The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Rhodiola
Posted by Nw (New York, Ny) on 02/17/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Severe social anxiety
Dear ec, I love this site so much. Its helped me with so many things and I tell all my friends and family all that I learn on your site. I'm having such a problem with social anxiety, I don't know what to do. I'm so lonley and I want to be with people but I get such panic attacks. I was taking 150mg Effexor for a few years that seemed to work sometimes but I still had problems. About 2 weeks ago I had another attack when being introduced to someone and had enough. No matter who I'm around I immediatly get hot and my face turns bright red for no reason. I get so embarrased, I want to run away and it makes others feel uncomfortable because I'm so uncomfortable. So 2 weeks ago I read about Rhodiola on ec. I stopped taking the effexor and started the Rhodiola rite away. For the past 2 weeks I've felt good, more energy, depression gone but anxiety seems to be coming back and worse than ever. I went and got magnesium, l-theanine and b12. I was wondering if its safe to take the effexor and all these other things. I'm desperate and so frustrated I feel like I'm becoming a shut-in because I'm avoiding people. Please help me if you can, I feel so trapped. Thank you so much.
Holy Basil
Posted by Wydo (Ventura, CA) on 04/16/2009
★★★★★
Anxiety Remedies: A couple of years ago I started feeling anxious for no reason at all. It became worse and worse until I couldn't stand myself. My doctor gave me xanax to sleep at night but I still had that anxious feeling all the time. I tried no-flush niacin and that helped a little. Then I tried rhodiola and that helped a lot more. I went for several months until I found holy basil. I find it works the best and has a nice side benefit. I can have my tea and still sleep as long as I take my holy basil in the evening. So for me it counters the bad effects of caffeine. I still keep the rhodiola and niacin around for backup and take them in the morning sometimes but nothing replaces the holy basil.
5-HTP
Posted by Stefanie (Minden, Louisiana) on 07/17/2008
★★★★★
I found this remedy when I was looking for herbal remedies for my daily headaches. I found 5-HTP. According to the article,some of the things it helped with are insomnia, headaches, anxiety & depression. I thought could it be? I immediately went to my husband to show him what I had found because he had problems sleeping at night as well. We went a few days later to our local drug store and picked up a bottle of 50mg. 5-HTP. We had decided on the lowest dosage available in our area, upping the dosage as we went along if it was necessary. We have only been on it for a few days now but there is a very noticeable difference. We both have been sleeping through the night and feeling more refreshed when we wake. My anxiety attacks are gone as well as my headaches. We both are much less snappish than what we were before. We haven't noticed any side effects so far. We are taking them with a meal or a small snack and so far we have stayed at 50mg. Thanks for the very useful information that lead to this discovery!
Peanut Butter
Posted by Doris (Murfreesboro, Tennessee) on 05/19/2008
★★★★★
Anxiety Remedies: I saw Ryan's comment about peanut butter and it reminded me of when I had anxiety for five months in 1993. I couldn't eat, sleep, or do anything. I was as nervous as a cat and had to take a leave of absence from working with school children. I lost about 30 lbs. I didn't have a computer at that time so couldn't look anything up about my condition. (I was too nervous to look anything up, anyway.) All I could eat was a peanut butter sandwich or toast with peanut butter. I couldn't even drink coffee because it felt like it was taking my breath away. My medical doctor wanted me to see a psychiatrist, but I wouldn't because I was not going to get hooked on pills with all the side effects. With a lot of prayer I finally got better and went back to work. When I got my computer three years later, I read that peanut butter has lots of magnesium and is good for anxiety. I believe the magnesium is what my body needed to get better (not drugs). I've never had anxiety again and I make sure I take magnesium supplements everyday.
5-HTP
Posted by Molly (Madison, USA) on 04/11/2008
WARNING!
One time I purchased a bottle of 5-htp, and after taking one capsule morning & evening, just twice, I threw the bottle away. My reaction to 5-htp was horrific; upon further research I learned that high levels of serotonin are associated with SEVERE ANXIETY. I also read that the spice ginger is a serotonin antagonist, so I have a bottle on hand, just in case I ever feel so anxious ever again.
