Effective Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Anxiety disorder is terrible, and it's worse if you are prone to having panic attacks, like me. I recently taken up drinking tea, and it's a pleasing experience. That matched with mild work outs, cool showers, and other things meant to give you piece of mind have REALLY helped. The best kinds of tea I've found are green, white, and especially chamomile. Chamomile is kind of like the "relax" tea. Stay away from teas with high caffeine count as that will make anxiety matters worse. If you can get decaf, good! If not, white, green, and chamomile are probably the best. Stick to organic, and prefferably loose tea. Make sure to drink it with NATURAL spring water. Actually, you should be drinking natural spring water, period! No flouridated water, for your health's sake. Tea has helped me in many ways. I'm sure it'll help you!

Serotonin is a vital neurotransmitter for all types of things... From mental to physical health. I had severe anxiety and tried different things from Velirium Root to different aroma therapies... The one thing that works amazingly was 5-HTP. It helps one get serotonin and serotonin helps with anxiety, depression, sleep problems (converts to melatonin), and muscle health (let's you get delta sleep so that your body can release growth hormone and repair muscle tissue). In the book "Pain Cure" there's a great recap of all the benefits of serotonin.

I HIGHLY recommend it for anxiety/depression. It helped change my life... Along with Yoga, MSM (joint pain), etc.

Thanks EC!

A few things that I have learned about dealing with anxiety:

1) find a intergrated medical expert - usually an actual medical doctor that uses holistic medicines whenever possible. I see Dr. Hyla Cass (www.cassmd.com)

2) find a chiropractor that does "muscle testing" or applied kinesiology (especially NRT)

3) have your thryoid, adrenals and candida levels checked.

4) try to get off Rx drugs using www.theroadback.org

In researching the causes of anxiety attacks, I believe it beneficial to note that 'breathing' is essential to physical well being. Shallow breathing which leads to insufficient oxygen appears a catalyst to these attacks.

What does that mean? When an anxiety attacks appears, get up and move, fast if you can, run, walk, whatever, just remember to get those lungs filled with air and gently exhale through your mouth. Repeat slowly and deeply enough to accomplish a replenishment of oxygen without hyperventilating. Hold your intake of air for a few seconds and slowly exhale through your mouth, repeat at least 10 times.

I was recently researching the link between iodine deficiency and anxiety. I didn't find a lot of convincing information, so I decided to try it on myself.

I've had IBS for at least a year now and strangely enough, I found it to be completely anxiety related and not at all to do with the bowels themselves. I also have regular anxiety as well, but I haven't seen any doctors about either condition because I refuse to get on the meds wagon.

Two nights ago, I painted two squares of 2.5% iodine tincture onto my wrists. I could feel the effects of that by the next day, I went the whole day without any symptoms. One important thing I did find in my research, was that selenium deficiency apparently aggravates iodine deficiency, so naturally, I took 200mcg of selenium the next night in addition to painting iodine on my biceps this time. Still no symptoms of anxiety or IBS on the third day now and I'm hoping this is the real deal. Another interesting bit, I used to take selenium regularly as part of my supplement routine and then stopped for a long time without any obvious reason (ran out and forgot to replenish.. ). For informational purposes, I'm 23, smoke regularly, drink on weekends, eat relatively healthy (always home cooked) but not a ton of fruit and vegetables in my diet.

Interesting Fact: The iodine painting deficiency test is not an indication of anything. Most of it evaporates and becomes colorless, and the rate of that is dependent on the environment that you are in. It does absorb into your system, however, in small amounts. To back that up: When you do this so-called test, wait until it disappears, then get some hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the area; you will see that the whole thing is actually still there.

Best of luck!

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.

Why does anybody think that 5-HTP is any better than other pharmaceutical SSRIs? It's the same thing. Don't be fooled by it being so-called "natural". First of all, there is no proof that raising serotonin levels is the issue. Second of all, in clinical trials SSRIs did no better than placebos.

I am thinking of doing the same thing. 5htp should not be taken with Rx anti-depressants. I take lexapro... I am planning on weaning down on my Rx by cutting the pills (go from 1 pill to 3/4, to half, etc), and introducing 5htp along the way as I wean.

