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.
Chocolate, Nutmeg
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 11/25/2013
★★★★★
For anxiety, prayer. Also, these cookies:
Chocolate Nutmeg Cookies
In a large pan melt 1 stick butter, 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 large dark-chocolate bar (to help the bars hold their shape). Mix in 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp clove powder. Mix in 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix in about 2 cups uncooked oatmeal till thoroughly mixed. Press into the bottom of a cake pan, cut/score into squares with a knife, chill in the fridge or freezer until firm. Share. Enjoy.
The measurements are approximate. It looks like a lot of spice, but that's why they are so good. Have them for breakfast with fresh fruit.
Rhodiola
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 11/19/2013
To Mary;
Re your panic attacks...
My absolute first go-to remedy for panic attack disorders is MAGNESIUM!!!
Google: "Dr. Sircus magnesium deficiency symptoms and diagnosis" for a myriad of ailments that mag deficiency causes. Among them is panic attacks.
In fact, virtually everyone is deficient in magnesium unless on a supplement of the same. Magnesium is the King of minerals and controls much of the electrical interplay on the cellular level. The lack of mag is often associated with cardio problems and is a predictor of diabetic problems.
There are dozens of health issues relative to magnesium deficiency.
Really, this is a big deal.
Do not underestimate the power of magnesium. And....that we do NOT get enough in the diet of most every American given the state of agriculture...soil depletion.
I have seen dozens of medical problems reversed almost instantly with adequate consumption of magnesium.
Mary, am I saying that mag intake will cure your panic attacks. No, but I'd sure eliminate the low hanging fruit as a possible cause: Mag deficiency.
Dave
Rhodiola
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 11/19/2013
Mary: Regular food does not provide enough nutrition for the tissues. Cells send signals to the brain via stress hormones. Cooking denatures many nutrients like B-6. B-6 activates B-1 and B-2. Conventionally grown foods lack special substances like humic/fulvic acids and xeronines. Raw food has enzymes. Organic and grass fed foods have more trace minerals. The body requires 80% carbs, 5%fiber, both insoluable and soluable, 5% oils by weight, and 10% protein. The carbs are for fuel. Raw sugar, from whole cane, honey, and fruit is superior to cooked starches. Oils are for the cellular walls. The proper ratio of omega 3-6-9 is 2-3-5. Half of the oil is saturated. Expellar pressed coconut oil is best. Protein is for structure, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. Cooking destructures many proteins like acetyl carnitine. 1/3 of the proteins are glutamate. Glutamate gives strength to the tissues.
Rhodiola
Posted by Nanowriter (Hotspot, Texas) on 11/19/2013
Mary, I have tried Rhodiola for anxiety and did not see any change. I do have a thought about the whole anxiety, difficulty walking issue that you may want to explore with a therapeutic massage therapist. My therapist told me that some of my muscles were out of balance, meaning one was too tight and the other too loose. It pulls the body out of balance. In my case I was hunched over, unable to straighten up fully when the attacks were at their worst. I suspect when we are out of "true" like this, it may put pressure on certain glands and cause anxiety. I am now working to unlock those tight muscles as well as do more muscle work to stay balanced.
Rhodiola
Posted by Mary (Los Angeles, California) on 11/18/2013 51 posts
I just bought "Rhodiola" from Gaia Herbs, it is 249 mg. Can anyone tell me if they have used this brand and if it helped you? I have severe panic attacks where the adrenaline lingers on way after the attack. I do not drive and waking is hard too because I feel like I am walking to the side. As though I am going to fall. Can anyone please help me?
