Effective Natural Remedies for Anxiety

For anxiety, prayer. Also, these cookies:

Chocolate Nutmeg Cookies

In a large pan melt 1 stick butter, 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 large dark-chocolate bar (to help the bars hold their shape). Mix in 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp clove powder. Mix in 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix in about 2 cups uncooked oatmeal till thoroughly mixed. Press into the bottom of a cake pan, cut/score into squares with a knife, chill in the fridge or freezer until firm. Share. Enjoy.

The measurements are approximate. It looks like a lot of spice, but that's why they are so good. Have them for breakfast with fresh fruit.

Hello Anon from Anon;

Re your recipe using nutmeg as an anti anxiety remedy.

Wonderful...I do love nutmeg...so aromatic and aromatics alone may have great value... we often overlook their benefits. (One of my favorite aromatics is fresh ground coffee and inhaling the grinds as soon as ground...ah, bliss for five seconds.)

Here's one for winter months to help with circulation and again as an aromatic; the scent will permeate the house with a most wonderful earthy feel.

I call this "Three C Tea"...

1. Grind a teaspoon of cardamom.
2. Grind a teaspoon of clove.
3. Grate a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Put in two cups water and bring to near boil, then let steep for ten minutes. (Add a little raw cane sugar to taste.) Add some ginger for circulation needs. Breathe in deeply the aroma as you sip. Wonderful on a cold night.

Dave

I had a similiar reaction after drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for the first time I just felt like clean and balanced which in turn made me happier. Things that I've done that have helped in the long term are chaste tree berry (if your depression is hormonal youll see a huge difference) and holy basil tea (tulsi tea). I also take 5htp from time to time. Eating healthy and going on a juice fast will really show a HUGE difference too. At the end of the day though you have to take care of your spiritual health in whatever way feels natural to you, that is when you will start to feel real comfort! Good luck :)

Put a pinch of baking soda in it as well. It calms the second brain and sends better signals to your brain.

Hi EarthClinic-ers! I've been experimenting with Holy Basil (a remedy I found on this site) both for myself and my husband. I have to say the results are great! I originally started my husband on the Holy Basil because he would get stressed out at work and get into weeks-long "funks" where he would be depressed/grouchy. It definitely helped to shorten the duration of his "funk" and lessen the severity. I think now it's even helping prevent them. I'm trying to finish my Ph. D. so there is a lot of stress in my life too. I started taking the Holy Basil on an as-needed basis (my husband takes it every day). Definite improvement. I feel like it takes the edge off my mood to where I can more easily cope with whatever problems I'm having.

Another interesting effect -- I had a big presentation to give early this morning in front of my Ph. D. Examination committee. I took 2 Holy Basil pills last night in preparation. I usually get stage fright when I have to talk in front of other people (especially when they determine when I can graduate! ). This morning, I had NO STAGE FRIGHT! I will definitely remember this when I have to give my dissertation defense later this year. Thank you Earth Clinic and thank you Holy Basil! I love this stuff!

Hope this can help someone else out there.

Sophie

I was having terrible IBS symptoms along with extreme anxiety. I started taking 5-htp on the advice of my naturopathic doctor. Within 1-2 weeks, my IBS reduced substantially and my anxiety lessened dramatically. I felt great everyday with a more stable, consistent mood than I have ever felt in my life.

According to my doctor, a large proportion of serotonin either resides or is made in your gut (I forget which) so it makes sense that it helped my IBS. When I started, I was taking 200 mg each morning. It didn't help me sleep though, in fact it kept me wide awake. After taking for about a year or so, I started feeling very ill every morning. It took me a long time to figure out it was the 5-htp. However, my general health has improved much over the past year and I have now cut the dose back to 50 mg per day and can handle it fine. My doctor told me my system probably did not need as much now and this is perhaps why larger doses were making me so ill.

Awhile back I was dating a heavy beer drinker. I started heavy drinking beer with my buddy. 'bout a 6 pack of exotic beer a night. 'round that time I got horrible panic attacks for the 1st time in my life. So bad I'd go to the hospital. They gave me drugs but the drugs didn't help. They'd give me more drugs util I was a zombie. My family complained & I was taken off. I had also stopped drinking beer cuz your not supposed to drink while on these drugs. So even I stopped the drugs I didn't get panic attacks that sent me to the ER. Lots of sugar can also bring them on a lil' bit. I've been readin here & other places that alcohol & even sugar can deplete the body of nutrients like magnesium. When I rub some magnesium on I feel calmer. No panic attacks. Also helps with my leg cramps and speeding heartbeat I sometimes get at night. IDK why the hospital doesn't look for such. There tests don't seem to pick up borderline deficiencies. My shrink tried to tell me I got me a chemical imabalance and needed the drugs. When I stopped the drugs that made me nutty in a different way, the attacks were gone. Cuz I quit the drinkin as well.