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I took the new chapter rhodiola rosea and it helped me, it almost made me feel like a zombie though, so for those of us who have sleep problems I would take it at night.

Thanks to both of you for all the valuable information.

The Linus Pauling institute agrees! Go here:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/
Then click on the molecule to get the Archives:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/index.shtml

VOLUME 20 3Q 2005 Issue:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2005/toc3.shtml

Article:
Supplemental Niacinamide Mitigates Anxiety Symptoms: Three Case Reports
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2005/pdf/2005-v20n03-p167.pdf

Also 2005 Article P 227:
Saying Goodbye after 55 years of Psychiatric Practice
Abram Hoffer, M. D. , Ph. D.
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2005/pdf/2005-v20n04-p227.pdf

And 2003 Article OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, Arthritis, etc. :
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2003/pdf/2003-v18n01-p029.pdf

And 2004 Article P104 Anxiety B3 dosage:
Niacinamide's Potent Role in Alleviating Anxiety: a Case Report
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2004/pdf/2004-v19n02-p104.pdf

I take Rhodiola in instances where I feel anxious or a bout of anxiety is taking over. Rhodiola is amazing! I do not like taking prescription medication and this is a wonderful alternative!

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.

I would like to share a remedy I successfully used to cure schizophrenic thoughts. I was always shy as a kid, and little bit "paranoid" I guess you could say. But when I turned 24 I gradually began to have more paranoia, coupled with anxiety, and sometimes felt I was hearing voices. No, not the audible kind that people usually hear, but more or less I felt there were more thoughts in my head than my own; too many to deal with at once. Some very hateful thoughts had emerged and I sometimes became obsessed over certain angry thoughts, feeling like I couldn't relax and eventually would have a panic attack and feel out of control, possibly cry from too much stimulation etc. I soon found myself trying to figure my thoughts out, but they often made no sense, and I would play psycho-analytical games with other people thinking I really knew what they were thinking about me. I was always suspicious, and eventhough I didn't want to feel this way that's what happened.

Anyway, I know there are others out there that share a similiar story: how they once felt normal than started having some sort of mental illness, be it brain fog (which I also had from the obsessive paranoia), or adhd or whatever it may be. Niacinamide could be the answer to your problems. On the advice of Ted, a famous contributor to this site, I began taking 2000mg - 3000mg of Niacinamide (niacin can be used, but the flushing may become too annoying at such doses for some people). I noticed within a couple days my excessive paranoid thoughts dimnished almost completely, but I continue to take 500mg tablets everytime I feel them coming back.

I also continue to take at least one B 50 tablet a day to prevent deficiencies. It works~! I realize not every form of schizophrenic thoughts may be cured this way, but its worth a try for anyone seeking help like I did. High doses of niacinamide have cured my excessive anxiety, paranoia, and schizophrenic thoughts and even helped to solve stomach ailments I have had for years along with keeping myself more alkaline.

The alkaline remedy I used with most success in over-acidity was 1/4 sodium bicarbonate, and 1/4 potassium citrate (a 99mg tablet) in a glass of water 3x a day. This also helps to keep me much more stable. When I added sodium carbonate to this mixture sometimes it also helped with over-anxious thought patterns, and to calm the brain down. I hope this helps someone like it did for me.

Peace and love. Cordell

L-Theanine works very well against anxiety. It provides a very mild calming effect with few (if any side effects), which is hardly noticeable until you find yourself under stress. In stressful situations, I noticed that my reactions and feelings of anxiety were significantly improved. I take 150 mg of l-theanine per day. I've never needed more.

I also recommend magnesium for anti-anxiety benefits. It can be obtained cheaply through transdermal dosing by bathing with Epsom Salts, or dissolving some Epsom Salts in a spray bottle and spraying it on. Alternatively, you can take magnesium citrate tablets, which are a little more expensive but highly bio-available.