Soaked Chia Seeds
Posted by Rm Az (Sedona, Az) on 09/14/2013
★★★★★
Anxiety- Cure- Soaked Chia Seeds
Preparation- Soak 2 table spoons chia seeds in any beverage for 10-15 minutes, can be longer. Drink 3 x morning, noon, and night. Produces awesome calm in all situations, no matter where you are or what you are doing, job interviews, social situations, work. Just start loving life. Might have something to do with an actually assimable plant based form of L-tryphtophan with all it's naturally occuring co-factors? You can try it in water, or unsweetened ice-tea, or natural lemonade with Apple Cider Vinegar and stevia and lemon juice and water. You'll need to put it in a shaker cup or a bottle with cap that you can vigorously shake from time to time while they are soaking. Enjoy
5-HTP
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 09/04/2013
Hello Chadi:
I didn't see if "Molly" had responded to you. You ask if Acetyl Carnitine is the same as L Carnitine. They are not. Carnitine is used for fat removal and to help those exercising to use fat for energy... the chemistry of the mitochrondria is involved.
Acetyl l Carnitine, is a derivative of Carnitine and is primarily used as brain protection, being able to penetrate the blood brain barrier.
Valerian Root, 5-HTP
Posted by Lauren0305 (Houston, Tx) on 09/04/2013
Thank you for the replies. Yes, we cut out all artificial dyes, preservatives, etc many years ago b/c of his ADHD symptoms. His diet isn't as healthy as I'd like b/c he's picky, but I buy about 90% all natural and/or organic foods. I'm trying to cut him back on gluten to see if that affects anything.
Valerian Root, 5-HTP
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 09/04/2013 2048 posts
@Lauren0305: Both sleep and mental issues or the presence of both are many or most times only symptoms of underlying problems which are almost exclusively associated with modern lifestyle. There are many factors happening in these cases, and the key is removing these factors. Clean(er) air, food, water is where to start. A good whole food multivitamin/mineral supplement is essential as well as extra antioxidant nutrition. Oil Pulling and Detox Foot Pads help remove any stubborn toxins.
This is just my general assessment and there could be other factors involved of which you might get answered here on E. C.
5-HTP
Posted by Chadi10 (UAE) on 09/03/2013
Hi Molly, is Acetyl L-Carnitine same as L-carnitine or different?
Valerian Root, 5-HTP
Posted by Mama To Many (Middle Tennessee Usa) on 09/03/2013
Hi Lauren,
Regarding your son taking 5 - HTP, I don't know what the recommendations are for children. For me however, I would feel more comfortable with that than prescription medications. If you try it, You could do a half a capsule (empty half out) and see how he does with that.
I think you are wise to avoid prescriptions for his ADHD. I am guessing you have probably already tried a lot of things... Just in case, I will mention that food dye makes one of my children very hyper. So, there could be some things you might want to avoid if you haven't already.
An Epsom Salt bath at bedtime might be good to relax him. (1 cup per 20 minute bath - my kids love it. ) I put a drop of lavender in the bath for my one that is high energy (even without the food dye! ) Sleepytime tea is also great at bedtime - even 1/2 cup. My children love it.
Hope you both start getting better rest soon!
~Mama to Many~
Zinc
Posted by Bodulica (Barrie) on 09/03/2013
★★★★★
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?
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Posted by Sandra (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/23/2013
Valerian
Posted by Groovy (Tampa, Fl) on 07/28/2013
★★★★★
Agree with you about Valerian.
I have tried Ambien, Lunesta, sominex, booze, etc to sleep. Ambien made my head feel like drank a liter of vodka and I didn't sleep on it either. Booze can also make you feel like you hit your head against the wall. The other stuff just doesn't work. Valerian will never give you a hangover. And if you take it in the day it doesn't leave you sleepy... just relaxed.
Potassium
Posted by Groovy (Tampa, Fl) on 07/28/2013
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!
Chamomile Tea
Posted by Michelle (New York, NY) on 07/16/2013
★★★★★
Chamomile tea with honey before bed will help to ease anxiety, and help you sleep better. More sleep will also help to lessen anxiety even more. Good luck!
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.
