Natural Anxiety Relief

[Jordan86]

I have major problems with anxiety and it disrupts my life. Social anxiety in particular but other anxiety as well. It's not that I'm super shy, it's not that I have a conscious fear embarrassing myself so much. It's that I just feel really uncomfortable and anxious and can't remain calm. It's just a really bad feeling that comes over me. I liken it to people who are afraid of heights how they instantly feel uncomfortable when approaching high places even when they haven't even thought about the possibility of falling yet. That's what it's like to me, it just happens. People are like think positively, but I'm you don't understand, it's not even rational, it just happens. It's a feeling not a thought process, I'm not listing all the ways one can fail in my head, I'm just instantly feeling bad.

I had a 8 AM communications class this summer, in order to give speeches I would drink whiskey shortly before class. You shouldn't have to drink to get up in front of people.

Right after I got out of highschool I got a call from a place I applied to work at, saying come in for an interview. I drove to the place. walked up to the door, and turned back around and drove home skipping my interview.

so yes, it really is a problem. I saw kava mentioned in the painkiller thread, are there some others? I don't want to go to a doctor and get on pharmacudical drugs.

[Mario]

Sorry to hear you're having trouble.

I'd suggest positive affirmations before and after sleep http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEqdr_Awdak , get plenty of rest, eat healthy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZlVpthaYEs , get plenty of exercise, clean house, try qi gong or yoga, and listen to uplifting music.

[Jordan86]

Originally Posted by Mario

Sorry to hear you're having trouble.

I'd suggest positive affirmations before and after sleep http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEqdr_Awdak , get plenty of rest, eat healthy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZlVpthaYEs , get plenty of exercise, clean house, try qi gong or yoga, and listen to uplifting music.

I try to get enough rest, most nights I get between 6 1/2 hours and 7, with the exception of those nights where I'm lying in bed and just restless. I am trying to eat healthy. I don't knowingly eat any sugar whatsoever. I don't eat fried food at all. I do eat catfish but it's not fried, it's baked. I mostly eat chicken because that's my favorite food, either chicken breast strips cooked in pan with just cooking spray to keep it from sticking, or sometimes I will make a bunch of drumsticks, or sometimes I will cook a whole chicken. I eat a lot of green vegetables, especially baby spinach. I don't eat processed starch, I don't eat a lot of grains in general but when I do it will be like a piece of whole wheat bread or maybe a small amount of brown rice. Eating better hasn't helped with my anxiety but it has made me sleep a lot better and gives me more energy, and makes it to where I don't get depressed as often.

Bouts of depression are something else I deal with but aren't as big as problem as anxiety and are usually something I can just sort of ride out. Anxiety is my main problem. Anyone who want's to recommend something for depression I would appreciate that also. I do not want to get medicated by a doctor.

The only thing natural that helps with anxiety to any degree is exercise. I generally have less anxiety when I exercise but exercise still isn't cutting it by itself. I do between three and four hours of cardio a week. Immediately after a good work out i have less anxiety and to a lesser extent I will have less anxiety the day after.

[golly]

Raw vedgy smoothies, which are high in calcium and B complex can help a great deal..
Kratom is great for temporary relief , while retaining good control over normal activities.

[ishkaboo]

weed helps me with anxiety immensely, but not everyone will fare so well since it makes some people paranoid.

[Jordan86]

I like weed, but it makes me intoxicated. I want something that makes everyday functioning more bearable. I'm a college student, and I would not give a presentation high for example. I don't smoke very often, anymore. I smoked a lot in highschool. I've sort of lost contact with the people I used to both smoke with and get my weed from.

I have nothing against weed, but I don't plan on using it for anxiety relief.

[ishkaboo]

Originally Posted by Jordan86

I like weed, but it makes me intoxicated. I want something that makes everyday functioning more bearable. I'm a college student, and I would not give a presentation high for example. I don't smoke very often, anymore. I smoked a lot in highschool. I've sort of lost contact with the people I used to both smoke with and get my weed from.

