Essential Tremors
Natural Remedies

Essential Tremors - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Feb 19, 2025
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Magnesium for Essential Tremors

Essential tremors (ET), sometimes called familial tremors, are among the most common neurological disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition leads to involuntary shaking, primarily in the hands, arms, head, voice, or legs, making everyday tasks like writing, eating, and using a phone challenging.

While there is no single solution for managing essential tremors, many individuals have successfully reduced their symptoms using natural remedies, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.

In this article, we explore some of the most effective natural treatments for essential tremors based on scientific research and feedback from Earth Clinic readers.

1. Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve function and muscle control. Some studies suggest that a magnesium deficiency may contribute to involuntary muscle movements. Magnesium L-threonate is particularly beneficial because it can cross the blood-brain barrier and support brain health.

Suggested Dosage: Start with 144 mg daily, adjusting as needed.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Many people use apple cider vinegar for its anti-inflammatory, alkalizing, and antioxidant properties. Some Earth Clinic readers have reported improvements in tremor symptoms after adding ACV to their routine.

  • Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation may contribute to tremors.
  • Balances pH Levels: Helps maintain a balanced internal environment.
  • Supports Nervous System Health: May aid in reducing muscle tension.

How to Use: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and drink once per day.

3. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 plays a key role in nerve function. Some studies indicate that high-dose thiamine supplementation may help manage essential tremors.

Suggested Dosage: Take 100-300 mg daily.

4. Meditation & Stress Management

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate tremors. Practicing meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help regulate the nervous system.

Recommended Practice: 10-20 minutes of daily meditation or mindfulness exercises.

5. Exercise & Physical Therapy

Regular low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga can support motor control and improve overall nerve health.

Suggested Routine: 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 times per week.

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support nerve health and reduce muscle tension. Some studies suggest that targeted acupuncture treatments may help lessen tremor severity.

Recommended Treatment: Weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks, then as needed.

7. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system. Low GABA levels have been linked to increased muscle activity.

Suggested Dosage: Take 500-1000 mg per day.

8. Zinc

Zinc supports neurological function and has been studied for its role in reducing involuntary movements.

Suggested Dosage: Take 15-30 mg per day.

9. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 supports cellular energy production and may contribute to better muscle control.

Suggested Dosage: Take 100-200 mg per day.

10. Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD oil is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Some people report relief from tremors after using CBD.

Suggested Dosage: Start with 10 mg per day and adjust as needed.

11. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for nerve function and muscle coordination.

Suggested Dosage: Take 2000-5000 IU per day.

12. Dietary Changes

Many people with essential tremors find that dietary adjustments help reduce symptoms. Certain foods may aggravate tremors, while others provide essential nutrients for nervous system health.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, MSG)
  • Excess caffeine
  • Processed foods

Foods to Include:

  • Leafy greens (rich in magnesium)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds, walnuts)
  • Turmeric (anti-inflammatory properties)

13. Fava Beans & Mucuna Pruriens

Both of these are natural sources of L-Dopa, which plays a role in dopamine regulation.

Suggested Intake: 1-2 servings per day.

14. Lecithin

Lecithin supports nerve function and may help with essential tremors.

Suggested Dosage: Take 1200 mg per day.

Final Thoughts

Although essential tremors can be difficult to manage, many people have found relief through **natural remedies** like magnesium L-threonate, vitamin B1, CBD oil, dietary changes, and meditation. Addressing nutritional deficiencies, stress, and inflammation can be key to symptom management.

Have you tried any of these natural remedies for essential tremors? Share your experience with the Earth Clinic community! Continue reading below to learn which supplement combinations helped our readers with essential tremors.

Related Links:

How to Detox From Aspartame and Other Artificial Sweeteners
Natural Remedies for Shaky Hands (Hand Tremors)


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.

Taurine, L-Theanine, Magnesium

Posted by Kellie (Oklahoma) on 03/26/2019
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Taurine may be the key to essential tremors!

About a year ago I developed shaking of both hands (action tremor). This developed suddenly and I was experiencing some other symptoms as well that led my doctor to believe I could have Hyperthyroidism. Tests came back negative for Hyperthyroidism, but I do have antibodies against my thyroid, so the doctor started me on Selenium and a Gluten-free diet. I also had pretty severe iron-deficiency anemia, and mild B-12 & vitamin D deficiency. I felt better after those things were corrected, but the tremors continued as well as the foot/leg cramps and eyelid twitching I had been experiencing. This led the doctor to believe I could be Magnesium deficient. I began taking 460mg of a high quality Magnesium Glycinate supplement. The cramps & twitching resolved (other than occasional cramps), but the tremors only improved a little.

At this point, I was frustrated, upset & worried that I had developed Essential Tremor. I have no family history of ET & come from a very large family; I even knew my extended family & no one had ET. It's possible for it to develop in someone without a family history of course, but I'm in my 40's & wanted to be sure I tried to thoroughly get to the bottom of this before resigning myself to the ET diagnosis.

