Effective Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Hi, I just want to say that I am so happy to have found this web site. I really need help for my son and I cannot sit here and cry about this anymore. My concern is that my son is seventeen years old. Ever since he was 13 years old I recognized that he started to get anxiety and was a little on the hyper side. When he was in the fifth grade they tested him for A.D.D. and they said that he did not have it so as he grew up during junior year it became worse where he did not want to go at school, his grades were dropping and had no strive for anything. I thought that home school would help him so I started to home school him because I thought is anxiety would become better but it got worse.

He finished his home school and graduated but his anxiety level isn't any better. His moods go up and down. When his anxiety goes up there is no talking to him to calm him down. I just let him be. I want to bring him to therapy but he will not go. I know he needs help but I dont know how to get it for him. He is always anxious and looks like he is very nervous at times. Because of this he will not go out in public if he doesn't look perfect. If one thing is wrong with his looks or his clothes he will not go out the door. He is always in the house. I am a single mom working and going to school and I feel like I am not doing enough for him. He won't go out, doesn't have any friends, always home I like this anxiety is getting worse and I feel like he is going to loose his mind from being home all of the time. It's like he has phobia or something. I feel like he is afraid to go out in the real world and I don't know if it was right to take him out of school but at the time I think it was. I feel like my son is trapped in his own home. I don't want him to be like those people who are afraid to step out of there box because of this anxiety is so bad.

Please!!! How can you help me with this situation. Thank you Abby

Please tell your son this - every, EVERYBODY thinks at one time or another that they don't look right, act right, etc. The first day of teaching a 6th grade class, all the students were nervous when they knew they had to go in the hallways for 2nd period. I told them EVERYBODY in the hallways were scared thinking 'what are others going to think about me' ? DO this - engage in conversations, fake happiness, force yourself to have fun - you will not know how awesome you are until you do what you dream to do and be. I know you can DO IT! Good luck! Been there, seen it.

Hi, I'm sure he has a b vitamin deficiency- take a hair sample and get him tested but in the meantime start supplementing with b50 or b100 twice a day and b3 and vitamin c. If he won't take the tablets put them in his food!! Good luck- teenagers are challenging.

I've also had success with Valarian root for anxiety. I started having episodes of mania and rancing thoughts, with an inability to fall asleep. My brain just would not shut off and I thought I was going crazy; it was unsettling and felt like my nerves were totally shot. I bought another sleep aid (I was currently only taking melatonin) and it had valarian root combined with hops and lemon balm. It helped a lot and I could actually fall asleep again and stay sleeping throughout the night.

I then noticed during the day when it would wear off and saw how much it helped my general anxiety and took half doses as needed. It's incredibly calming and soothing and helps relax my muscles and all the tension in my brain. It's made a huge difference getting through an incredibly stressful time. I hope this helps someone else too!

I don't know what to put this under, so put it where you think.

I put some burdock leaves through my vegetable juicer last night. I got about half a cup of juice. I put the pulp through a couple times with water mixed in to get out more juice and to make it a finer pulp. Then I swallowed the pulp with water and drank the juice on a somewhat empty stomach. It made my stomach queezy a bit but it stayed down. After a while I could feel like little tightnesses here and there in my body loosen up. Spots in my neck along the collar bone. And there was a sort of fizzy feeling that went up the back of my neck and around the back and top of my skull. It felt really nice. Also it made my stomach and backside slimmer. I rinsed out the juicer and put the juice/water mix in the fridge and it was good to drink four hours later - still bright green and sour. It tasted bad but it sure had a nice effect. I feel more relaxed and less depressed. I was trying to help out my liver.

Hi Anon, Were you aware of all that burdock is attributed to help with? It is known to have diuretic qualities which would explain the feeling of being slimmer. It also, on a psychological level helps with worry about the unknown. Thus your feeling of relaxation. So interesting...

Chelsea, read up on Rhodiola here on EC.

I think we sometimes confuse depression and sadness. If we are in an awful place and very miserable about it we call it depression when it is sadness. I do not believe that any medication can help with that, it has to be you changing the way your life is so that you become happy and are no longer sad. I have heard that Apple Cider Vinegar helps with lots of things but never depression but if it does wonderful. I cannot see how it helps for a bit and then stops nor how such a small amount can cure depression. But there again they now say daffodils can, so maybe. Maybe you were feeling so miserable you wanted it to work so felt it did?

ALSO try getting a magnesium supplement... Stress depletes your bodys magnesium apparently, I felt much better after getting some magnesium citrate in powder form and having some whenever I felt stressed (whole foods has a good one blue bottle I think)

I second rhodiola as a remedy to try. It sounds like you are physically burned out, and the way you described your symptoms is exactly what I went through because of a really demanding job and relationship a few years ago. Rhodiola helped me immensely in terms of getting my life and energy back. If you take it in small doses (100-200mg), it helps stimulate your energy and removes anxiety. In larger doses, it makes you feel drowsy and super relaxed. It has been a God-send for me. I take about 125mg twice a day.