I have nothing against weed, but I don't plan on using it for anxiety relief.

To each his own. I can understand now wanting to give a presentation high that seems like a nightmare.

[cactuswren]

I would recommend an herbal combination of Valerian, skullcap, passionflower, and hops. The best way to take this is in a standardized extract. You can find several sleep formulas containing a similar standardized extract combo in co-ops or vitamin and supplement stores. These do not make me sleepy if taken during the day, but definitely reduce anxiety. Another option is kava kava. I can't use it because of my comprimised liver, but if you are healthy, this would probably work exceptionally well for your anxiety. You can buy standardized extracts or just cap up the powdered root and try that. One of the sponsors here, KT Botanicals carries all the herbs I have mentioned. I suggest you email Tylor at KT, explain you situation, and see what he reccomends. He is a great guy and very helpfull. Finally, I would reccomend working with a therapist who specializes in anxiety and panic disorders. If you learn to be aware of when your body begins to become anxious, you can use your thoughts to control the anxiety from becomming worse.

[floppypeter]

I suffer from some bizarre form of anxiety for most of my life.

For whatever reason I seem to be a round peg in a square world. I have tried many methods.

Marijuana is very helpful but it robs me of keen focus and isn't always available, handy, or appropriate. Sometimes marijuana can leave me "frozen" or doing the same thing over and over.

What seems to work almost always is exercise/work to the point of exhaustion. Second to that i recommend sex or masturbation.

[steeq]

I think the first step you have already taken.....recognizing it. I too have anxiety, its tough to deal with.

Some thing that have helped me, that I actually learned from here are: If you find yourself in a situation, realize that you are anxious and either remove yourself or find some way of talking about it.

Talking about it has helped me. Find someone that you trust and tell them what triggers it and what scares you; talking helps. It was hard for me to admit, I saw it as a weakness. But you can't fix what you don't acknowledge. There are others battling the same battle as you, maybe not to the extent, but a lot of us have anxiety too. Learn to embrace it, it is part of who you are. If you fight it, it only comes back in anthother form.

Keep your head up and have pride in who you are. If you ever need anyone to talk to, there are plenty of people here who have been there. PM me, I'll be glad to be a listener.

Best wishes

[Cornfield]

excercise man. especially of a morning. some morning go out and excercise to the point of exhaustion and then take a shower and start your day. its the best thing ive found. im by no means a health freak, i smoke cigs and im obese. i have EXTREME anxiety as well, it got so bad that i wouldnt leave me house for weeks at a time, i would make my girl go in the store while i sat in the car. try to acomplish something everyday, big or small, you will feel great!

[roc]

OK - I'll vouch for the previous couple of posts regarding HEAVY DUTY EXERTION, otherwise known as physical activity!

I am heading past the half century mark and can assure you that it is the only real relief!

In my early 20's I had the shit so bad I could not even stand myself sometimes... I've done it all but I was put on a bicycle and told to pump as hard and fast as I could until I could go no more. Guess what? It was an immediate release of all the shit built up in me.

Over the years I have done it all... Prozac, wellbutrin, shit I can't even remember all the names but at the end of the day the only relief was running, biking, climbing up the mountain. When I got real bad in the mountains I could go up that trail fast and hard and when I reached exhaustion then I did a mental picture of unloading the luggage and going back down after I collapsed and guess again... RELIEF!

Just get up off you ass and do it - it works!

I think our evolution and change in lifestyle causes this shit but then thats just my opinion.

[roc]

Kudos to floppy and corn!

Great advice!

