Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Alternative Therapies => Topic started by: Sparrow on November 05, 2019, 05:30:37 PM

Title: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 05, 2019, 05:30:37 PM
Hi all,

Has anyone tried this.  It's supposed to be good for anxiety, meno and much more.  My son has ordered some for anxiety but I might give it a go too.  Apparently it boosts energy but is also calming.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2019, 05:48:23 PM
I thought that it is a form of yoga  ::)
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: pants46 on November 05, 2019, 05:52:08 PM
It's on my list of things that are good for anxiety. But don't know if I can take it alongside prescription ADs ?!
Do try it Shady and let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2019, 05:53:39 PM
Do check B4 you mix prescribed medication with others! A Pharmacist should know.

If there's a problem with anxiety take an appropriate medication  :-\
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 05, 2019, 06:27:24 PM
It's on my list of things that are good for anxiety. But don't know if I can take it alongside prescription ADs ?!
Do try it Shady and let us know how it goes.

If you go on webmd.com it gives info on medication clashes.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 05, 2019, 06:29:37 PM

If there's a problem with anxiety take an appropriate medication  :-\

Yes, but only if you want to.  Not everyone does and that's why there is an Alternatives section.  :)
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: AgathaC on November 05, 2019, 06:37:08 PM
I would be interested to hear how you get on with it xx
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 05, 2019, 06:40:39 PM
I would be interested to hear how you get on with it xx

 :great:
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2019, 07:15:12 PM
Not yoga then  ;D
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Foxylady on November 05, 2019, 08:47:39 PM
heard about it on the meno group I went along to, it was recommended to add to the turmeric latte to help with symptoms. I've not tried it, let us know how you get on with it. x
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2019, 11:15:22 PM
Turmeric stains!  We have used it in India cookery for years ......... particularly in lentil curry.

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family.

Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. [Wikipedia]

Scientific name: Withania somnifera

Family: Solanaceae

Order: Solanales
potato family then?
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 06, 2019, 07:17:06 AM
Thanks for that CLKD but already knew that.  The rule of thumb is never take anything that you haven't researched thoroughly, and that includes prescribed medication.

I won't be trying it for a couple of weeks anyway as I am two weeks into the treatment for the damaged skin cells on my nose.  I look like Rudolf at the moment  ::). The cream has a chemotherapy drug in it so I won't risk putting anything in my system that might clash, anyway.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 06, 2019, 09:20:53 AM
I am sure that you knew but I had no idea.  Even after asking ..........

Some people avoid the potato family in their diets.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 06, 2019, 09:50:52 AM
I am sure that you knew but I had no idea.  Even after asking ..........

Some people avoid the potato family in their diets.

Sorry CLKD,  When you mentioned yoga I thought you were joking.  My fault. :-\
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 06, 2019, 03:23:57 PM
Yoga has many different forms and names these days  ::)
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: AgathaC on November 06, 2019, 04:03:57 PM
Sun damage on nose?
Sorry about that xx
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 06, 2019, 04:12:21 PM
Sun damage on nose?
Sorry about that xx

Thanks Agatha but it's okay.  Just a damn nuisance really.  Doesn't look nice, at the moment, but it's not sore.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Harmony on November 06, 2019, 04:25:27 PM
I bought a dried bag of this, but it tasted so awful I couldn't swallow it, even mixed with cordial. Did you buy capsules?
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 06, 2019, 04:49:24 PM
I bought a dried bag of this, but it tasted so awful I couldn't swallow it, even mixed with cordial. Did you buy capsules?

Hi,
Yes we have ordered capsules.  Apparently it is famous for its foul taste which is discribed like 'horse sweat'.  Just hope the capsules aren't too big.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: KaraShannon on November 20, 2019, 10:27:52 PM
I'm drinking the Peace tea by Pukka, it has Ashwaganda and Hemp in it and I feel pretty chilled after it.   :)
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on November 21, 2019, 07:49:59 AM
That's interesting. I will look out for that one, thanks 🙂.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: CLKD on November 21, 2019, 05:38:25 PM
Aloe Vera is apparently useful for many conditions but apparently it tastes AWFUL!  I know a man who stuck with, he was bent over with pain but after a few months got rid of his stick and has been fine in the last 4 years.  Don't know whether he cointniined with drinking it though  ;D
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Cadgwith Girl on December 01, 2019, 06:22:28 PM
Hi Shadyglade,
I took the tincture form of Ashwaganda last year and it worked well for me back then but it doesn't suit everyone and it is quite expensive.  I recommended it to someone I know but she had a poor reaction to it and ended up giving the rest of the product to me. I may go back on it at some point but at the moment I'm on antidepressants to help me get through a difficult time.
The tincture version of Ashwaganda has quite a powerful smell and taste. It takes a bit of getting used to.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Sparrow on December 03, 2019, 10:51:23 AM
Thanks CG.  It's just my son taking it at the moment (capsules), and no adverse results.  He does seem to have more energy, that's the only thing I have noticed.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: squeaker99 on December 03, 2019, 06:06:46 PM
I swear by a brimful of Ashwa , on the 45

 :banana:
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: ElkWarning on December 22, 2019, 08:40:14 PM
I swear by a brimful of Ashwa , on the 45

 :banana:

Oh god, that made me laugh.

