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.
Cornsilk Tea
Posted by Tara (Phoenix, AZ) on 08/20/2006
★★★★★
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.
Gerovital H3 (GH3)
Posted by Lad (Maryland) on 04/09/2006
★★★★★
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.
Water With Lemon
Posted by Courtney (Caldwell, Idaho) on 03/08/2006
★★★★★
A tall cold glass of water with a slice of lemon and peter sterling's cd's cures depression and anxiety. i have not been diagnosed with depression, but it runs in my family and i get it often. it is always accompanied with anxiety. i have found that if you just put peter sterling's music on, and just sit back and SLOWLY sip a glass of lemon water, it will help you relax and brighten your mood.
SAMe
Posted by Shelly (Sioux City)
★★★★★
In the fall when the time changes, I often have a very difficult time with anxiety and depression, especially as the holiday season approaches. After being on Effexor for a couple of years, I decided I needed to find a natural solution as I was tired of always feeling 2 steps behind. I experimented with the supplement SAM-e and discovered that it worked wonders fairly quickly. I also realized that some brands are better than others as it is a very unstable molecule. I took the lower dosage 2x a day for about a month. At that point I had to stop taking it for a while because it appeared that my brain chemistry had corrected itself and I no longer needed supplementation. Now I take it as needed, which is about 1 pill every few months. I hope others coming off the anti-anxiety medication will give this supplement a try. It was a wonderful discovery! By the way, doctors in Europe prescribe this remedy more often than prescription meds.
St. John's Wort, Sunshine, Exercise, Pets
Posted by Catherine (Eureka, MT)
★★★★★
St. John's Wort works well for me, and I definitely benefit from Sunshine (#5)! plus: Movement. It doesn't need to be strenuous exercise. Animals. Being around people increases my anxiety and depression - they wear me out. Animals are great companions; they're honest, clear spirits, and keep your mind in the present. My depression stems from a spinal cord injury - animals don't recoil from my appearance or look down on me. Riding horses provides freedom - I can't run anymore but I can ride well. If animals aren't your cup of tea, try gardening - it helps, too!
Chia Oil
Posted by Pacific Coast Lady (Crescent City, CA) on 03/07/2022
Hi Irina, thank you for telling about Chia Oil. I've been weaning off an awful drug for anxiety and am pretty much off it. Down to .25 mg a "night", and my doc says breath the one-half .5 mg tablet now into quarters, which would be like .17. I feel good but of course I still get anxiety at times but will no longer use clonazapam, thank God.
I've been using 1 tsp of chia seeds per day is all, but I would love to try the oil. Can you recommend a brand for me to try that I can get on Amazon? That's easiest for me to find what I need and order by mail.
Thank you again, Pacific Coast Lady
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Denise (Saint Louis, MO) on 10/24/2021
Hi Joseph,
Do you know if it is safe to take Serpina along with prescription blood pressure medication until it starts to take effect?
B3
Posted by Ana (Canada) on 07/22/2022
Did you take niacin or niacinamide?
Please respond. Thank you.
Serpina
Posted by Sandi (Arizona ) on 10/23/2021
I am taking metoprolol 50 mg for my high blood pressure. I wonder about adding the serpina, if there would be problems or interactions. But I do prefer the natural over pharmaceuticals. Thank you for responding.
Serpina
Posted by DiDi (OR) on 10/23/2021
Hi Joe,
I would like to try the pills but cannot find on Amazon.
Can you please share the name of the company/manufacturer?
THX in advance.
Serpina
Posted by Diana (California ) on 01/17/2022
Hello Joseph, thank you for sharing.
Could you take the herb when taking antidepressants? Thank you.
B12
Posted by Joe (Stockton, Ca ) on 07/15/2020 73 posts
How can you check level at home or have some idea? My son has ocd and anxiety problem?
He does take B-Complex 100, and other supplements.
B12
Posted by Gigi (Somerville Nj) on 07/15/2020
How long does the B12 shot last? How often do you get one?
Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Lisa (New York) on 04/06/2020
Flaxseed Oil: As a Phyto estrogen at the top it made me gain weight. But if it works for you. Soy too allergic and made me pack on the pounds.
