7 replies to this topic

[NickCallaway]

I've recently added "adaptogens" to my stack. I was taking bacopa previously, but am now taking rhodiola and ashwagandha. But the thought occurred to me today that this may be counterproductive. I have a major deadline at work rapidly approaching, and it struck me as curious that I just don't seem to be giving a damn. Production subsequently suffers, as I am perhaps less bothered by the potential consequences of my failing to make it. Of course it is possible that I just don't give a damn naturally, and the adaptogens are not to blame. Has anyone else experienced this or have anything to comment?

8:30am - Ashwagandha
1:00pm - Rhodiola
9:00pm - Bacopa

-Nick

Edited by NickCallaway, 05 September 2008 - 03:57 AM.

[Ben]

I too take all three in the morning. I don't feel as stressed but I still "give a damn".

[mystery]

I've recently added "adaptogens" to my stack. I was taking bacopa previously, but am now taking rhodiola and ashwagandha. But the thought occurred to me today that this may be counterproductive. I have a major deadline at work rapidly approaching, and it struck me as curious that I just don't seem to be giving a damn. Production subsequently suffers, as I am perhaps less bothered by the potential consequences of my failing to make it. Of course it is possible that I just don't give a damn naturally, and the adaptogens are not to blame. Has anyone else experienced this or have anything to comment?

8:30am - Ashwagandha
1:00pm - Rhodiola
9:00pm - Bacopa

-Nick

I have noticed that quite a few herbs can make me sort of feel mildly detached, which may be an anxolytic response. When in this state, my brain processing ability & speed is compromised. Here's some info from Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

Most adaptogens are stimulating; ashwagandha is a bit unusual in that it is a calming adaptogen. It enhances endocrin function, especially helping to re-regulate thyroid, testes, and adrenal glands...

Because of its nervine and adaptogenic functions, ashwagandha is very effective for anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, stress-induced insomnia, and neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion)

Also, check out this from the Tillotson Instute of Natural Health:
Ashwagandha Root

Also an excellent plant, it seems to impart overall energy to the system, with a marked calming effect.

I would stop taking herbs that are unknown to you immediately, and drink plenty of water. It is a bad time to be experementing when you've got a deadline with lots of work. The natural physiological response is actually pretty darn good to help one react effectively to reality like: "oh sh*t, I need to get this done!", with a corresponding cascade of necessary responses. Sometimes herbs can help, there's no doubt about that, but you've got a pretty delicate system that evolved through millions of years to produce the appropriate responses for survival that you are messing with at the wrong time.

Edited by mystery, 05 September 2008 - 07:27 AM.

[sentinel]

I've recently added "adaptogens" to my stack. I was taking bacopa previously, but am now taking rhodiola and ashwagandha. But the thought occurred to me today that this may be counterproductive. I have a major deadline at work rapidly approaching, and it struck me as curious that I just don't seem to be giving a damn. Production subsequently suffers, as I am perhaps less bothered by the potential consequences of my failing to make it. Of course it is possible that I just don't give a damn naturally, and the adaptogens are not to blame. Has anyone else experienced this or have anything to comment?

8:30am - Ashwagandha
1:00pm - Rhodiola
9:00pm - Bacopa

-Nick

Stop taking them until after the deadline. Firstly, if they are responsible or involved by interacting with other supplements or meds then you don't want to be tweaking or tinkering at this stage, save that for when you have less pressing work. Secondly, by removing them you can quickly see if you feel different or not.

For future reference, Ashwagandha has made many lethargic in the short term (myself included), so taking it before bed can help with sleep and give you the stress relieving benefits during the day. But again, given your current situation, knock them on the head fo rnow and just establish if they are the root of the problem or if you need to look elsewhere.

[4eva]

Ashwaganda made me lethargic and unmotivated. I think I took too much. Either stop it completely or try a lower dose.

[Ben]

oh and it's too many

[NickCallaway]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I'll put them in the back of the fridge until the deadline over.

[luv2increase]

Your regimen is strikingly similar to mine.


Your body may need to just get accustomed to the effects of the adaptogens. One thing you may consider is adding caffeine to the mix. One thing is sure with me though, caffeine literally has almost zilch effect at any dosage levels while taking 500mg + of rhodiola at the same time.

Either way, don't give up on adaptogens. Wait until after the deadline, then experiment with maybe lowering the dosages or eliminating the counterproductive ones.