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.
Buteyko Method
Posted by Jason (Berkeley, California) on 08/28/2015
★★★★★
I've found shallow breathing to pretty much make my anxiety and panic attacks nonexistent pretty much overnight. I used to take deep breaths thinking it would help, but I found them to actually make things worse. Now I take slow, shallow breaths and can finally do things like drink coffee again without any real anxiety. I haven't tried all the exercises, but more information on this theory can be found by looking up the Buteyko breathing method.
Buteyko Method
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 03/13/2017
My Indian Guru in the Middle East told me that I should try to breathe through my legs!! No kidding.
He was an Ayurvedic practitioner and so much of what he suggested was entirely novel to me.
This of course, is to try to steer people away from shallow/lazy breathing! Not getting one's fair share of the world's limited supply of Oxygen.
I may talk more about him in a future posting: watch this space!
Cheers, Michael
Deep Breathing
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn) on 02/27/2015
★★★★★
For anxiety, my input is to look at your breathing. I say this because I had the same issue as a young hard charger in industry. All the doctors said I was blacking out because of hyperventilation. They gave me Dilantin to prevent this. Years later, a doctor told me this was equivalent to killing a fly with a 105 Howitzer.
This treatment caused osteoporosis and lot of other problems I now have.
The anxiety eventually went away, but in my shady side of the mountain years, I am studying more and how you breathe is a biggie. 40 years ago I thought the doctors were full of stuff. Now I think they were right. I learned that chest breathing can cause this anxiety problem. You have to breathe with your diaphragm and let the exhale be as long as you can stand. You have to balance O2 and Carbon Dioxide. Both players are important.
I encourage you to read what Dr Shallenberger says about his patients and anxiety. He has a video on this subject. Goggle him.
Wish you well.=======ORH=========
Vitamin D-3
Posted by Katie (Wisconsin, USA) on 01/18/2015
★★★★★
I suffer from depression and anxiety (panic attacks), and sought the advice of a nutritionist recently when my anxiety attacks worsened over the winter. She highly recommended Vitamin D-3 in the liquid form. 10,000 IU each morning (or roughly 5 drops). I noticed an immediate change! No side effects whatsoever. No extreme changes but it just made me feel a lot more leveled out, more balanced and normal. Noticeably so.
I would highly suggest this for anyone experiencing anxiety or depression, especially in the winter months or if you work indoors all day. (Make sure it's Vitamin D-3, not D-2). L-Theanine is also nice to supplement this for more immediate relief of anxiety attacks.
Rhodiola
Posted by Tony (Tn, US) on 09/20/2014
Hello again Tim. I was just basing my reply on personal experience & what information I gathered from multiple sources. Glandulars are certainly another possibility for restoring the adrenals but they did me very little good.
Once I switched to the bio-identical hydo-cortisone then things started to get better but it has happened slowly. I'm still battling to get my adrenals back in order even though I started treating them last July(2013).
I started out a low dose though to be safe & worked my way up to 40mg daily. I've been on that dosage for months now but my adrenals still aren't back to good functioning. I do have a multitude of other health issues going on so it's not just about the adrenals for me.
The main point in my previous post was to inform people to make sure the adrenals are in proper working order before going on Rhodiola for anxiety & panic attacks. The adrenals not working properly will only make matters worse supplementing with rhodiola. If a person doesn't get them under control then the supplement is a waste & will even make them worse. The BP tests that I mentioned are very reliable to check for adrenal problems at home.
My doctors told me numerous times that I didn't have any adrenal problems. I knew better from the stress & cares of life getting to me & just how I felt. I know others on this board are going through the same thing with doctors so I wanted to let them know there's an at home way to check the adrenal glands without medical evaluation from doctors.
BTW, you're right Tim! Hormones are going to play a major role here as well. I have thyroid issues which is another precursor to hormone problems. My hormones are all out of whack. I have absolutely no sex drive to go along with numerous other hormonal issues as well Thanks!