Brahmi Ayurvedic Herbs
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 02/23/2017
You need to get a referral to a cardiologist from your Primary Care Physician. The cardiologist can run some tests (EKG, heart monitor for a day or week) to determine whether or not you have atrial fibrillation (aka, "afib").
GABA
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/11/2016
Ben, I wonder what you might say about BHT after reading Oscar's posts and all the people who benefited from it.
Valerian Root, 5-HTP
Posted by Lauren0305 (Houston, Tx) on 09/03/2013
★★★★☆
I've been taking 5-HTP for my depression/anxiety for a few weeks now. I had recently weaned off of Lexapro. I'm taking 100mg twice a day and have noticed a big improvement in my anxiety but I'm still having a lot break through anxiety during the night or early in the morning. I wake up about 1-2 hours before my alarm and can't turn off the racing throughts. That's even after taking Valerian Root at bedtime (I started with 1 and worked my way up to 5 at bedtime, which is the suggested dosage). Should I increase the 5-HTP to 100mg three times a day?
Another question regarding my 10yr old son. He was diagnosed about 4 months ago with ADHD and anxiety. I will not put him on Rx medication but we've been doing therapy and extra vitamins and supplements. Like me, his anxiety comes out at night and he also has trouble sleeping. We've tried Melatonin and L-Tryptophan but he still wakes up multiple times per night and has a hard time falling back to sleep. Can he take 5-HTP?
EMDR
Posted by Brenda (Washington, Utah) on 06/25/2013
Hello, I have had anxiety issues for about 15 years, the doctors all say is it GAD, but I believe it is social anxiety, issues accumulated mostly as a child that were never addressed, just stored within me. I have taken Paxil, Lexapro, Zanax and Effexor. Effexor is the only one that really helped me and still let me feel normal. Just recently my sister who has similar issues to me went thru EMDR sessions with a professional, no medications used at all. This is eye movement desensitation reprogramming. You are awake, and take no meds. This counseling basically reprograms your brain with good healthy info. My sister has become a confident person and says this has worked for her. I am currently weaning myself off 225 mg of daily effexor and have started using some self help methods and it has already boosted my confidence and my shaky nervous voice is becoming less noticable.
General Feedback
Posted by Juliette (Reston, Va) on 02/22/2013
The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.... Life saver.... Off the top of my head I'd say 5htp and GABA would help him. Works immedietely and heals the brain. Really gives you relief from anxiety but the book gets more specific and there's a quiz in it to determine what kind of amino acid you need. Good luck!
ps-exercise and meditation can work wonders, guided meditations on youtube some target anxiety. :)
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/23/2013 2048 posts
Abby: Ditto on all the previous advise. It would not be out of correct to assume some identity crisis, especially in adolescence. Encourage him to read and continue learning and developing intellectually and personally. Wisdom Literature like The Psalms and Proverbs from the Bible form a bedrock for formal thinking. Many good books on Positive Thinking and Living. What was it Jon Anderson sang "never let the blues get the best of you". Life can be very dark and challenging, so the "power of positive thinking" is almost necessary for many of us, particularly if there is an abundance of misfortune. The Meditation helps with centering, and if one can reach the deep levels, there is an abundance of bliss for the having (Being is actually full to the brim with Bliss and Peace).
What was it Neil Diamond sang "turn to the only friend I can find, there in my mind, Shiloh". Once that sense of self-worth is established then a healthy development can take place.
General Feedback
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West, South Africa) on 02/23/2013
Hi Abby, This is a shot in the dark, check for drugs.
General Feedback
Posted by Jorge (Buenos Aires, Argentina) on 02/23/2013
Please read about Magnesium supplements (Magnesium chloride or citrate) here on this website. Hope this helps (helped to me). Regards, Jorge
General Feedback
Posted by 4kathryn (Owings, Maryland) on 02/25/2013
Make sure it is not Lyme Disease. Don't know if it is in that part of country or not.
