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Ashwaganda?

Messages
48
I'm trying to determine which form of Ashwaganda to get. I have adrenal issues and will be supplementing with this herb but there seems to be a couple of ways of taking it.

I see there is a Ashwaganda root extract in liquid form. Is this better than the capsule form?

Does anyone know?
 

PeterPositive

Senior Member
Messages
1,426
I think what matters is the concentration and dosage of the active compound, whitanolides.
Typically you'll find capsules with extracts between 3% to 5% and in dosages of 300-450mg. I tend to prefer lower dosages (~300mg) twice a day than taking one strong dose. The 450mg makes me sleepy.

cheers
 
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Messages
48
Thanks for that. Do you notice much of an affect from it. I'm suffering from Adrenal stress syndrome, but my DHEA and Cortisol are still up.. So is my Testosterone and free T. Having said that I still have hormonal imbalances (I'm a man in my 40's) which have contributed wildly to unprecedented weight gain). I think I'm estrogen dominant. Would you know (or anyone) if Ashwaganda can help balance my hormones when I'm at this stage of fatigue?

Thanks
 

PeterPositive

Senior Member
Messages
1,426
Thanks for that. Do you notice much of an affect from it. I'm suffering from Adrenal stress syndrome, but my DHEA and Cortisol are still up.. So is my Testosterone and free T. Having said that I still have hormonal imbalances (I'm a man in my 40's) which have contributed wildly to unprecedented weight gain). I think I'm estrogen dominant. Would you know (or anyone) if Ashwaganda can help balance my hormones when I'm at this stage of fatigue?

Thanks
Ashwagandha is known for its cortisol reducing properties, so I think in those regards it will help.
Take a look at this page:
http://examine.com/supplements/Ashwagandha/
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
my specialist called Ashwagandha an adrenal adaptagen (whatever that means) when he put me onto this. My cortisol goes low and isnt well balanced.
 

Horizon

Senior Member
Messages
239
This herb is interesting but I'm also afraid. If CFS is an overactive immune system wouldnt immune boosting supplements be problematic.

I'm most interested in immune regulating compounds like LDN, albeit it didn't work my first trial with it.
 

PeterPositive

Senior Member
Messages
1,426
This herb is interesting but I'm also afraid. If CFS is an overactive immune system wouldnt immune boosting supplements be problematic.

I'm most interested in immune regulating compounds like LDN, albeit it didn't work my first trial with it.
Yes if you have an auto-immune disease Ashwagnadha might not be a good idea, and since it potentially stimulates the immune system you should definitely avoid taking it, before talking to your doc.

I don't think CFS equals overactive immune system though. There seem to be many different possible causes, for example in my case I have had lz ow white blood cell count and after six months of Ashwagandha I finally got back in range.

good luck
 

Horizon

Senior Member
Messages
239
Yes if you have an auto-immune disease Ashwagnadha might not be a good idea, and since it potentially stimulates the immune system you should definitely avoid taking it, before talking to your doc.

I don't think CFS equals overactive immune system though. There seem to be many different possible causes, for example in my case I have had lz ow white blood cell count and after six months of Ashwagandha I finally got back in range.

good luck

I don't think anyone knows for sure and its prob not the same cause for each of us. Dr. Jarred Younger in his CDC CFS call said he believes it to be hyper immune and that immune regulating agents like Ampligen and ones that suppress like Ritux have the best efficacy to date albeit limited research.
 
Messages
48
Whilst we are on the topic, I'm wondering if there are any other herbs which may be effective in reducing estrogen dominance in men? I have found one but I'm not sure.
Damiana
and Chasterberry?

Would anyone know about these?
Thanks
 
Messages
28
I think Ashwaganda has been helpful for reducing stress related inflammation and slowly restoring some adrenal function. My naturopath recommended taking 500 mg 3xday. After several months at this dose, I'm finally finding that it makes me tired, so its great to take in the early evening and at bedtime.
 

Paralee

Senior Member
Messages
571
Location
USA
I was just reading about men's unbalanced sex hormones but today was a bad day and I can't remember where it was. I can look on my husband's history tomorrow and see if the website shows up? Very interesting and I had a reason for checking.

(Ashwaganda puts me on the floor, but there's very little I can take as far as supplements)
 

PeterPositive

Senior Member
Messages
1,426
I think Ashwaganda has been helpful for reducing stress related inflammation and slowly restoring some adrenal function. My naturopath recommended taking 500 mg 3xday. After several months at this dose, I'm finally finding that it makes me tired, so its great to take in the early evening and at bedtime.
Yep at that dosage it can definitely make you super sleepy (the herb's scientific name is Whitania Somnifera, pretty suggestive :) )