I started doing some research & came across information about l-theanine being helpful for tremors, so I began taking 200mg twice daily. This helped a lot, but the tremors weren't completely gone. The doctor suggested increasing my dosage of Magnesium, but I have trouble tolerating the higher doses (even of the glycinate).

During my research, I found the Earth Clinic website & was encouraged by the tremor-reducing suggestions. I added 500mg of Taurine once/day a few days ago & my tremor is 99% gone! In fact, if I wasn't so sensitive to it, I wouldn't know I had it at all. It's too early to assume that the Taurine, l-Theanine, Magnesium combo will continue to work, but I'm very encouraged!

Sorry for the long post, but if I can help anyone going through a similar situation, I want to be detailed as to what is working for me in case someone is going through the same thing.

*A positive side effect of taking the l-theanine & taurine is improved mood & less anxiety/stress.


Magnesium L-Threonate

Posted by Pointvet (Texas Usa) on 10/15/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I will write too long. I had a head injury in 1966 and a 7 day comma, when I woke -- right off I tremored and said to myself, "the girls will never be interested in me now". I lost from 174 lbs down to 109 lbs. Numerous doctors told me I would not live to see age 30...or much less. Over the years I did much research, being I was smart enough yet, even if I tremored badly, to the extent I could not write my name, play the guitar, do art, hold a book in my hands to read it etc. I used many naturals and some with benefits, usually for a short term. I was for a while addicted to tranquilizers, to the extent now I truly am opposed to them for myself. The tremors gradually got worse over the decades, yet I never got angry at or resented the problems. I got this honorably, in a small teams parachute jump in VN, doing what I felt true to liberty assistance....I was fortunate to have an excuse for tremors....my quirkiness.

Thanks for this site! I have been reading and have been taking the theanine serene with relora 2 per day and one magtein, now for about 8 days. I can carry a dinner plate and can touch two fingers of each hand to each other. How long will this last...I have no idea. But over the years I have done hospital stints, done scans, seen numerous neurologists, taken k's of dollars of naturals, took medical drugs I soon quit with side effects, exercise everyday, had years of giving up all caffeine, food coloring, salt, sugar, suggested bad foods, avoided chemicals, withdrew from social gatherings, still losing the abilities of most things I enjoyed. So far I have good results with this and many thanks. Others should do their own research and discussions with their health care provider....my opinions are useless in a professional way.


Vitamin Deficiency and Tremors

Posted by Dina (Texas) on 02/10/2016

Editor's Choice

Deb,

You likely have a magnesium deficiency that is being exacerbated by the large amount of Vitamin D that you are taking. The same thing happened to me. Vitamin D needs magnesium to convert it into a usable form. The large amount you are taking is sucking up all your magnesium. Trembling and hand tremors are a result. Please research how to take Vitamin D with magnesium.


Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean)

Posted by Susan (Los Angeles) on 10/15/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Mucuna Pruriens has almost eliminated the very noticeable shaking of my neck/head and hands for 15 years. Doctor said he thought it was "essential tremors", not Parkinson's but I'm not so sure. I suspect he was influenced by my otherwise excellent health. Even if I have ET, MP may help this symptom for those with Parkinson's.

After one brand of MP (Herbs Forever) had no effect after months of use, I persevered and ended up finding two excellent products online. I tried both for comparison and found them to be equally effective: Barlowe's Elixirs and Keter Wellness. With each, improvement was noticeable in less than a week; I followed the dosage on the bottle - two capsules per day. If I don't take the MP for several days, some shaking returns.

I was so embarrassed for so long and now people don't stare at me any more. There is just a little trembling left in one hand and a little flair up under situational stress.


Magnesium L-Threonate

Posted by Soazburrolady (Southern Az., US) on 02/23/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

A few years back, my husband developed an essential (or intention) tremor in his hands. At first it bothered him only when upset or tired, but gradually started to affect him full time. As my husband makes his living as an OR nurse and needs to have fine motor skills for his job performance, it became imperative to find a treatment or cure. After researching the problem, we decided to hit him with the whole shebang of potential treatments. The most important seemed to be Magnesium L-threonate, GABA, Taurine, and L-theanine. Fortunately, as some have mentioned, the Magnesium L-threonate does not cause or aggravate diarrhea. I am really happy to report that my husband's tremor has basically disappeared. He takes other supplements also, but was taking them prior to the onset of the tremors. We have also eliminated any aspartame and eat only very small amounts of gluten. I am not sure if I am allowed to mention a specific product, but there is a tablet available from a reputable "Source" that contains the combo of GABA, Taurine, L-Theanine, Magnesium chelate, and some herbal extracts that simplifies the process. He adds a Magnesium L-Threonate product from the same "Source" to that tablet. All the best and hope this works for you as well.



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