Rhodiola
Posted by ROSINA LOCK (LONDON UNITED KINGDOM) on 11/01/2023
Hi Yell, I am also from the United Kingdom. I don't know if you will be around on Earth clinic, and just in case there are others who maybe cannot get out, and get bored because they have to stay in so much, like me, you said you get bored etc. I never get bored because I have so many things to keep myself occupied. If you like doing crosswords? I have the very book you would abs. love! I never buy magazines but this one is abs. brilliant. There is a family group who created this book quite some years ago. It is called LOVATTS CROSSWORD AND PUZZLES. It was created by Christine Lovatt, her hubby, two sons and a daughter who all help to do the books. These books are abs. fantastic so crossword fantatics if you've never heard of these magazines, you wont be sorry! As far as I know in the UK they are only available in W.H.Smiths, I order two online so they come through my letterbox. One comes out once every month, another comes out every 2 months, and the briliant one comes out once every 3 months. All available for subscription. Loads of fantastic competitions and prizes. Printed on beautiful paper, with classy covers and these crossword puzzles can be up to 300 clues across and down, so full page crosswords, the 3 monthly one has a gigantic blue one doubled up! Abs fantastic, one side is the biggest crossword in the world I believe and on the other side is where Christine and her family give you a few letters, and yoi compile the crossword yourself, they even allow you to make up one crossword and send it in for possible publication. So for all the lonely, isolated people, these crossword books are a Godsend. You also get at least 4 to 6 weeks to complete anything! They cost abou £3.50 each. I do have lots of other things I do, but they more for ladies lol. So hope this might be of help to you Yell. providing your eyesight is good! I wear specs, use a gigantic .......... forgot what they are called lol and a jewellery lamp!! This type of book that can while away some boring hours can be a Godsend for lonely isolated people. Blessings Rosina from london x
Chocolate, Nutmeg
Posted by Gabrielle (Los Angeles, Ca) on 03/27/2014
Chocolate can definitely increase anxiety levels! I am super sensitive & get heart palps from anything with caffeine!
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.
Zinc
Posted by Bodulica (Barrie) on 09/03/2013
★★★★★
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.
Acupuncture
Posted by Phoenix126 (Branchburg, Nj, USA) on 08/31/2012
★★★★★
I have never suffered any depression, panic or anxiety my entire life. I had the normal ups and downs everyone typically has, but nothing ever so severe where it felt life threatening and debilitating. I had a pretty severe panic attack which lead to obsessive worrying and anxiety for the last 5 months. It was directly connected to a liver detox a chiropractor / AK recommended. Whatever the liver detox did to me, unleashed and ravaged my life for the last 5 months. Ongoing anxiety attacks and obsessive worrying. I went to a dr and all they wanted to do is prescrive meds and kept assuring me its normal and most of the population takes them. Umm... No thanks.. I was not like this before this event so something must have happened.
To make a long story short. As for treatments...
- I tried valerium, holy basil, lemon balm, anxiety supplements, vitamin b complex, and all of the sorts.
- I tried hypnosis, chiropractic and other forms of therapy which did not work.
To narrow down what did work.
- The chiropractic helped releive minor anxiety for less than a day.
- Acupuncture was the holy grail to a true feeling of calmness and relieve. Other times after intense work outs I felt like I did not have anxiety, I didn't.. But subconciously I was worried and obsessivly thinking about dying and all sorts of horrible feelings. The difference was after my 3rd visit, I felt a true "release" of all the worries. What did the accupuncture do? I don't know exactly but from my research of the points they put on my body, I am guessing even though my thyroid levels were normal, I could have been out of balance. My other feeling on this, I have noticed a drastic increase in many pepole I know having these exact same issues, not a coincdene considering the radiation fallout from japan has already circled several times. Radiation is bad for the thyroid, thyroid issues will cause panic, anxiety and depression.
So the game plan:
- Read positive books such as Think and Grow Rich, Tony Robbins products.
- Get Acupuncture and Chiropractic treatments
- Take hot epsom salt baths with essential oils for scents to stimulate your brain
- High Intenseity exercise and daily walks
- Socialize even if you are not in the mood, be around positive people that will push you outside of your comfort zone.
- Take at least 2000-3000mg of fish oil/day ACV every third day
- Get your thyroid checked!
- Cry it out if you have to, there are stored emotions you should not hold back. At some point you wont be able to cry anymore, crying is a way for the body to release. Why do you think people cry?
