Effective Natural Remedies for Anxiety

I suffered with crippling anxiety for about 9 years (at first it was just feeling sick when I was out in a place I knew I couldn't just leave... Then it turned to agoraphobia). I was put on every anti anxiety med at one point or another throughout those years. I tried yoga, therapy, herbal remedies and a few self help programs. Finally, I went to see a naturopathic doctor for the first time. She realized that, while I didn't feel sick to my stomach all the time, my anxiety was caused by imbalances of the gut. Enter a broad spectrum enzyme at meals and probiotics (I started with 50 BILLION dose and now I take a maintenance dose of 16 Billion). That really helped my particular anxiety.

However, while I was waiting for my gut to heal and these two treasures to do their thing, she also had me taking 200 mg of L-theanine, a component found in green tea in smaller doses. This is the most reassuring little supplement! It takes about 15 minutes to kick in and you just feel more in control. It worked better than any anxiety med I was taking and it has no side effects. I highly recommend it - it's worked for the rest of my family and a few friends. Look it up on the web - there's lots of good third party sites about the effects.

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. ; )

When I first saw "calm down" above I scoffed -- because that's the hardest thing to do when you're really anxious!! After reading the post, though, I must admit it helps. I am prone to impatience and skyrocketing anxiety if I don't work on keeping it under control. I have trained myself to never respond immediately to really frustrating or anxiety-provoking situations or people. I walk away, take a break, let voicemail screen calls and put replies in email only after I have calmed down. This helps me immensely so that my responses are driven by rational thinking, rather than frantic, anxious thinking, and it goes a long way in preserving my good relationships with others :)

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.

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.

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)?

I agree with your assessment about acetyl l-carnitine. I experienced relief almost immediately today [about 20 minutes] after taking 500 mg. I had ordered a formulation for Memory & Brain but had no idea it would have the calmative properties it had. I experience fairly intentense restless anxiety from time to time. It produces such a helpless & hopeless feeling. I was not expecting this to provide relief for anxiety at all but there was no mistaking the calm which came over me.

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.

I know its been a year since asked, but in case anyone else wanted to know if 5HTP and Rhodiola are safe together, the answer is yes (although I am not a health professional - just know from my own research and experience). Your body naturally creates the transmitters that 5htp stimulates - its harmless. In fact, I noticed no difference in my severe anxiety when I took 5 HTP. Rhodiola is an herb that helps regulate serotonin levels and is not affected by 5HTP's process.

Chances are, if you take RR, you'll not need the 5HTP which can have uncomfortable side effects if you decide to quit it. Always remember to taper off any supplement or med to give your body a chance to keep up!

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.

Cornsilk Tea for Anxiety

Dried cornsilk (One tablespoon),

One tea bag of green tea.

2 cups of bottled water.

Bring water to a boil then remove from burner. Add teas cover with lid and allow to brew off of burner for 5 minutes. Strain with strainer into cup add honey to taste. This combination of tea relaxes, acts as a natural diuretic, and lowers the blood pressure. Dried cornsilk tea can be found in health food stores and in the groc. stores that cater more to the Hispanic community. It is also called "Barbas de helote" meaning; beard of corn in Spanish. For an extra experience sprinkle into tea a pinch of fresh lavende r(purchased at health food stores or produce stores ) for aroma therapy while you sip your tea. The fragrance of lavender relaxes and soothes. Drink a cup in the morning or whenever you feel nervous.

GH3 (I used a more complexed type "GH7") is a mild, reversible MAO inhibitor. It does lift your mood. Sceletium, or "Kanna" herb is reputed to work faster and better than SJW, and I found it to be very useful too. Also, gotu kola is a good all around herb for depression and anxiety.