General Feedback
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 02/25/2013
Hi Abby, It sounds like your son may have developed agoraphobia or fear of leaving his house. Does he feel ill when he leaves the house or have a racing heart and other signs of anxiety? I thought if he had a part time job that he liked, a church group, or enrolled in one interesting course at a college or community college, he may be able to gain confidence and interpersonal relationships that may help him want to venture out more, especially if he can get some positive re-enforcement from some new friends. It really only takes one person to help someone to feel connected and needed. Some low dose anti-anxiety drug may help when he first tries to reach out. You may have to help him identify somewhere to start because that first step will be very difficult for him, and he may need a clear path to break out of his fear. Best wishes to you both. I know he can do it.
General Feedback
Posted by Heather (Santa Rosa, Ca) on 02/26/2013
Abby~ Please consider an adrenal deficiency. You mentioned your son has anxiety, has been a little on the hyper side, and doesn't strive for anything. Symptoms of adrenal deficiency include anxiousness/very nervous, low grade depression & "coming alive" in the evenings. Adrenal fatigue is due to intense or prolongued stress (and being a teen is very rough in our society today. ) This can wreak havoc on an individual's life... I know it did mine.
My ND gave me an OTC high quality adrenal supplement and my depression & long standing anxiety (along with a myriad of other debilitating symptoms) lifted in a matter of 1-2 weeks. I know you are a single working mom (God bless you) and money is tight. The supplement I received (which can be purchased on Amazon) is $40/month. Your son is WORTH giving it a try ;o)
General Feedback
Posted by Cat (Europe) on 02/26/2013
Hi, it sounds as if your son has social anxiety/social phobia. As everything "has to be perfect" before he leaves the house it sounds as though he may have been subjected to some kind of bullying at school, obviously when he was removed from school, this helped relieve the situation, but only for the short term. As you have stated he will not leave the house to get help so I think you should go on facebook where there are a number of social anxiety/social phobia pages one of them being
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#! /AnxietySN?fref=ts
Type in social anxiety or social phobia into the search box.
Like you have said he will not leave the house so the best thing he can do to get started to recovery is to talk to other people who cannot leave the house either, who understand what he is experiencing. They explain what works/has worked for them. He/you can interact with other people who know what he is experiencing. The good news is that the doctor can prescribe something for this - if this is the problem - and if he refuses to go to the doctor then you really DO NEED TO ARRANGE A HOUSE CALL as it is not impossible to lose the best years of his life to it. Good Luck to you both. It really is a very FRUSTRATING time for your son, and I hope you can stay strong for him for just a little longer.
General Feedback
Posted by Courtney (Granite Bay, Ca) on 05/21/2013
To Heather from Santa Rosa, CA - You mentioned your ND recommending a high quality adrenal supplement that you were able to purchase on Amazon, but never mentioned the name of the supplement. Could you please tell us what it was? Many thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chelsea (West Milford, Nj) on 06/25/2012
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I began experiencing anxiety and depression four months ago as a result, of extreme stress from grad school/ life circumstances. It quickly became severe. I stopped eating, was nauseous every day and could barely get out of bed. I am on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, which arent doing much. I am also going to therapy.
I read about ACV on this site and decided to try it a few days ago, using the standard recipe of 2 tsp in water 3 x a day. For 3 days, it has been amazing! My motivation, appetite, energy, ability to function, all came back within a day and by the second day my constant stress headache had vanished.
I took the same amount today and nothing happened. My headache is back, my motivation/energy are low. Is it possible for your body to become used to the ACV that quickly? Should I stop taking it for a few days? I am afraid of what will happen if I do. But I am also concerned because I have osteopenia, and have read that ACV taken regularly can exacerbate this. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bev (Fl) on 10/31/2015
Please only take Magnesium Glycinate or topically applied Magnesium Oil which is expensive but lasts almost forever. Other forms of magnesium are not absorbed well by the body. Some sites say that most anxiety/depression is caused by a lack of magnesium.
Cold Showers
Posted by Alexandria (Northwood, Ohio) on 02/29/2012
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I tried taking a cold shower for the first time this morning for my severe anxiety. I felt wonderful and giddy during the shower. I did notice my scalp and back tingled and itched and burned a bit. (I have very dry scalp and my back itches alot) - When I got out of the shower my back was bright red and I had welts on my wrists, hands chest and back? I do not usually ever get welts? My skin gets red after hot showers, but never this red? I've looked everywhere and usually cold water helps eliminate hives/welts? Is it safe for me to continue doing this?
