Herbal Supplements (for Pain And Adrenal/endocrine Stuff)

[Chava]

It's not like me to get into herbs, so I'm approaching this cautiously. I take a couple different kinds of medications also, so am careful to research for contraindications. But I want to trim down on the need for sleep meds and pain killers, and ideally get off of them completely some day! I'm just generally desperate at this point. I'm eating very well, exercising, cutting out cigarettes, but my body still has a hard time balancing out and managing stress. And my new insurance company is sh#t so I don't know how long I'll be able to afford therapy. So I feel like I'm sort of desperately grabbing at resources...like I'll try anything, but I'm trying to be smart about it.

So I've started taking ashwaganda and turmeric and ginger (looks like I shouldn't take ashwaganda while taking ambien, not that ambien sedates me much at all). All of these supposedly can help with pain and inflammatory stuff. And ashwaganda and ginger are supposedly "adaptogens" (adrenal support, neuroendocrine balancing stuff).

My doctor has no opinion on herbs...she won't tell me not to take them but has made her stance clear on not having any opinion. I realize none of these will "fix" me. But have these herbs been helpful to any of you? Any concerns with them?

 

[Seasounds]

It sounds like you are being conscientious about checking contraindications for drug and herbal combos, and making the best of your situation. I do agree, that there is great benefit to be found in using herbs and nutrition to compliment traditional treatments.

You may have better luck getting professional advice from a Naturopathic Physician, or an alternative Medical Doctor, for sleep, adreal support, and pain. As you have found, researching on line may give you more information than they have; many professionals don't know how alternative treatments and traditional meds mix. That is why you doctor has no opinion. And your own research, on your symptoms, when taking nutritional and herbal supplements, are valuable for you and your doctor.

Batstyr University may have some Naturopaths they can refer to you, and they may have some other resources that could assist you (books, continuing Ed classes for the public, etc.). One is Leanna Standiish, Ph.D., N.D. is well known and published. You may like some of her books.

For myself, I managed my PTSD without medications, using only natural things- herbal, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, meditation, and therapy, until I entered the workplace-where stresses increased exponentially, and things I needed to manage myself without meds (i.e. sequential days off, and alone time, etc.) were not available in the amounts that I needed them.

In the past, I have used ginger for adrenal support and tumeric for liver support. Currently, I don't use them for therapeutic reasons, just for food seasonings. Now, I take a daily therapeutic level vitamin and mineral vitamin, omega oils-for inflammation and eye/brain health, I do yoga, meditation, physical therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture, to promote rest and relieve pain. I do use pain meds when needed.

Good luck!

 

[Seasounds]

I forgot, depending on your insurance, traditional pain and sleep meds may be less expensive than herbs (unless you have an inexpensive source).

 

[MIMI MAHOO]

Ashwaganda is a general tonic for vata and kapha type persons in the Ayurveda system. It's best that you go online and find a site that will assess which type you are to make sure ashwaganda is the best herb for you. In Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine there isn't a one pill for everyone mentality that there is in western medicine - the medication is chosen to fit the person. Ginger is good for people who are cold, or cool by nature as it's warming - but not good for someone who is naturally warm. So again look at how you are by nature ... do you get cold and need warming up? Are you living in a cold climate and suffer with it? then Ginger will be good for you. But if you are more an overheated person, living in a warm climate, it will make you more hot - not so good. Tumeric is also quite warming; but has so many beneficial qualities it is worth trying to get some into your diet. If you are hot you could for example drink peppermint tea which is very cooling and that might balance the additional heating qualities of the warming herbs.
People think herbs are natural = no side effects... but that's not the case. Always best to consult a practitioner to make sure what you are taking is best for you.

 

[The Albatross]

I took supplements but it was always with a reputable area practitioner and was checked by both a pharmacist and my medical doctor's office for interactions. Under their directions I was able to rebuild my adrenal functions and have tested normal range for the last 4-5 years. Now I only take a raw food multi vitamin. I also came armed with my last three blood tests, one a week or two old and retested with a private lab at my own expense periodically.

When I popped good on my test panels, I brought it in to my medical doctor and he repeated the test, confirming it.

 

[Chava]

thanks everyone.

@change I should probably just see a naturopathic doc but don't want to be overwhelmed by them telling me I should take 50 different things. Also I don't have money for extra appointments....not sure if I can afford my therapist. So trying small dose, only these things. Not ruling out naturopathic doc, especially if these seem to be helpful. Pain is not good today, notice nothing but feeling a little warmer (helpful).

@MIMI MAHOO , yes very vata...I think that's why I got the ashwagandha years ago but then felt too unsure. And yes, chilled all the time. I didn't realize any of these were thermogenic until you mentioned...and then it made sense why I was able to sleep with the house a couple degrees cooler and with fewer blankets. Almost too weird, so I cut back on ginger a bit today and didn't take ashwagandha, just the turmeric.

@The Albatross How did you get adrenal function tested? I've just had regular blood panel and thyroid checks...asked my doctor if I should see an endocrinologist and she didn't think they could really test the hormone stuff since it's always fluctuating (whether adrenaline, estrogen, whatever...it's all a mess). The onset of pain seemed to come with a total crash and major upset in hormone balance. I feel like my clinic can only treat all kinds of surface issues vs figure out underlying disorganization that might help all of it better (why I'm trying more self-healing stuff on my own).

 

[Eagle3]

Sounds like adrenal fatigue to me, but I'm no doctor and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night. I have that, and I found a non-prescription, pure whole adrenal cortex replacement as well as the same thing for Thyroid replacement. It helps a lot, few side effects (its really low dose), and is relatively inexpensive.

 

[Seasounds]

I've currently gone off wheat, dairy, and coffee; this has decreased my turn around time, with trigger events. Additionally, I think clearer, I feel less depressed.

In working with an acupuncturist, removing the "dampness" was why I gave up dairy and wheat. Stopping coffee was to help adrenal fatigue, and see if it could "reset"/lower my flight/fight/freeze response. These were all good changes.

I do well adding warming herbs: ginger, cinnamon, and using cooked onions. I'm vegatarian, longstanding.

 

[The Albatross]

It is part of my routine blood testing that is ordered by my doctor now twice a year.

 

[Seasounds]

I've had my thyroid and adrenals tested by medical doctors and naturopaths. I, too, take a thyroid supplement.

Indirectly you've reminded me that i could restart my adrenal supports (Vit C, etc) and adrenal tonifying herbs-my acupuncturist gave me a formula.

 

[Chava]

I had no idea I could get adrenals somehow tested...will ask my doctor. She's primarily eating disorder focused, which mattered for my physical health stuff, so checks lots of the mineral balance stuff, but I want a better look at hormones somehow.

I do take extra vitamin C and love the warming herbs, especially cinnamon and ginger...trying to more intentionally include these in my whole foods meals. Coffee...I'm not sure I can give that up but I could probably make it less dark than tar...maybe.