

Thank you for all the replies. Apologies Treepie for delay in replying. I appreciate the information you shared and agree there are too many "may" and "mights" best to stay away.