Ashwaganda and Hydroxycloraquine: A Bad Mix?

You’ve really had a lot thrown at you, and to have to worry about double masking for work. It is very stressful, and of course they tell us to avoid stress with lupus - but how?? I was a public school teacher but I had to quit last year. They were going ‘no mask’ for the 2021 school year. I asked to keep my mask as a medical accommodation and they said no because it upsets the students. I just couldn’t take the health risk, I’m already getting monthly flares. So now I tutor online, which I am lucky to be able to do, even though it’s been a financial strain and I make about half of what I made before. I feel so frustrated because it doesn’t seem like Covid will ever go away and my lupus just gets worse. And as for doctors, guuuurl, I hear you. I am on my third rheumatologist and she’s very good - caring, listens - but the first two were a nightmare. Misdiagnosed me with hypothyroid, then thought it was MS. You have to basically be your own doctor and then find one that believes you.

Hi Yomie, I saw the same things about ashwaganda…. And tried it. And it was a disaster. I took an ashwaganda chewable daily for about six weeks. I had more energy from it, which was wonderful! But about a month in, I started feeling back pain and had terrible foot and ankle swelling. Called my rheumatologist and she had me do a urine test and kidney blood work. My kidney function was low - not ‘renal failure’ - but low. She told me to stop taking the chewable immediately. It’s about a month later now and my kidney function is back to normal, thank god. But I was absolutely terrified I had permanently worsened my lupus symptoms. I don’t recommend it, but I understand the appeal since it’s made out to be a miracle supplement. I hope this helps. 🙏 ❤️✨