Susan, although I have never had the diagnosis of mycoplasma lung infection, I have many of the symptoms. Last night I nebulized Colloidal Silver w/ 2 distinct surges of herx and felt much better today than I have in several days or weeks. Mycoplasma infections are as hard to diagnose as they are to treat, but this is a possible culprit in your condition. I haven't the panic attacks but I do have very high stress levels and come near panic sometimes, so the stress factor is definitely involved here it's just the cause you need to know. Also, as a side note, the herb Hawthorn- 2 caps seem to provide immediate relief for the lungs and energy but I don't experience the herx. My 2 cents.

After suffering for years with palpitations, anxiety and panic attacts I read on a (afrikaans) forum that it might be a shortage of potassium. I`ve bought a supplement of potassium... And started eating foods like banana etc rich in potassium. I also supplement with magnesium and calsium. I feel so much better.

May this also help you!

I am glad you mentioned this. I am on a new medication that depletes my potassium and my levels are low. Never thought that might be a spike in panic attacks for me. I will have to get more because the low levels may be affecting me more than I knew!

Cold showers increase Glutathione, the master molecule.

I've found myself getting wound up with my husband and wanting to scream with frustration which is bad for my blood pressure, bad for the food I'm making and bad for my small son to witness. I've found that when I'm about to explode, shutting myself in the study and perusing ailments puts my issue with his selective deafness into perspective and gives him time to make his coffee thereby grinding his idling brain into a faster gear. ; )

Thank you so much for posting it. I researched "serotonin syndrome" and now I know why I ended up with the cardiac arrest after taking one single minimum dose of Paxil and why I feel so sick if I take anything that deals with the serotonin. Can you please tell me who is the author of the Mood Cure Book. I want to get it. Thank you.

Regarding the Effects of Tums as an Antacid and on Bones,

My mother always took a Mult-vitamins, B-Complex and JP which may have been a blessing to her. Though she walked with Tums and Alka-Seltzer in her pocketbook encase of a heartburn or antacid attack, she had strong bones even in her nineties. The key may be in mineral balancing. Also, recently I was trying to figure out what to do about the throat burn I get from taking Alpha-lipoic acid and someone said to take a Tums, to my amazement it worked for me.

In reply to Kellie above, Tums is calcium carbonate with a tiny amount of sodium -- it has no baking soda or aspirin in it. Perhaps you were thinking about Alka-Seltzer. Nevertheless, as you say, baking soda alone may help.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

cure for anxiety attacks: I wanted to share this remedy that has continually helped me. Valerian root. I have made a believer out of my husband after a family outing almost turned deadly as we almost slid off an icey cliff. My husband got so rattled that he could hardly breathe and could not control his heart rate. I gave him three caps of valerian root and fifteen or so minutes he was able to feel the difference in his heart rate and ability to breathe. Beware that the smell is foul but it does not cause an odor coming out of you like garlic and somethings might. It says on the bottle that it may cause sleepiness, but has never had that effect on either of us. This is always in my car in case of serious anxiety or just having one of those days.I recommend everyone to try this.

Just want to respond about the time limit.

I actually take a cold shower every morning..Start with warm while washing with soap then cold at the end..I dont think there is a time limit either...I tried and it doesnt seem to make a difference .I have heard about hot and cold water therapy where and read that its good to do 4 min hot and 2 min cold then back to hot and cold again...but always end with cold...

Hope that helps.

The 3 years fight with anxiety was resolved by remote energy healer (CoherentHealer.com) and EFT ( emotional freedom technic) - tapping. The healer fixed my aura and told me that anxiety is caused by the trauma when you were a baby and did not have any control ( I was bit by a neighbor) and all other emotions that not released by me. I was very sceptical. He told me to do tapping on specific issues. If 4 days ago drive in a car as a passenger was so bad, today I drove to the store myself. Thank you.

Taurine: Another helpful remedy is adrenal supplements; since taking them, I've gotten my life back. I noticed an extraordinary difference in less than a week. I take them every day, although now at a third of the original dose prescribed by a nutrapath.

Hi, glad you figured out what helped get out of the doldrums. In the future keep in mind that bananas are also an excellent source of magnesium and that the arginine in peanuts has been linked to herpes! If you should have the same problem again, consider it an alert to improve your diet by getting rid of junk foods/drinks & as I told a psychiatrist one night: "I consider a good stress tab at meal times and bedtime the best nerve pill in the world". Her reply was: "Shhh - you'll put us out of business".

You would lie on the arm of sofa with your stomach. Legs on couch and head off. Use your arms like a pushup to help straighten your body. Your legs may want to raise up but you`ll have to secure them somehow.

In the exercise, I use my arms to help me straighten myself almost like a push up. Most people will not be able to do it without using their arms. I guess what's important is to use back muscles without straining them of course. Also, I just want to tell people with depression to go to a chiropractor,therapist or qualified trainer. This gets dismissed because they don't have back pain. Spend $30. It could be the answer. It's well worth it. Hope this helps.

Hi Molly, is Acetyl L-Carnitine same as L-carnitine or different?

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.

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.

