Laundry Queen - response to anxiety from AntCat

antcat
antcat Member Posts: 270
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi, it's so funny that you should have mentioned Ashwaganda. My sister just saw that on Dr. Oz last week and told me about it. I always get so afraid to take anything herbal while on chemotherapy, as I read the drug interactions and it says to be careful with herbs. I've asked my previous oncologist about taking herbs and vitamins, and they always didn't recommend it. I'm going to ask the new oncologist about it. I hate taking too much meds. The only time I really have the anxiety is at nite when I'm ready to go to sleep, during the day, I'm fine.

Also, now that the weather is getting nicer, I'm going to start to go out more. I used to walk every day but once the winter came and the snow and ice, I couldn't afford to get out much because I'm also on a blood thinner and was afraid of falling.

And, you know it's true, 2 years ago I went to Disney World and we were on the go walking all day long, well as soon as my head hit the pillow, I went out like a light.

Anyway, thanks for your help. I'm going to check out the Ashwaganda.

Comments

  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #2
    help for sleep
    Antcat

    It seems like it is a standard policy for doctors: "When in doubt, leave it out." So I can understand why the oncologist would say not to take ANY herbs while on chemo. It is always best to be under the care of someone who knows about herbs. That person could be a chiropractor, naturopath, or herbalist.

    Ashwaganda is good to take at night because it lowers cortisol (the stress hormone & also the "wake up" hormone). If you try it and notice that you are having trouble getting up in the morning, then it isn't for you.

    You want to be sure you get a good quality herb--not all herbs out there are good quality.

    Good luck and sweet dreams.
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #3
    LaundryQueen said:

    help for sleep
    Antcat

    It seems like it is a standard policy for doctors: "When in doubt, leave it out." So I can understand why the oncologist would say not to take ANY herbs while on chemo. It is always best to be under the care of someone who knows about herbs. That person could be a chiropractor, naturopath, or herbalist.

    Ashwaganda is good to take at night because it lowers cortisol (the stress hormone & also the "wake up" hormone). If you try it and notice that you are having trouble getting up in the morning, then it isn't for you.

    You want to be sure you get a good quality herb--not all herbs out there are good quality.

    Good luck and sweet dreams.

    I looked up the herb you mentioned
    because I had never heard of it. This is info I copied from a website that came up when I googled Ashwagandha which seems to have varied medicinal uses. "The root contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Several studies over the past few years have looked into whether this herb has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. Historically ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties. Many people notice a relaxing effect within hours of taking a 500 mg pill"

    I think I'll ask my doctor about it. The sex enhancing part worries me a little. I don't have a partner and at my age (63) don't want to find myself in a single's bar. LOL

    Karen
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #4
    kikz said:

    I looked up the herb you mentioned
    because I had never heard of it. This is info I copied from a website that came up when I googled Ashwagandha which seems to have varied medicinal uses. "The root contains flavonoids and many active ingredients of the withanolide class. Several studies over the past few years have looked into whether this herb has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. Historically ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties. Many people notice a relaxing effect within hours of taking a 500 mg pill"

    I think I'll ask my doctor about it. The sex enhancing part worries me a little. I don't have a partner and at my age (63) don't want to find myself in a single's bar. LOL

    Karen

    Sex-enhancing properties of Ashwaganda
    In India where the herb originates from, it is said that Ashwaganda is the herb for the woman who has a 100 husbands. Just a figure of speech; but when you think about it, that woman would REALLY need a good night's sleep!

    The sex-enhancing properties of this lovely herb most likely are the end result of all of the other positive benefits (especially anti-stress & relaxing effects) which would help put one in the mood for sex if it was appropriate.

    The effect is nothing like taking testosterone which is prescribed for women who WANT a boost in their libido. Unfortunately, testosterone converts to estrogen and is a no-no for cancer survivors with a hormonally-influenced cancer.

    If you happen upon the liquid herb, hold your nose! I think it smells like horse sweat. lol!

    Karen, you might end up on an Internet dating site (which I have heard can be kind of fun).

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