Then I read somewhere online that there is a set of people whose depression responds to Acetyl L-Carnitine, they said the depression lifted in these people when using 3-4 grams a day, and to take two grams of acetylcarnitine on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
This amino acid is the most amazing substance; I've never been able to take more than 2 grams per day - there is such great mental clarity, there is utter inability to be depressed, but there simultaneously is no euphoria - just calm lucid clarity. I've read that it assists the brain in making many different neurotransmitters - so it is not anything, not anything at all like 5-htp which floods the brain with serotonin - which, if you don't need it, might create severe anxiety.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Scott (Paradise, California) on 09/11/2007
★★★★★
Hi. I am a new user of ACV and am very pleased and surprised at the way it is helped me to feel better. I know that I have always struggled with candidiasis, but never got the complete relief from it using other remedies. The ACV has made an incredible difference in how I feel. I have also experienced the other benefits of increased energy, decreased anxiety, better sleep. However, there is one concern I have that I hope someone can help me with. Sometimes when I take the ACV it seems to upset my stomach. Help! I really value this remedy, but I'm concerned about stomach upset. Thanks.
Cold Showers
Posted by Bryon (Cincinnati, OH) on 07/09/2007
★★★★★
I started cold showers about three or four weeks ago and I love them now. They seem to help me get rejuvenated in the morning and I have had less anxiety. Everyone should try them.
Rhodiola
Posted by Margie (Upper Marlboro, MD) on 12/13/2006
★★★★★
I want to thank the person who said that Rhodiola was the best for anxiety attacks. I read the article and immediately searched the internet to find get more information regarding this vitamin. I then went out to get it for my symptoms and it worked. I feel normal again, before I was having a panic attack daily. I didn't know what triggered it, but I was suffering regularly. I also tried the 5HTP and I take them both together, the 5HTP helps with my stiffness in my joints and relaxes my body and mind. I take both daily and had not had any problems in three weeks. It feels good to be normal again.
B12, Folic Acid, 5-HTP and Altoids
Posted by Justin (Port St. Lucie) on 08/22/2006
★★★★★
I was under constant attack from anxiety, and depression was setting in because of it. I saw a therapist who taught me about positive thinking and ways to get myself out of a panic attack. It kinda worked but was a constant effort to always be managing my moods and still fighting random panic attacks. I started self medicating with a popular narcotic made to ease anxiety. We all know it as a small white rectangular pill. I became dependant and my tolerance built up way to high. I lost my job, and almost my wife and kid because of that stupid pill! I checked myself into a rehab...mainly to get it out of my system while in a secure, stable environment. My mind was definetly set on getting that pill out of my life so it was easy to kick. When I got out I was so scared of my anxiety coming back...and it did! I then remembered someone telling me about B-12 and Folic Acid as a natural cure for anxiety. I went to the store found the vitamins and saw it was like $6 for a 3 months supply and said "what the heck, I'll try it".....2 years later only one ten minute panic attack! The one I did have was after a night of drinking and did not take my vitamins...so def. my own fault. I take 500mcgs of B-12 and 400 mcgs of Folic Acid twice a day (i'm a big guy) I rarely, very rarely even think of my anxiety.
I have also, overtime, added a supplement called 5-htp and always carry around Altoids. I take the 5-htp when it just feels like things aren't going my way, and within an hour I am as giddy as a 3yr old watching blues clues! The Altoids help me out just whenever, they give me my own personal break from everything. The freshness it gives just puts everything back on a balanced level. The extreme peppermint taste relaxes me. I pop one in before any stressfull meeting, event, issue and i'ts like my own personal shield from stress!
As a side note since taking these new vitamins I have only been sick with a cold for one day out of 2 years! I have not gotten a single sore throat, flu, ear ache...Everyone in my family can be sick and I get nothing! I feel invincible! Smiling more.
Rhodiola
Posted by Vee (London) on 11/02/2022
★★★★★
Rhodiola has really helped me with overall mood and has lowered anxiety.
Chia Oil
Posted by Irina (New York) on 03/07/2022
★★★★★
I recently discovered chia oil. Like others who have posted here, flaxseed oil helped my anxiety - but both the seeds and the oil caused me to have sinus congestion. I thought maybe all kinds of Omega 3s would have a calming effect on me - but I was wrong - cod liver oil made me anxious and fish oil didn't help at all. I take chia seeds every day with only positive benefits and randomly came across an edible form of chia oil and thought I'd try it. The very first teaspoon I took had an instant calming effect that felt much stronger than flaxseed oil. I went from super anxious to extremely calm in literally just a few minutes. I am now taking 2-3 teaspoons of chia oil a day (spaced apart, with meals) I can't believe the difference in myself - I feel almost too relaxed to the point where I just want to rest a lot - and this is coming from someone who not only has anxiety. but hyperthyroid. Also, I am able to fall right to sleep at night. I highly suggest trying this oil if you suffer from any of the ailments I've mentioned - it's life-changing!
