Topic Title: 2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola
| |  "2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola"
, Thu 24 Apr 13:06:
I have taking SWJ for 2 weeks now (standard 900mg dosage). I don't see any significant effects but knew that it would take 4-6 weeks to see a substantial 'change' in my melancholic state. I have not been eating more but have put on 5lbs. I am sleeping like a baby (I take the dose after supper) but I am having trouble waking up in the morning. I have also had a perpetual low-grade headache for 2 weeks and I am having an extremely hard time concentrating at work -- becoming very forgetful and I have very low energy level! Now I am thinking to switch to Rhodiola Rosea primarily b/c I need more energy, need to be able to think clearly and effectively at work, need to FEEL better...and I am becoming 'annoyed' at this perpetual headache. Has ANYONE taken the 2 together for an extended period of time? Has ANYONE had the same side effects from SJW and changed to Rhodiola with improvements? Feeling a little discouraged about it all really. Any assistance would be GREATLY appreciated. Kind Regards, Tess
[this message was edited by tess on Sun 27 Apr 11:04]
Posts: 8 | | Registered: Fri 11 Apr 2003 9:6 |
| Replies:
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| |  "Re(1):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola"
, Thu 24 Apr 15:23
Hi,
I can understand your frustration. Your work performance is probably getting worse while you wait for the effects of the sjw. Now, you are thinking, maybe I should cancel the SJW and go with the rhodiola.
I think Rhodiola is kinda new here in america that we still don't know how it effects people. Every herb or drug effects everyone differently.
Its been 2 weeks on SJW. What you COULD do is stop the wort, and take a good dosage with a good brand of Rhodiola. If you don't notice anything good in a few days or a week, then go back to the Wort.
However, I don't think anyone knows yet if the rhodiola won't be effective if the SJW is still in your system. What I mean is when you stop SJW, the SJW is still in your system. That might affect how well you will feel on Rhodiola. I mean this stuff is all very experimental.
You really need to make sure your taking a good brand of Rhodiola. Nature's Plus, Solgar, and some on Iherb.com are good.
Also, with the SJW , you should be taking a good brand too. What brand are you taking?
Good luck...
have patience above all! I hope you feel better soon!
-soar
Posts: 46 | | Registered: Tue 11 Feb 2003 10:6 |
| | | "Re(2):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola" , Fri 25 Apr 09:42
Thanks for responding "Soar". I was actually taking a regular 'pharmacy' version of the SJW for the first week -- I had to take 8 tablets to get 0.3% hypercin and 900 mg of SJW. It was a 90 tablet bottle and cost me next to nothing -- $5 or so. I decided to go to a Health Food/ Vitamin Speciality Store and purchased a bottle of 90 for $25.00 CDN. These are in capsules and I can see the 'raw' herb through the capsule. I figured that the less 'tampering' with the herb the better. The brand is called "Alive" -- a local brand (I am in VAncouver, CAnada).
I am still pretty confused about what to do. I don't want to give up on the SJW (I never expected a quick fix and do have a great deal of patience) but I don't want to continue living with the daily headaches and fogginess either. Also, I am weary of trying Rodiola as I have never heard of it before (and have know about SJW for at least 10 yrs.) I don't really fancy using myself as a guinea pig for experimentation -- I would just like to be able to manage my moderate depression. Are you taking SJW 'Soar with the Clouds'? Have you taken the RHodiola? Quite frankly, I wouldn't even know where to find it.
Posts: 5 | | Registered: Fri 11 Apr 2003 9:6 |
| | | "Re(3):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola" , Sat 26 Apr 16:04
Tess, I like your approach towards Rhodiola -- I think its way too early for all the excitement it seems to be causing in this forum. Not a great deal is known about it.
As for your SJW, you might be surprised to learn that it's a case of "the more tampering the better". The active ingredient in SJW is not hypericin but hyperforin. The only way to get this in therapeutic quantities is to have it in extract form, which usually means buying tablets. If you can see the herb inside the capsule, it's the wrong stuff.