Potassium
Posted by Kobus (Roodepoort, South Africa) on 04/06/2012
★★★★★
After suffering for years with palpitations, anxiety and panic attacts I read on a (afrikaans) forum that it might be a shortage of potassium. I`ve bought a supplement of potassium... And started eating foods like banana etc rich in potassium. I also supplement with magnesium and calsium. I feel so much better.
May this also help you!
5-HTP
Posted by Sandhya (Maui) on 09/08/2015
Author of Mood Cure Book is Julie Ross I believe. She also wrote another book after that .... The Diet Cure Book.
Antacids
Posted by Kellie (California, US) on 01/08/2015
Tums is just baking soda and aspirin. It may be cheaper and healthier for you to just take baking soda. I started taking baking soda daily to get rid of a cold, and I started to notice my anxiety and panic attacks would go away within ten to twenty minutes of drinking baking soda. So I started looking online for others who have experienced the same thing. Baking soda seems to be very helpful in reducing or eliminating them. Including magnesium and potassium in your regimen helps even more. So it makes total sense to me that a mineral supplement, and "green pills" which are alkalizing just like baking soda, helps a lot.
Antacids
Posted by Beau (New Zealand) on 10/10/2015
One teaspoon mixed with a glass of warm water. Drink it all down. The following burps flavour should betray to you the offending food source..
Cup of Tea
Posted by Jqueen (Atlanta, Ga, 30309) on 06/20/2011
★★★★★
Anxiety disorder is terrible, and it's worse if you are prone to having panic attacks, like me. I recently taken up drinking tea, and it's a pleasing experience. That matched with mild work outs, cool showers, and other things meant to give you piece of mind have REALLY helped. The best kinds of tea I've found are green, white, and especially chamomile. Chamomile is kind of like the "relax" tea. Stay away from teas with high caffeine count as that will make anxiety matters worse. If you can get decaf, good! If not, white, green, and chamomile are probably the best. Stick to organic, and prefferably loose tea. Make sure to drink it with NATURAL spring water. Actually, you should be drinking natural spring water, period! No flouridated water, for your health's sake. Tea has helped me in many ways. I'm sure it'll help you!
Cup of Tea
Posted by Everson11 (Mt) on 01/03/2016
★★★★★
I was having a good sized panic attack about nothing last night (flashing lights in a movie)... That sets me off for whatever reason...
One cup of Chamomile, and I was good for the rest of the night... I think I'll use it every night for the fun of it...
I will get some peppermint as well, thanks for mentioning that
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jojogirl (Glendora, Ca, Usa) on 03/29/2011
★★★★★
A few things that I have learned about dealing with anxiety:
1) find a intergrated medical expert - usually an actual medical doctor that uses holistic medicines whenever possible. I see Dr. Hyla Cass (www.cassmd.com)
2) find a chiropractor that does "muscle testing" or applied kinesiology (especially NRT)
3) have your thryoid, adrenals and candida levels checked.
4) try to get off Rx drugs using www.theroadback.org
Deep Breathing
Posted by Joeyther (Memramcook, Nb, Canada) on 03/06/2011
★★★★★
In researching the causes of anxiety attacks, I believe it beneficial to note that 'breathing' is essential to physical well being. Shallow breathing which leads to insufficient oxygen appears a catalyst to these attacks.
What does that mean? When an anxiety attacks appears, get up and move, fast if you can, run, walk, whatever, just remember to get those lungs filled with air and gently exhale through your mouth. Repeat slowly and deeply enough to accomplish a replenishment of oxygen without hyperventilating. Hold your intake of air for a few seconds and slowly exhale through your mouth, repeat at least 10 times.
Iodine
Posted by Mike (Vancouver, Canada) on 02/03/2011
★★★★☆
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
Posted by Jd (Huntsville, Al) on 07/17/2010
★★★★★
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.
5-HTP
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/11/2017
I switched from Citalopram 20mg., a common SSRI to 5HTP 50mg. by cutting the Citalopram in half for a few days while simultaneously starting the 5HTP and experienced no transition problems.
Valerian
Posted by greenbeanz39 (Clarkston, Washington) on 05/21/2009
★★★★★
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.
Apples, Water
Posted by Oldriska (Prague, Czech Republic) on 05/13/2012
★★★★★
I agree that dehydration may trigger anxiety. It definitely was a factor in my first panic attack, also, supposedly many people experience attacks after they had been drinking alcohol.