Green Tea
Posted by Eileen (Sumter, Sc) on 06/05/2013
★★★★★
I have been plagued with depression and anxiety since 2001 when I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid. I have hot nodules on my thyroid. Began with one about 1in by .5 inch. Now I have two the size of a lemon. I have not been able to take antidepressants. So I have struggled with it all these years. One thing that helps with the anxiety is strong green tea. I take about 6 oz of water and add two tea bags. Let it set a while and make sure you move the tea bags around and squeeze out the good stuff. That is where the L theanine comes from. Drink as much as you want. I also take Lemon Balm. It works well but usually have the green tea. Wish I could beat this depression. I am now 65 and it seems to be getting worse and I am under a lot of stress. Have never tried Rhodiola. Think I will give it a try. Hope the green tea works.
Cold Showers
Posted by Glen (Manhattan, Usa) on 06/03/2013
★★★★★
I suffer from anxiety tied to my stressful job. I was looking for natural cures for anxiety on the web last weekend and found the cold shower cure on Earth Clinic. I started the next morning before work by ending a hot shower with a few minutes of cold water. I made sure the cold water hit my head and spine and armpits. I felt so much better. The next morning I decided to forgo the hot shower and took a 3 minute cold shower. Man that was brutal but it was incredible afterwards. I felt great all day. I plan to keep this remedy up because it is also helping my energy levels. My head also feels clearer. Cheap and easy to do.
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!
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Posted by Robin (Rural, Va) on 03/18/2013
★★★★★
I take Acetyl L-Carnitine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and it is fantastic. I take one or two 40mg capsules a day.
5-HTP
Posted by Bodulica (Barrie, Ontario, Canada) on 03/12/2013
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.
5-HTP
Posted by Bodulica (Barrie, Ontario, Canada) on 03/12/2013
My reaction to 5-HTP was terrible. Felt like I ingested a poison. Very sick, felt like fainting, headache...
5-HTP
Posted by Joe (Sterville, Co) on 03/11/2013
★★★★★
I've read a few posts on the use of 5HTP and unusual symptoms (headaches, pains, etc) after using for awhile. Just wanted to recommend The Mood Cure book which helps to explain that these symptoms could possibly be caused by too much serotonin (serotonin syndrome). The gist of the 5HTP part is just using it long enough, and in proper doses, to where you feel better. Once you start getting abnormal symptoms, it can indicate that you are getting too much of a good thing, at which point you would stop or cut back.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Anon (Anon) on 02/22/2013
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Helpyourself (Houston, Texas) on 02/22/2013
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Abby (Bedford, Texas) on 02/21/2013
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
Emotional Freedom Technique (Eft)
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 02/03/2013
★★★★★
I have used EFT for about 5 years and used it to help my niece relax at night before she went to sleep. I would tap lightly on her as she told me about her day. She was raised by her mom until she came to live with me, her mom had a lifestyle not suitable for a 4 yr old. So when the little girl moved in with me she had a few ODD behaviors. Like she constantly pulled at the crotch of her underwear, like she was frantically trying to get it not to touch her skin. She did something else as well that I can't remember. Anyway after a few weeks I noticed she didn't do those things anymore. She was more focused and paid better attention in school, just alot calmer. I also use it on my husband for relaxation purposes, he likes it. As for myself I use it almost everynight to get to sleep. It works and I love it!
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nv Nevada) on 02/02/2013
★★★★★
I have used EFT to cure my anxiety, fears, sadnesses, and all types of pain too numerous to mention. It's such an easy technique to learn and use you can try it for almost any issue. If you don't get results there are plenty of other energy healing modalities that will be helpful. Here is a chart I use and with the tapping points and also a chart that explains what each point does energetically:
http://www.freewebs.com/stevelevine/efttappingpoints.htm
Valerian
Posted by Samantha (Abbotsford, Bc, Canada) on 02/02/2013
★★★★★
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!
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...
Burdock
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 09/19/2012
★★★★★
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...
Burdock
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 09/18/2012
★★★★★
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.
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.