To answer the question directly (don't know why I'm answering so many herbalism issues today), yes, I take it, but not in capsule form.  Sorry if I'm repeating what I've said elsewhere, but capsules are pretty rubbish - unless you're getting them from Neal's Yard or something.  Herbs just aren't really meant to be taken this way.  We don't pour powder over our food and expect it to have the same 'benefits' of parsley, sage, rosemary or thyme, so why we'd think it would do so in our bodies is slightly beyond me.

So I guess we'd call it Withania here.  I'm currently taking a tincture, prepared for me by a herbalist, who I've been seeing for about three months every few weeks.  My tincture has Withania (balance / cortisol), together with Valerian (for anxiety), Asparagus (for heat, both physical and emotional) as well as Ziziphus.  There's some other stuff in there.  Well, I stopped waking up at 3.30am from the cortisol rushes.  I'm not hot in the head or the body any more.  My resting heart rate is loads lower.  I also take a lot of tea, made from the roots, not in a tea bag.  I like Valerian, Limeflower and Damiana.

In short, herbs aren't a magic bullet.  They work with you, not suppress you.  You have to sort of imagine them as part of your system, not an external influence.  Same with cannabis.  I don't smoke anymore because a) it's illegal, so of course I never did; and b) the THC content is too high.  THC causes your heart to beat faster.  I don't need that.  CBD, the other element of cannabis, is the relaxer.  I only want that bit, so I vape it, because it's legal, and it works.

Best

EK
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Cristabelle on November 23, 2021, 10:55:49 PM
Cortisol rushes? Can you tell me any more about them? I think I am loosing my sanity waking every day at 5 with intense feelings of anxiety in my stomach. Could it be that?
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Nas on November 25, 2021, 04:07:39 PM
Christa, I am having the exact same thing and have done since menopause started. I hate it.

This horrid anxious feeling in my tummy.

I’ve bought ashwangandha capsules to take at night  to hopefully alleviate this issue as I’m sick of it.
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Postmeno3 on November 25, 2021, 04:17:15 PM
Be sure to get the pure root extract from a good brand like Solgar? Better for absorption and subsequent results. Takes time, though, not a quick fix sadly, but at least you're taking control. Good luck!
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Nas on November 25, 2021, 04:28:28 PM
I’ve got KS66 capsules and root powder. Who knows if it will work. We can but try!
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Postmeno3 on November 25, 2021, 04:29:47 PM
Nothing ventured......
😊
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Nas on November 25, 2021, 04:31:42 PM
Exactly Post 🤞
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Postmeno3 on November 25, 2021, 04:38:41 PM
💚
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: VictoryV on November 30, 2021, 02:18:40 AM
Hi Nas, I’d be really interested in hearing what you think of the Ashwa stuff. I daren’t add anymore vits/supplements as I can’t keep track of what does what and which should be taken 8 hours apart etc.
Good luck with it!
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: Nas on December 04, 2021, 10:38:57 PM
It’s early days Victoria.

I shove half a teaspoon of the powder into my morning porridge and shove a couple of capsules down my throat before bed! Who knows whether will work or not.

I’m also on the Bach rescue menopause tincture. All flower extracts.

Eventually I shall get bombarded with symptoms and it will be time to figure out what to do next!

Xxx
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: VictoryV on December 15, 2021, 10:28:18 PM
Sorry Nas, I didn’t see your reply.
I hope the Ashwa stuff helps you. Is the anxiety still bad? Many folk say good things about Bach so fingers crossed for you. V.xx
Title: Re: Ashwagandha
Post by: ElkWarning on January 30, 2022, 07:37:04 PM
Bizarrely, I just answered a different thread about this ...

Rushes and waking up with anxiety, and that sense of impending doom every day ... Yeah, the herbs fixed that for me. Also the feeling of being strangled from the inside when I was trying to go to sleep (if that makes sense).

Have to say, though, I did go to a herbalist and the mixture was tailored to me after lengthy consultations. The treatment has had a lasting effect. I do feel like myself these days.