For those suffering from anxiety and depression, please investigate the condition known alternatively as Pyroluria, Kryptopyrrole and/or Mauve Factor. Debate is raging as to the underlying cause of this metabolic disorder, but the body loses massive amounts of B-6 and Zinc, as well as the omega-6 acids. Moreover, copper begins to build up to toxic levels in the body, causing everything from depression to anxiety to seizures to schizophrenia. The degree of symptoms has everything to do with individual biochemistry and the degree of essential nutrient deficiency. The treatment is simple: high-dose daily suplimentation with niacinimide, B-6 (in the form of B-6 and P-5-P), zinc, manganese, magnesium, chromium, biotin and omega-6 in the form of evening primrose oil.

PLEASE NOTE, however, that this suplimentation should NOT be done without blood monitoring by a qualified medical practitioner. The doses required to see results are extremely high for each of nutritional components, and poisoning can result, particularly In the case of zinc. Moreover, a patient can reverse copper toxicity to the point of too-low copper, which results in its own, unwanted Medical complications.

This metabolic "disorder" is seen in 85% of all autistic spectrum individuals. It is speculated, in this case, that heavy metal poisoning initiates the oxidative stress that, in turn, results in pyroluria. The resulting low B-6 levels result in the inability to properly manufacture serotonin, the "happy nuerotransmitter". Thus, a myriad of psychological "disorders" can result. Conversely, the depleted zinc levels manifest themselves in the gut, leading to coeliac disease and other Malabsorption disorders, as well as leaky gut syndrome. This, in turn, allows various fungi, like candida, to thrive in the gut and, later, the entire body. This, in turn, leads to various types of cancer later in life.

This same biocycle occurs in non-autistic individuals, but to a lesser (slower) degree. Thus, testing for and treating pyroluria involves more than "just" treating anxiety and depression.

Those properly treated have experienced nothing short of miracles. But do note that it can take up to 12 months (although most see some improvement after 3-4 weeks and most see significant gains in 3-6 months) to restore the body's proper balance and that treatment must be adhered to each and every day, for the remainder of one's life, barring any new discoveries as to the underlying cause of pyroluria.

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.

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

Dear Earth Clinic,

Thank you for this excellent forum on cold water therapy. I had an anxiety which seemed to 'come from nowhere'. Cold baths work on this much better than cold showers. Also swimming in the sea or lakes. There is a tradition of doing this in Russia and also northern China: but in modern times people think it is madness. In this time of credit crunch (2009) this is a practice which everyone can afford.

I have a question to people on this forum: what about time? I do it for 1-4 minutes, 2 times a day, before and after sleeping, every day, as my uncle showed me, like the brushing of the teeth. (The washing with warm water and soap I do before or after this: it seems not to matter which.) It seems that a longer time is not beneficial at all. So I am interested to know other people's ideas about timing.

Another question: I work sometimes in Arabia where it is very hot in the Summer times. There is no problem to make a bath of water, but it is not very cold. So do people know of any device/machine which can be put in a bath to make the water cold? Putting ice from the fridge is OK but this method needs a lot of ice.

Kind regards,

Igor

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.

Rhodioal works within an hour. I have outrageous anxiety. Glad I found this web site for an herbal remedy.

Why are natural alternatives like 5htp better? Anti-depressants work by shutting down the receptors that rid your brain of serotonin, in a sense forcing old serotonin to be recirculated constantly. Your serotonin receptors then shrivel up.

5htp gives your brain the raw materials to build serotonin. When it needs it, its there. But only what it needs, when it needs it.

Pete

There is a good amount of research now showing that Serotonin does not cross the Blood brain barrier. So taking 5HTP will only boost the serotonin in the brain IF your Blood Brain Barrier is compromised. Not a good situation overall.

As mentioned above, too much serotonin can cause depression and anxiety. Again, not a good thing.

The best solution for anxiety and depression known to man right now has been around for ever. Exercise! This is not controversial. Doctors of all orientations agree.

wellbutrine is known to change personalities. I say it opens a path to demons, hence the personality change. The same goes for similar drug counterparts, they can enable a path to the spirit world. But many don't get that, but I do. Just a word to the wise.

I was on Citalopram 20mg., a common SSRI for ten years and found that it didn't always work. I found it very easy to switch to 5HTP 50mg. by just cutting the Citalopram in half for a few days while starting the 5HTP simultaneously. I find I get a much better sleep while taking 5HTP and wake up feeling rested even on less than 8 hr. sleep.

If you add pure organic raw honey it helps with the upset stomach. It also adds to the benefits as well. Honey is a natural tranquilizer and has a lot of other great qualities too. Hope this helps.

L-Theanine is the best for a mild anxiety. also i tried before playing golf and the results are a four or five better score.this site of yours is the most informative and serious that i have found. thank you.