Drinking herbal/green tea, plenty of water, eliminating alcohol and coffee from my diet has helped me a lot when dealing with anxiety, and so did changing my eating habits. I found that I had been missing on some essential vitamins, so adding those to my diet was a part of the healing process. A lot of people nowadays have low magnesium and/or 'B' vitamins intake (I used to get cravings for peanut butter, apples and celery, now I know why), which may also add to your anxiety.
Taurine
Posted by Dinah (Cleveland, Ohio) on 07/12/2008
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.
Acupressure on the Stomach
Posted by Gary (Mesa, AZ) on 05/08/2008
★★★★★
Dear Earth Clinic, I may have some good advice on how to drastically cut or eliminate depression/anxiety. An exercise. I lay over the edge of the couch face down with my lower stomach on the arm. Keeping my legs straight on the couch I lean down with my torso and back up straight. This works the back muscles and takes pressure off the spine and nerves. Also, a simple visit to the chiropractor helped tremendously.Thanks, Gary.
EC: We emailed Gary for more details...
Acupressure on the Stomach
Posted by Kayla (Nashville, Tn) on 04/27/2012
★★★★★
There is a much much much easier way to do this "couch exercise! " Just use a small blanket or towel and bunch it up into a tight ball. It should be about the size of a medium watermelon when it is all bunched up. Put the bunched up towel/blanket on the floor and lay tummy down with your stomach on top of it. It will be uncomfortable at first but shouldn't hurt. Then, wiggle your hips from side to side slowly for 2-5 minutes. You can experiment with having the towel/blanket higher on your stomach or lower. The way it was explained to me this process releases serotonin from your gut while also giving your insides a massage. Some find it helps with digestive issues or even menstrual difficulties in addition to mood/depression/anxiety issues.
5-HTP
Posted by Tara (Ohio) on 10/31/2017
I was able to get off of a combination of Wellbutrin (Anxiety) and Vyvanse (ADHD) almost two years ago. I take a daily 750mg GABA, 100mg 5-HTP and about 200mg of chelated magnesium. Both were "adult onset". In the end I think I was just really, really deficient in magnesium and was going through hormonal changes at the same time. It took me about 6 months to get back to normal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ayla (Sumter, South Carolina) on 06/25/2011
Just add a pinch of baking soda to lower the acidity.. :) I'm very sensitive to anything going in my tummy, and my Mom told me about the BS.. No problem since. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Reeka (Milan, Italy) on 05/24/2015
I suffer from a very severe anxiety disorder brought on by many catastrophic traumas one after the other in my life. The anxiety is constant, the horrible racing thoughts, the what-ifs, stomach in knots, insomnia, you name it. I am in therapy and medication. If I try the apple cider vinegar remedy I will have to stop the meds immediately right? How many days do I have to wait to see the effects?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 05/26/2015 2042 posts
R: It is advised by many naturopathic Physicians to minimize pharmaceutical mind medications as the side effects can, in themselves, be debilitating.
Here are some natural alternatives for healthy mind. Yoga & Transcendental Meditation. Warm baths of Epsom Salts or Magnesium tablets taken orally. Herbs like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Valerian, Hops are helpful. Audio or healing harmonic music is becoming increasingly popular for helping correct an whole array of both mental and physical conditions. Go to YouTube.com and type in your condition ("anxiety") plus the words "binaural beats" or "isochornic beats" and listen to this music w/ headphones whenever you can and especially before sleep or while relaxing in bed. Most of these artist have their own YT channel and information about purchasing the tracts so you can download them to your mobile devise and listen when you can.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 06/27/2018
Try adding a 1/4 teaspoon of Baking SODA & 1 teaspoon of organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with "the mother") to a 16-ounce glass of filtered water. The Baking Soda may prevent your stomach upset.
Rhodiola
Posted by Margie (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/29/2010
To Debra from Texas: You mentioned it "hurt" your stomach at first. You might probably had a stomach ulcer and didn't know it. ACV is the cure for that too.
My guess about anxiety and why people might not come back and comment on their problem for long term results...it probably really works and we forget what problems we have when they are gone. I have been using ACV and various other remedies from this site for almost 6 months now. I will admit I was a mess before and I forget all the problems I used to have. I did make a list/journal when I first started these home remedies and update often.