5-HTP for anxiety/depression

After reading some posts on this website, I decided to try 5-HTP for my general depression and social anxiety. After taking it the first time, I really noticed it made me feel kind of happy and giddy, so I was excited, and I also felt less anxious and more able to be what I consider myself. However, about a week taking just 50 mgs twice a day, I noticed I would get headaches. Then after about a week and a half I got a horrible headache, which I think might have been a migraine. It came on suddenly and lasted for about an hour of excruciating pain and nausea, and more mild pain and tension the rest of the day. Afterwards, for about a week, I started getting strange pains all on the left side of my body, in my leg and hip and shoulder. The migraine was on the right side of my head. I was pretty sure the 5 HTP was causing my everyday headaches, and was starting to feel like it lead to the migraine and subsequent left-side-of-the-body pains. I stopped taking 5-HTP and and my head-aches and body-aches have subsided completely. I am glad this supplement has worked for some people, but I just wanted to share my experience.

Hi NW... I too suffered from panic attacks in social situations when all the focus was on me..(when I had to perform) Strictly staying away from coffee/caffeine sources or any stimulants helped. Daily yoga & breathing. (check out YTTP, & they have a Sunday candle light class, so no one can see you if you're self conscious) And most important seek out a good therapist, (which I have yet to find) to visualize yourself through these situations..Rhodiola I found too stimulating but you could lessen your dose to see if it helps still.

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.

To Debra from Texas: You mentioned it "hurt" your stomach at first. You might probably had a stomach ulcer and didn't know it. ACV is the cure for that too.

My guess about anxiety and why people might not come back and comment on their problem for long term results...it probably really works and we forget what problems we have when they are gone. I have been using ACV and various other remedies from this site for almost 6 months now. I will admit I was a mess before and I forget all the problems I used to have. I did make a list/journal when I first started these home remedies and update often.

The book, Break Your Prescribed Addictions by Dr. Sahley, will have the answers to your question. This book is about using the amino acids, 5 different ones, to get off of prescribed drugs. It also addresses the amino acid reactions with any drugs you might be taking. Great book and the amino acids do work for panic attacks with no withdrawal. I had to take more of the Gaba than was recommended for it to work for me. Good luck.

I was wondering if any knows if it is ok to take L-Taurine, Passion Flower, GABA and anti-depressants together? I suffer from Panic attacks and am trying to find a more natural way to alleviate them than taking the antidepressants. Any help would be appreciated!

Thank You!
alittlebitsassy aka Diane

Add another Yea! to peanut butter --and bananas too! I am currently overcoming my anxiety, very successfully using natural foods, medicines, and remedies. I have to add that, sitting down and eating 2-3 bananas with peanut butter is one of my all-time favorite past-times. It's like ambrosia, so I say go for it!

I only recently began eating bananas again, because I was allergic to them for several years.(?) I missed them, so much, especially with peanut butter. Mmm, mmm, mmm. Feeling calm and being healthy has never tasted so good.

I'd also like to reply to 'Joyce from Joelton, Tn', that the arginine found in peanuts is very very healthy for you. There is no link between herpes and the arginine found in peanuts. That is a fallacy.

There IS a link between consuming LESS arginine in your food intake for people that have herpes and spreading their herpes during an outbreak. This is limited to people with herpes, it does in NO WAY cause herpes. I just wanted to point that out so no one gets scared and quits eating delicious peanuts and peanut butter, because I LOVE it and it's AWESOME! Thanks E.C.!

Ruthann from Bellmawr, just wondered if you have ever considered that you may suffer from graves disease, (a thyroid disorder that causes anxiety)?

I have had a hard time calming my mind and body my whole life. Anxiety has been with me for as long as I can remember and I just had tried to live with it. It is an awful feeling when one just can not rest. It would be like my mind running around a million miles a second and me unable to focus ect. My most recent foray into educating myself with natural methods has turned me to the work of Dr. Abram Hoffer and Niacinamide. I bought this and all I can say is WOW! It has definitely worked on my anxious feelings and inability to focus. I currently take 1000mg three times a day and feel so wonderful.....better than when I was on benzodiazepines, as they left me feeling wiped out and dependant on them.....I also take a high quality whole food bound vitamin B complex and zinc.

Occassionally I will take some ground flax and mix it with cottage cheese or into a smoothie.....I tend to think that a solution lies in a nice balance of things, not just one thing. I also believe that I have food allergies that exacerbate these anxiety states.....however getting off of bread has been quite a challenge for me. But I am a work in progress! I hope this information helps someone else!!!!

I used to be anxious and get upset easilly. I sarted taking fish oil and found that i was getting calmer by the day. Try it. I use Cod Liver Oil (The capsules).