The best formulation appears to be something called "Perika" by Nature's Way. This uses a German extract that guarantees a high level of hyperforin. If you can't find Perika, then at least buy a product that discloses the hyperforin content, which should be about 4%.
Give it six weeks from the time you start the new formulation, and then if you don't like what you are experiencing, you can at least say you gave it a good shot.
Epyx
Posts: 531 | | Registered: Mon 3 Dec 2001 22:11 |
| | |  "Re(4):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola"
, Sun 27 Apr 11:00
Thank you Epyx for your notation; it is much appreciated! I am becoming thoroughly confused now though. What I have purchased is called "Alive Herbs" (brand) and it states "St. John's Wort - Hypericum Perforatum Extract 300 mg" - Each capsule contains St. John's Wort Standardized Extract (0.3% Hypercin, 300 mg of the Finest Indena Stock). Are you telling me that this is the wrong stuff?? I really hope not. It was fairly pricey ($26.99 CDN)for 180 capsules. I know it is doing something -- as I have a CONTINUOS low-grade headache, lack of focus/grogginess, and absolutely NO energy, increased irritability.... I am also having the most vivid dreams nightly which reflect all my fears and anxieties -- forgetting my children, losing my job, etc. It has been 20 days now of taking SJW. I am now beginning to think that I should just live with the underlying depression and/or try to escape it through exercise. Mabye the SJW is having the opposite effect on me? Uncertain. I am not a quick fix kind of person; and I seldom take 'pills' to alter my physiological being. I just thought I would give SJW a go because I have been living with moderate depression for so long I am tired of it's daily 'battle'. I am really not sure what to do now.
Posts: 7 | | Registered: Fri 11 Apr 2003 9:6 |
| | | "Re(5):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola" , Sun 27 Apr 14:27
My apologies Tess. I wrongly assumed that your capsules contained no extract, but instead they contain perhaps the best extract on the market. Capsules usually have some kind of filler material and in your case it might be raw herb; sometimes SJW powder is used. Both fillers are not usually though to add much to the therapeutic value of the capsules.
The symptoms you describe would normally have passed by now; it may well be that SJW is not agreeable with you. Some people have had success shifting to another brand but, putting myself in your shoes, I would contemplate another treatment like 5-HTP, SAM-e or even Rhodiola.
Epyx
Posts: 536 | | Registered: Mon 3 Dec 2001 22:11 |
| | |  "Re(2):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola"
, Thu 24 Apr 16:12
Hi,
I have two suggestions. first, make sure your SJW is 0.3 percent hypericon content. If you can't stand the way it's making you feel, you might try taking 5HTP instead. 5HTP has a more specific effect only on the serotonin system instead of having the amorphous effects of an herb. It basically supplies your body with the raw material necessary to make serotonin. If you want to learn more about 5HTP read "5HTP; The natural way to overcome depression obesity and insomnia" by Michael Murray.
Good luck finding what works for you!
Posts: 4 | | Registered: Wed 23 Apr 2003 14:48 |
| | | "Re(3):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola" , Thu 24 Apr 20:16
I just started Rhodiola today. I'm skipping the SJW for now and sticking with this. I didn't have any side effects from SJW and I've only been taking it about 2 weeks. I've been fairly calm and actually completing menial tasks that I normally put off...but I need the boost. I didn't get that today with the Rhodiola, but maybe the SJW in my system has something to do with it. I'll keep you posted!!
Jules ;-)
Posts: 31 | | Registered: Tue 8 Apr 2003 19:7 |
| | | "Re(4):2 weeks - thnking of rhodiola" , Fri 25 Apr 09:47
yes, do let me know how you find the Rhodiola Jewels. I think I will stick with SJW for the next while (I have only given it 2 weeks and am not ready to give up on it yet). As far as making coninuous mistakes at work due to my lack of concentration, and the very annoying perpetual headache -- I will try to live with that for the sake of potentially feeling better in the next few weeks. best of luck with the Rhodiola!
Posts: 6 | | Registered: Fri 11 Apr 2003 9:6 |
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