Reeka, (Milan, Italy), It is usually better to taper off anxiety medications, as stopping them immediately may cause greater issues. Someone else may be better able to answer your question of whether ACV can be taken while you are tapering off the meds. I don't know if there would be any adverse interactions.

I mix mine with grape juice and have a bowl of cereal or a biscuit first! Hope this helps!

Try 1 tsp in an 8 oz glass of warm water, once in the am and once before bed.

They say to take it before meals, though I do that and my stomach gets upset too. Taking it after you've eaten seems to be the best bet.

A few days before my period, I often find myself getting extremely anxious and paranoid. The same thing happens on day 5 of my period.. Not sure what is happening to my hormones, but I don't like it! I have discovered that a 200 mg of Sam-e will immediately stop the anxiety and paranoia. I still feel quite emotional up until the day I get my period, but it is way reduced with sam-e. Great supplement. I don't take it every day, just when necessary.

While visiting earthclinic's site to see what I could fine to help my anxiety, I saw information about 5HTP as another source to use for anxiety. So I wanted to find out more information about this little pill, because it was a toss up between the two (Rhodiola) I decided to use the Rhodiola which worked out perfect. I then did some more research on 5HTP to see what other benefits it was good for, and I found out that it was recommeded for Fibromyalgia. Such as sleepless nights, waking up 4-5 times in the night, the headaches, the pain in the joints, stiffness upon waking up in morning, I felt like the tin man on the wizard of oz. I also had other related problesm. I have been taking it now for five months and I am a happier person, more energetic, not as moody as before, mine is more clear and well the list goes on, and I don't wake up stiff like before; so getting more rest has made me more alert.

In addition, I have a question for anyone out there to answer if possible. Since I take Rhodiola and 5HTP together I wanted to know if this harmful since both are a mood relaxing vitamin. I take the one for anxiety the other for the Fibroymyalgia. In addition, after reading more information about 5HTP and some side affects I was wondering if I should stop using it for awhile. If anyone has an answer please respond. I want to say though that since I have been using it I have had no side affects that were bad only good ones.

Hi Ryan,

i have been on here for quite some hours reading through the people who have put what they use etc, and almost had to laugh when I saw peanut butter! I threw an almost new jar out, due to reading something online about the dangers of it, something in it, it has to be a certain peanut butter, not the ones full of stuff that shouldn't be in it. Cant recall what it is, I did refrigerate mine and it was awful, all slimy at the top, and yes I looked online and it stated about be careful about what peanut butter you buy? I looked at mine and it said do not refrigerate! Hence all this strange slimy stuff, it tasted awful. So all who are eating peanut butter, might be a good idea to check online and ask what sort of peanut butter you should be buying and which ones you shouldn't? I didnt take a lot of notice, all I knew was the one I had bought wasn't really any good? I believe I bought mine from lidls. It might be curing you all of anxiety etc, but if you're going to eat it for long periods of time, might be a good idea to check up, I cant recall what it said, except it was not a good thing to eat, unless it was something or other, etc. Of course maybe it's not applying to the ones you are all using? But yeah I def read some warnings about it. Glad its cured you of your anxiety. I was so happy to buy some only to find I had to throw it out lol. Rosina x

My husband had a habit of waking up at 2:00am in terrible anxiety every night. The rest of the night was toss and turn, toss and turn. I started him on SamE and overnight, the pattern ceased. Now he loves it and takes it every night. No more insomnia, no more anxiety, no more depression. Good stuff!

I FIND THAT WHEN I HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK JUST WALKING HELPS. IT KEEPS YOUR MIND BUSY. IT CURES MY ANXIETY.

Omega-3 fish oil works great for anxiety

Hi Ganpat; It's possible that a zinc deficiency is involved with these symptoms. Anxiety and depression along with BPH are included in the long list.

The amounts people take average between 15-30 mgs. daily of zinc. If higher doses are to be taken, a practioner should be consulted, because too high a dosage can irritate the prostate. As with any supplement, we need to find the most suitable amount.

Potassium is also very helpful for anxiety. Apparently, there is alot of zinc and potassium in prostate fluid.

To Ganpat from Jaipur : Hello :) I would recommend vitamin b complex for your nerves and also look on the internet for E.F.T (emotional freedom technique) videos or instructions. It works very well and can help you.

Best wishes, Fiona

I took my first cold shower today, after reading about cold shower benefits on your website. It really does feel good! I was a little scared and started with lukewarm water. Brought it down as most as I could tolerate it. But man, the other people are right - it really does give you a ton of energy! I suffer from depression, anxiety and panic attacks, and this shower seemed to my anxiety in check. Thank you!!

I took some altoids from the convenience store the other night. Amazing! I felt so calm and had some sense of well being which I lack with anxiety. I will take them as they contain magnesium, I found later. I fully recommend them. 5htp actually cured me once but could not take it, after taking teeny tiny amounts for a few days. It was a real cure, after having anxiety for years and trying everything else. Tranquilizers also help. Valium is better for me than zanax, but haven't taken them in a long while. I will if anxiety becomes unmanageable.