Hemp Oil
Posted by Casey (Chicago, Il) on 01/25/2012
★★★★★
I have not used hemp oil for pulling but find it extremely effective for many other ailments including insomnia, pain, and anxiety..
Antacids
Posted by Diane (Los Angeles, California Usa) on 06/29/2011
I used to have panic attacks that had my husband rushing me to the emergency room all the time! I thought I was losing my mind with fear and anxiety. I would feel like digging a hole, jumping in and pulling the hole in with me!
In my case I found that "acid reflux" was the cause of my problem. Whenever I start to have a panic attack---I take a few TUMS as it works the best for my acid/panic attacks! Baking powder will work too if I don't have Tums. But for some reason Tums works best on me.
Panic attacks are the scariest thing I ever experienced in my life. I hope this little secret helps someone with this problem.
Strong Coffee and hot chili can bring on an attack.
Antacids
Posted by Kate (New Orleans, La) on 03/24/2012
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Please be careful with TUMS. That can block phosphorus and have ill effects on your bones. Happened to me. Thought it would actually help bones because they talk about having calcium. I had fractures in my shins, femurs and feet. After many scans and blood work, stopped TUMS and went back to normal.
Antacids
Posted by Jen (Bakersfield, Ca) on 11/06/2012
★★★★★
Thank you. After spending lots of money every month on prescribed medications for my daughter for her anxiety attacks that would hit her several times a day and night. Well some of the meds came up missing and we didn't find out til the weekend so I started looking on here for a natural remedie and found this one and thought that it would be a good starting point and low and behold it WORKED!!! . now I wonder if its just reflux and if a regular reflux pill will work even better...
Antacids
Posted by Milers (Queensland, Australia) on 08/15/2015
How much baking soda should I take daily? I believe you're talking about drinking it mixed with water right? Can I add it in fruit juice also?
Antacids
Posted by Sonu (Udaipur, Rajasthan ) on 09/17/2020
Anyone know what is the composition medicine is in the antacid that helped her daughter's anxiety?
Supplements
Posted by Alittlebitsassy (Langley, Bc Canada) on 01/06/2010
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
Cod Liver Oil
Posted by Sasha (Sav, Westmoreland) on 08/14/2009
★★★★★
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).
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Cherylanne (Clarksburg, Wv ) on 09/08/2011
How long did you take L-Carnitine before noticing results? I purchased gelatin capsules 500 mg and don't know how I am going to divide them or take smaller doses. I would rather start smaller and raise it, if needed. Your post really inspired me, so I hope to hear more about this. Anyone out there know if this amino acid helps with anxiety or depression?
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Angela (Austin, Texas) on 08/27/2018
I'm confused... why did Caricater mention in her 2011 post, "alpha lipoic acid?" Is that product the same as Acetyl L-Carnitine? I thought they were different supplements. If they are different, is he saying both help with anxiety?
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Allan (Trinidad) on 12/27/2015
Hi Zander,
Can you indicate the name of the 'Memory and Brain' formulation that you purchased and used. And to date does it still work for you?Thanks.
Alkaline pH
Posted by Loren (Brooklyn, NY) on 03/31/2009
This question if for Wendy from Barrie, Ontario: Can you say what is the name of the mineral supplement your doctor gave you. I have similar problems like yours and would love to try this product. help please
Alkaline pH
Posted by Janet (Nashville, TN) on 07/08/2009
Can you tell me what the green substance was. Was it Chlorophyll? And how do you get yourself from being to acidic?
Alkaline pH
Posted by Yah_yahgirl (Fayetteville, North Carolina) on 07/09/2009
Hi I wanted info. on balancing PH I have been 4 years with sweats, weight gain, getting mucas when I lay down , so I sleep with two pillows, oh and I do not sleep well. I'm tired and depressed and at times very short with people. Thanks for any info you might have
Jeanne
Alkaline pH
Posted by Glo (Fl) on 07/15/2017
Can anyone guess the name of the mineral supplement she posted about in 2008?
