Ashwagandha

[jo1001]

I was just wondering if it is safe to take Ashwagandha as well as Levothyroxine? Thanks.

[Lora7again]

Why are you taking it?

I just read about it and it is used to treat a wide range of ailments.

Here is a link

webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre...

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

jo1001

One of the cautions in Lora's link is

Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

Also, as an adaptogen it is used in some adrenal supplements. It is meant to be "balancing" when in reality it has been known to lower cortisol which in itself can cause problems. If you are considering using it then it might be an idea to get a 24 hour adrenal saliva test which measures cortisol plus DHEA before you start (Regenerus and Genova Diagnostics do this test thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/p... )

[jo1001 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I must admit I bought the Ashwangandha the other day with the intention of asking my 19 year old daughter to try it as she has a major problem with anxiety.

Additionally, she has had a massive problem with hives for about 10 years and has a goitre at the front of her neck. When she was tested for thyroid problems the doctor said the blood test was normal and dismissed her concerns. He sent her packing with a prescription for antihistamines for the hives which she still takes and which no longer seem to be working for her. The doctor just increases the dosage of antihistamine and does not seem to want to investigate further.

After doing a bit of research on the internet about Ashwangandha I noticed that it could be helpful for both the anxiety and for what I suspect is a thyroid problem in my daughter. I somehow think the hives may also be connected to the possible thyroid problem.

In the event that there is no improvement in my daughter I thought perhaps I might benefit from the Ashwangandha for my own thyroid condition for which I take 75mcg of Levothyroxine. Maybe though, having read the replies to my question I might give it a miss.

Thanks again.

[Heloise]

I think many of us do. I have in the past. If you think you have high cortisol or feel stressed give it a try. Adaptogens can be very helpful but you only know if you try it. With some herbs people can have opposite reactions but I doubt this one does that. I'm sure it is less dangerous than any pharmaceutical.