Valerian
Posted by Beth W. (AL) on 02/17/2022
★★★★★
Back when I was really sick, anxiety became a terrible side effect that left me debilitated on most days. I got so bad that I had to resort to Ativan for a couple of days to stabilize me. In the meantime, I did research and discovered valerian root and hops. I got both in tincture form (for me personally works way stronger/quicker) and for severe anxiety will take about 10 drops of both. Within minutes I felt relief that was possibly better than that from the ativan. While I worked through detoxing and getting well, I had to use this combo a few times and it has never failed me.
GABA
Posted by Janet (Ind) on 03/12/2016
Dear Ben.
Much of what you have written is correct and interesting. This post is less than helpful. Bht kills many an infection. As Oscar has said there is help in the newest medical treatment for this illness. But to discount all the cures and help bht has provided from both Oscar and Ted is disturbing to me. Janet
Holy Basil
Posted by Jenna (North Dakota, US) on 06/11/2014
★★★★★
For the last five days, I have experienced anxiety at a level of 8-9 on a scale of 10. Thought I would eat the ceiling, so horrible. I am normally a high energy person, but this anxiety was I guess a prolonged panic attack. Tried everything, magnesium, taurine, 5-htp, fish oil, passion flower, glutamine, calcium, breathing deeply and pranayama, thick brews of hops, sage, Shen's worry free pills, alcohol, valerian, a friend gave me some ambien to sleep, and the list goes on - about 10 more things. Thought I was going to die from a heart attack. Got it at the health food store - the brand that makes the liquid phyto-caps, which is the best in the country imo. Over 350 mgs per capsule. Instructions say 1 cap in between meals, but I was desperate, took 2,10 minutes apart, popped them open in my mouth. Unbelievable! The anxiety started to drain within an hour. Here I am 5 hours later late at night and really peaceful and softly tired. So grateful to the posters about Holy Basil and to Earthclinic!
Rhodiola
Posted by Yell (U.k) on 04/13/2014
Been taking rhodiola for a week 1 tablet mid day with main meal and find that's I can't keep awake about an hour late an hour later. Just doze for about 10 15 minutes I suffer from anxiety panic and agoraphobia and am 90 years old. Pretty fit apart from the above.Cant visit the dr because of the agoraphobia. Didn't usually feel so tired after dinner have seen othe instructions for taking rhodiola on an empty stomach.Also I am bored out of my mind at this point of the day. Any advice please. Thank you
Emotional Freedom Technique (Eft)
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 02/03/2013
★★★★★
I have used EFT for about 5 years and used it to help my niece relax at night before she went to sleep. I would tap lightly on her as she told me about her day. She was raised by her mom until she came to live with me, her mom had a lifestyle not suitable for a 4 yr old. So when the little girl moved in with me she had a few ODD behaviors. Like she constantly pulled at the crotch of her underwear, like she was frantically trying to get it not to touch her skin. She did something else as well that I can't remember. Anyway after a few weeks I noticed she didn't do those things anymore. She was more focused and paid better attention in school, just alot calmer. I also use it on my husband for relaxation purposes, he likes it. As for myself I use it almost everynight to get to sleep. It works and I love it!
EMDR
Posted by Missy (Kansas City, Mo Usa) on 05/22/2012
★★★★★
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. It can be done by looking left and right, hearing sounds in alternate ears left and right, crossing your arms and tapping your hands on opposite arms, or patting someone's legs left and right to help them. The idea is to stimulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain alternately while dealing with the trauma. I'm thinking it helps the emotional side of the brain and the logical side of the brain talk. You can read up on it on the net easily enough, but it's best that a therapist help adminster it for best results.
I heard that people in the 9/11 attack used EMDR with good results. I used it for getting past a rape and another invasive trauma. EMDR is the therapy that finally helped.
5-HTP
Posted by Gtijes (Allentown, Pa, Usa) on 08/29/2010
Does anyone know of a way to introduce something natural like 5-htp, and cut back on the prescription antidepressants? I wasn't sure if they interacted safely at all.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Adrienne (Idaho) on 10/29/2020
Hello Angela,
Caricater mentions that taking Acetyl L-Carnitine can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, put simply, is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that counter free radicals. We don't want free radicals, they can lead to cancer. Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Joseph A. (Stockton, Ca) on 11/07/2021 73 posts
Hi, I know this is a very old reply, however in your comment, you stated you took 50mg Acetylcarnitine, actually, I think you meant 500mg, they don't make 50mg, plus all the problems you had couldn't have been eliminated with 50mg, sure it's possible but improbable. My son has Severe Anxiety and he takes 500mg twice daily for 1.000mg. I will look into him taking more Safely. Thank you, Joseph
