Essential tremors, familial or benign essential tremors, are common neurological disorders affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by involuntary and rhythmic shaking of the hands, arms, head, voice, or legs, which can significantly affect daily activities such as writing, typing, and eating.
While Western medicine has not yet found a cure for essential tremors other than medications and surgery, some people prefer to approach treating an essential tremor naturally and have successfully used home remedies and supplements like magnesium l threonate to manage their symptoms.
This article will explore some well-researched natural remedies for essential tremors and detail some of the more effective supplements suggested by Earth Clinic readers.
Magnesium is essential in various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle functions. Low magnesium levels have been linked to tremors, and some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may improve essential tremors.
One study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that magnesium supplementation reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
While there is limited scientific research specifically examining the effects of apple cider vinegar on essential tremors, proponents of ACV believe that its potential benefits stem from its various properties. Apple cider vinegar has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and alkalizing properties, which may contribute to its positive impact on essential tremors.
Alleviating Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in the development and progression of essential tremors. Apple cider vinegar has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects in some studies. By reducing inflammation, ACV may potentially help manage tremors and improve overall symptoms.
Balancing pH Levels
Maintaining a balanced pH level is crucial for the body's optimal functioning. It is theorized that imbalances in pH levels could contribute to essential tremors. Apple cider vinegar is considered an alkalizing agent, which helps regulate pH levels in the body. By restoring pH balance, ACV might potentially alleviate tremor symptoms.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can worsen tremors in individuals with essential tremors. Some proponents claim that apple cider vinegar may have a calming effect on the nervous system, which could potentially help reduce stress and anxiety levels. By addressing these factors, ACV might indirectly assist in managing essential tremors.
If you are considering using apple cider vinegar for essential tremors, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your treatment plan. Here are a few suggested ways to incorporate ACV into your routine:
Dilute: Mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water or another beverage to dilute its acidity.
Honey and Warm Water: Some people prefer to mix apple cider vinegar with honey and warm water, creating a soothing drink that can be consumed daily.
Note: Be aware that apple cider vinegar can cause side effects in some people after a day or two at high doses. If you experience light headedness, anxiety or heart palpitations, stop drinking apple cider vinegar and take potassium and magnesium supplements. People generally feel better within a day or two if they overdo the ACV.
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is another essential nutrient that helps maintain nerve function. Some studies have suggested that vitamin B1 supplementation may improve essential tremors.
One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that high-dose vitamin B1 supplementation reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
Meditation is a mindfulness practice that involves focusing one's attention on the present moment. Some studies have suggested that meditation may help reduce essential tremors. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program reduced tremor severity and improved the quality of life in people with essential tremors.
Exercise is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being. Some studies have suggested that exercise may help reduce essential tremors. One study published in the Journal of Movement Disorders found that regular exercise, such as walking or cycling, reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture may help reduce essential tremors. One study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate the nervous system. Some research has suggested that low levels of GABA may contribute to essential tremors. Therefore, GABA supplements have been studied as a possible treatment option.
One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that GABA supplementation reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in neurological function. Some research has suggested that zinc deficiency may contribute to essential tremors. Therefore, zinc supplements have been studied as a possible treatment option.
One study published in Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements found that zinc supplementation reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient that helps generate cellular energy. Some research has suggested that CoQ10 supplementation may improve essential tremors.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology found that CoQ10 supplementation reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant that does not produce a high. Some research has suggested that CBD may have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects that could help reduce essential tremors.
One study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD reduced tremor severity in people with Parkinson's disease, which also involves tremors.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps maintain bone health and supports immune function. Some research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to essential tremors. Therefore, vitamin D supplements have been studied as a possible treatment option.
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience found that vitamin D supplementation reduced tremor severity in people with essential tremors.
The following provides additional remedies for essential tremors as recommended by Earth Clinic readers. The feedback from these readers shows that nutritional deficiencies, such as magnesium depletion, gluten sensitivity, and artificial sweeteners, may worsen the symptoms of essential tremors.
Magnesium is one of the most popular remedies for essential tremors, as recommended by Earth Clinic readers. Many readers have found that taking a magnesium supplement has solved their tremor problem.
One reader shared a post about Magnesium L-Threonate, a popular form of magnesium supplement. This reader's husband, an OR nurse, suffered from an essential tremor in his hands that started to affect him full-time. After researching potential treatments, they decided to use a combination of supplements, including magnesium L-Threonate, GABA, taurine, and L-theanine. The magnesium L-Threonate did not cause or aggravate diarrhea, and the reader reported that her husband's tremor had disappeared. They have also eliminated any aspartame and eat only small amounts of gluten.
Earth Clinic readers also recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, a neurotoxin. Many processed foods and drinks, including diet sodas, light yogurts, and ice cream, contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners, so removing these from the diet may help solve tremor problems. Another neurotoxin to avoid is MSG.
Going gluten-free may also be helpful, although it can be challenging. Some readers have reported that removing gluten has helped solve their tremor problems.
In addition to these dietary changes, some essential tremors can benefit from specific supplements. Earth Clinic readers recommend the following supplements for essential tremors: vitamin C, iodine, B-complex, GABA, fava beans, mucuna pruriens, and lecithin.
Fava beans are protein-rich and contain various nutrients, including thiamin, vitamin K, vitamin B-6, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrients support effective neurological processing, which limits shaking associated with the condition.
Mucuna pruriens, or cowhage, also contains a potent amount of nutrients that support general health and help treat a variety of conditions. This supplement contains levodopa, the chemical dopamine in the brain that regulates the nervous system and helps treat the condition.
Lecithin is an essential nutrient found in the body's cells. Once in the cells, lecithin is converted into acetylcholine, which transmits nerve impulses. A daily lecithin supplement can help improve nerve function and limit essential tremors' side effects and symptoms.
It is important to note that while these natural remedies may help manage essential tremors, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you're taking prescription medications or have any underlying medical conditions. Additionally, supplements should not replace prescription medications for essential tremors without consulting a medical professional.
In conclusion, essential tremors can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are natural remedies that can help. Nutritional deficiencies, such as magnesium depletion and gluten sensitivity, and neurotoxins, like artificial sweeteners and MSG, can worsen symptoms of essential tremors. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid these harmful substances.
Some natural supplements benefit essential tremors, including magnesium, fava beans, mucuna pruriens, lecithin, vitamin C, iodine, and B-complex vitamins. These supplements support effective neurological processing, limiting the shaking associated with the condition.
Natural remedies like GABA, taurine, L-theanine, and various herbal extracts have also been effective in reducing the severity of essential tremors. However, it is important to remember that each individual's condition is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you're taking prescription medications or have any underlying medical conditions.
It is important to note that natural remedies for essential tremors are not a substitute for medical treatment. However, they can be an effective complement to traditional medical therapies. In many cases, combining natural remedies and traditional medical treatments may provide the most effective relief for essential tremors.
Overall, the natural cures discussed in this article have been researched and found to be effective for managing essential tremors. With proper use, these natural remedies can help people with essential tremors to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Please continue reading below for great feedback from Earth Clinic readers about which natural remedies or supplements helped ease their essential tremors. Do you have a natural remedy for essential tremors? Please send us some feedback!