I tried John's below cold shower method to stop panic attacks and i was very surprised at the result it had on my mental state. It totally distacted me from the attack and I have now made a promise to myself that anytime i feel an attack coming on, i will put myself under a cold shower. By the time i'm about to get in, my mind is off the attack and thinking more about the coldness instead! Thank you, John i think you saved my soul!!! Anyone that reads this, try it please!!!

I started taking cold showers after I developed panic disorder, general anxiety disorder, and moderate depression. Cold showers have been the best distraction out of any other distraction to get a panic attack to go away. It feels so good when I take a cold shower that it is like an addiction to me. I feel instant gratification both physically and mentally when I take cold showers. They our the best to get rid of negative thoughts, minor physical pains from within the body, fear from a panic attack, and anger. At first I tense my muscles together so I can get use to it and then I let them untense and let the water flow and it feels so great. Also I feel that my body is working better and I am a lot more alert and awake. I always feel like I am regenerated afterwards no matter how much I am going through. It is an intense body high. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety, depression, or addiction problems. Remember when you take any of these three away you need to replace them with something else and cold showers is a great safe alternative that works wonders!

Here are a few links. I found out I was pregnant and took 6 valiums a day and went cold turkey....really overwhelmed 42 years ago, it was a boy.

Guide to Safely Withdrawing from Benzodiazepines - ADT Healthcare ADT Healthcare (adt-healthcare.com)

Can GABA Supplements Help Benzodiazepine Withdrawal? | Exercise.com

5 Best GABA Adaptogens for Benzo Withdrawal, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha (healthybodyhack.com)

Reading posts on sites about drug addicts you can find what they have used to get free. I watch AML daily and count my blessings I am not in their shoes.

Wild Youth - Bronson - YouTube

Hope something here helps you. Blessings, Charity

Lol, I've done that and also when reading product reviews. We know a good thing when we see it. =)

I take wormwood for intrusive thoughts. They are gone. I only take one a day, but the dosage calls for more. The brand I use is a Wormwood Combination with Black Walnut leaf (Juglans nigra), Wormwood herb (Artemisia absinthium) Quassia (Quassia amara), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and Male Fern root (Aspidium filix-mas). I also took Lithium Orotate and it was very good, but the Wormwood is better. I am 65 years old and have had depression problems. That seems better but the anxiety and OCD seems to have kicked in. I was never bombarded with the intrusive thoughts until later in life. I will never be without Wormwood again.

Vitamin B6 for Anxiety and Insomnia

Vitamin B6 will calm you down and if you take it with B12 in the morning, you'll feel energized during the day without any feeling of nervousness or anxiety. Do not overdo B6 because in large quantities it can be harmful. Some say that up to 500 mgs a day is the safe upper limit, but it seems like a lot to me.

I also take 100 mg of B6 at night to help me sleep. B6 is referred to as Nature's Sleeping Pill. I usually take it with inositol, and sometimes add a little L-theanine or Gaba.

Melatonin diminishes as you age, but do not take large doses or it will have the opposite effect. 3 mg works just fine for me, but 10 mgs may have you tossing and turning. With melatonin, less is more.

The reason for anxiety is because the intestinal tract does not have enough good bacteria to create the B12 or serotonin needed to calm the nervous system. Taking probiotics will encourage good bacteria in the intestinal tract. Taking supplements or drugs are a temporary fix but they will work in an emergency situation. A good film to watch is: The Gut; Our Second Brain. It explains it perfectly.

In cases of extreme free radical or oxidative stress I think it fair to say that it's more than hormonal problem. The very cell integrity is compromised all over the body. The need for antioxidant nutrition is critical, but one nutrient stands out in my mind as very effective in restoring cell integrity & energy production and that's Quercetin. Another nutrient that is gaining popularity for antioxidant & energy at the cell level is PQQ or Pyrroloquinone Quinone. Other nutrients for energy production are Ribose, DMG, Tyrosine, Inosine, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and NADH or Coenzyme 1.

For adrenal glands specific, supplement Pantothenic Acid, Ginseng Root, Raw Adrenal Substance. I personally take either a Raw Pituitary Glandular or a Multi-male Glandular daily. Of course one can take Raw Bovine Adrenal Glandular for restoration.

I had some serious anxiety, stomach problems and raised blood pressure going on last week…I didn't know what it was so went into the Dr. who said it was anxiety and gave me a Rx for Lexapro and Zantac… I knew there was an underlying cause and hit the computer for hrs….I found articles on pH balancing and after testing my pH w/ pH strips I saw that it was so Acidic! I began an alkaline diet… It took a few days, but as of right now I feel back to my old self and very little anxiety. Such a relief. It may not help everyone, but it's worth a try and if it does, it's a cheap fix! Good luck!