Alkaline pH
Posted by Anon (Canada) on 07/15/2017
I'm wondering if the post from 2008 was referring to ConcenTrace Trace Minerals. They are the most popular, widely available and have been around for a long time. Perhaps the ND she is referring to is Dr. Kim from Barrie (I could be wrong).
On the ConcenTrace Web site, they refer to pH balancing: Maintain pH Balance in the Body–The most important nutrients in our bodies for maintaining acid-base balance are minerals like those found in ConcenTrace®.
Anyone else have suggestions? Hope it helps!
5-HTP
Posted by Missourita (Missouri) on 09/12/2024
Thank you for this. I keep thinking I need to exercise (while I'm lying in bed and can't sleep, lol). I need to make sure I fit it into my day for many reasons.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brenden (Rock Springs, Wyoming) on 06/30/2016
It's cleaning your gut out for all the bad stuff u ate.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Port Charlotte, FL) on 07/30/2021
Coconut vinegar is better. It's less acid and you can get the same results with half the amount.
SAMe
Posted by Sarah (Dallas, Texas) on 09/13/2012
★★★★★
I was waking up in a panic daily, and SAMe stopped that for me, six years ago. But now, I guess I've outgrown it, because I have the physical (not emotional) sensation of anxiety, with such bad muscle tension in the front of my neck, that I am in physical pain for days at a time. SAMe is awesome for depression (except not for bipolar type)! Just watch, years down the road, as you might need to stop the SAMe. Also, whenever there is anxiety due to PMS, the cure is magnesium! And maybe calcium too, but I try to get calcium in my diet instead of supplementing. It is really hard to get enough magnesium in your diet however, what with the all the heavy metal toxicity, and with the way grains are processed today. Magnesium citrate and oxide are the best forms, and capsule form is by far the best way to insure that you are digesting it, unless you don't mind chewing up the tablets.
Fish Oil
Posted by Ganpat (Jaipur, india, Rajasthan, india) on 04/16/2012
I have Anxiety, fear and social depression. Can I have Omega-3 to treat myself? I am 59, male, enlarged Prostate also. No other problem. Please advise.
B12, Folic Acid, 5-HTP and Altoids
Posted by Desiree (Southern Ca.) on 03/10/2016
I am very happy that Altoids calmed your anxiety!
As a person that suffered from extreme anxiety and panic attacks in the past, I suspect that you might have had an acid problem in your stomach. I suffered from acidity in my stomach and didn't even know I had this problem. Much of the time people have anxiety it can be caused by acidity in the stomach and chest area (acid reflux) and you actually think you are going nuts! Altoids history shows it was first marketed in the late 1700's as a stomach relief medication! In my case for anxiety I pop a couple antacids in my mouth and my anxiety goes away! Next time I am going to try the Altoids and see if it helps me. Thanks for the post.
B12, Folic Acid, 5-HTP and Altoids
Posted by Joe (Stockton, Ca) on 07/15/2020 73 posts
My son 52 acquired OCD 6 yrs ago, it's been a nightmare with Clomipramine, and 1mg Antipsychotics (2007 diagnosed Schizophrenia)
He does take B-Complex 100mg. Has much Anxiety, coupled with OCD, is there a home test to determine symptoms of low B-12? Magnesium at Amazon from Dr Carolyn Dean is suppose to be great. It is a cream you rub anywhere on body, it gets dissolved, where as pills usually don't. 5HTP is not recommended for long term use, Google it to be safe. Thank you all.
B12, Folic Acid, 5-HTP and Altoids
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 07/16/2020
Wilson's syndrom mimicks schizophrenia. You might look into that, copper/zinc ratio, molybdenum, heavy metal chelation, liver detox. Sleep problems may cause him to dream during the day. ❤
Rhodiola
Posted by Mom2 (Chicago, Illinois) on 12/02/2011
What dose did you take and how long did you have to take it before you noticed it helped for your anxiety, fatigue and depression?
Niacinamide
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 09/16/2010
Thanks to both of you for all the valuable information.
