Seedy
02-17-2007, 11:51 PM
I read a while back that an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been reported to reduce opiate tolerance. A couple of weeks back I stumbled across some dried ashwagandha root at an Indian food store (great places!) for a reasonable price & decided to buy & try some.
After taking slightly more than the recomended dose for a few days my monster tolerance really does seemed to have dropped. Today, after doing a bit more reading up on the stuff (which is a sedative itself) I decided to take a bigger dose with my regular opiate dose and I've got to say, I haven't fely this kind of buzz for a while. :)
Here's some more random info on ashwagandha. This herb definately has potential:
Today, Ayurvedic practitioners use this dietary supplement to enhance mental and physical performance, improve learning ability, and decrease stress and fatigue.(2 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn114938)) What’s more, ashwagandha is a general tonic that can be used in stressful situations, especially insomnia, restlessness, or when you’re feeling overworked. Studies have indicated that ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immune modulating, rejuvenating properties, and more.(3 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109920), 4 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109921), 5 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100988), 6 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109922), 7 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109923), 8 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100995), 9 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn113550)) Scientists have explored several causes for ashwagandha’s soothing and medicinal properties. First, studies suggest that the herb may increase the red blood cell count, helping needed oxygen to get to the tissues.(8 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100995)) Mulitple animal studies have indicated that ashwagandha may also enhance various elements of the immune system such as the number of white blood cells.(10 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109926)) Ashwagandha has also boosted the immune system after cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.(11 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109927))
Ashwagandha is rich in iron, which contributes to increased red blood cell count. Additionally, scientists have discovered that ashwagandha contains significant amounts of the amino acids arginine and ornithine. These amino acids are needed for proper nervous system function.(12 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn101011))
A very small study of 6 individuals with mild type 2 diabetes and 6 other individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol were treated with ashwagandha for 30 days. A decrease in blood glucose was noted as was a decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides.(13 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109932))
Ashwagandha has shown promise in other areas. An animal study indicated that ashwagandha may stimulate thyroid function by enhancing serum T4 concentration.(14 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109919)) One study reported that men who used the herb enjoyed higher sexual performance.(15 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100998)) Also, ashwagandha may be useful in opiate withdrawal and addiction treatment.(16 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100975))
edit: holy crap, it seems I'm a junky now. scary!
After taking slightly more than the recomended dose for a few days my monster tolerance really does seemed to have dropped. Today, after doing a bit more reading up on the stuff (which is a sedative itself) I decided to take a bigger dose with my regular opiate dose and I've got to say, I haven't fely this kind of buzz for a while. :)
Here's some more random info on ashwagandha. This herb definately has potential:
Today, Ayurvedic practitioners use this dietary supplement to enhance mental and physical performance, improve learning ability, and decrease stress and fatigue.(2 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn114938)) What’s more, ashwagandha is a general tonic that can be used in stressful situations, especially insomnia, restlessness, or when you’re feeling overworked. Studies have indicated that ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immune modulating, rejuvenating properties, and more.(3 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109920), 4 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109921), 5 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100988), 6 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109922), 7 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109923), 8 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100995), 9 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn113550)) Scientists have explored several causes for ashwagandha’s soothing and medicinal properties. First, studies suggest that the herb may increase the red blood cell count, helping needed oxygen to get to the tissues.(8 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100995)) Mulitple animal studies have indicated that ashwagandha may also enhance various elements of the immune system such as the number of white blood cells.(10 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109926)) Ashwagandha has also boosted the immune system after cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.(11 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109927))
Ashwagandha is rich in iron, which contributes to increased red blood cell count. Additionally, scientists have discovered that ashwagandha contains significant amounts of the amino acids arginine and ornithine. These amino acids are needed for proper nervous system function.(12 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn101011))
A very small study of 6 individuals with mild type 2 diabetes and 6 other individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol were treated with ashwagandha for 30 days. A decrease in blood glucose was noted as was a decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides.(13 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109932))
Ashwagandha has shown promise in other areas. An animal study indicated that ashwagandha may stimulate thyroid function by enhancing serum T4 concentration.(14 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn109919)) One study reported that men who used the herb enjoyed higher sexual performance.(15 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100998)) Also, ashwagandha may be useful in opiate withdrawal and addiction treatment.(16 (http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/monoAll-style.asp?objID=100037&ctype=ds&mtyp=1#fn100975))
edit: holy crap, it seems I'm a junky now. scary!