[jwmyspace2000]

i suggest you dont take drugs to prevent anxiety.drugs are fun and stuff but in the long run your just making things worse.i'v tried a few anti-anxiety herbal OTC meds.the best thing by far is valerian pretty much nothign else compares.the first time i tryed it i took 3 standardized extract caps which was the recommended dose and i jsut kinda felt relaxed sorta weak.the nex time i tryed it i took 8 and fell asleep for about 14 hours.when i woke up i stunk horribly.i experimented with valerian about 6 times a month and the entire month i stunk horribly.while reading about nutmeg i found out that the terrible smell of valerian and also nutmeg can somehow leak thruough your pores.the first thing i noticed was my armpits which smelled 24/7 like old dirty shoes.even while showering i could smell my armpits,after showers,after using deoderant,after swimming.at first i thought i was just getting older or something you know cuz im sorta young.i beleive valerian will also make you constipated.i know alot of people in nursing,docters and stuff and i'v heard alot of about benzo withdraws.dont ever take benzos for anxiety,benzos are made from valerian buts its alot different.i think i would have to agree with the excercising comments,i suggest biking.

TLDR: OTC meds will make you smell and PRESC meds will kill you but both of them make things worse.

whatever im high, fuck did i just type?

[UniqueShroomer]

I had an ex girlfriend who had severe anxiety/panic attacks that use to prevent her from getting through some situations. Exercise really does help even you out, eating healthy as well!
However there is a natural supplement '5-HTP' which can help stabilize and boost your serotonin level and if taken on a regular basis does help with a variety of problems including anxiety disoroders. It won't cure you, but it will definitely help. You can get it at most any drug store, CVS, walgreens etc.

[LuMaShI]

My tattooist was telling me when getting Polynesian tattoos that they use extract from Kava root as a mild sedative. I need something BAD for anxiety. Anyone have any ideas? I don't know how to obtain Kava roots.

[UniqueShroomer]

There is a reputable place that actually has a Kava Bar located in Boca Raton with a variety of Kava Kava you can buy. I've been to the bar and they are some very cool people.

[LuMaShI]

Originally Posted by UniqueShroomer

[URL]There is a reputable place that actually has a Kava Bar located in Boca Raton with a variety of Kava Kava you can buy. I've been to the bar and they are some very cool people.

Thanks brother!!! You are awesome!!!

[cheech]

here's a link to some of the best kava on the planet. gary is a straight up person, and i recommend his product highly.

[limeade]

Lobelia tea ,Lobelia (pan pien lien) works the best, it's better then valium, drink the tea till you get a peppery burning sensation on your tongue/back of throat, (this doesn't hurt and lasts abut 4 minutes) give it a few minutes, and it's way better then valium! plus it's natural!

[nugget]

maybe im wrong here but isnt dmt supposed to desensitize the receptors that cause anxiety?
Dmt!
it might not be nice at first , be warned!

[hyphaenation]

Kava Kava is amazing for a nerve , anxiety tonic. It is however illegal in some places , in some forms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava

[floppypeter]

Recommending DMT for high anxiety issues is off the mark IMO. I don't know anyone who feels relaxed while high on dmt. Stress/anxiety is too much of the wrong stimulus, DMT would muddy the waters imho.

I recommend exercise and a regular daily schedule. Getting up at the same time and sticking to bed-time and regular meals is helpful. Plan out three simple tasks to get done by 11am everyday. If they cant be done in this time make them smaller and break the tasks into manageable parts.

Be nice to yourself and spend your life doing things that give you joy.

Everyone has their own pace and style, you shouldn't feel angst if yours is different from most others. Some birds are odd and rare, we cant all be pigeons and seagulls.

[LuMaShI]

Originally Posted by cheech

here's a link to some of the best kava on the planet. gary is a straight up person, and i recommend his product highly.
http://www.realkava.com/index.html

Also THANK YOU BROTHER!!!!

and nugget, I have to agree with floppy peter, lol, if I was having an anxiety attack the last thing I would want is a huge dose of DMT

[the_heretic]

i would also recommend trying to score job interviews that you have NO INTENTION of accepting the job.
just practice runs, if you will.

i suffer from the same afflictions, though my depression far outweighs my anxieties...
but i believe that going into a situation with a "fuck it, its not THAT important" attitude greatly relieves the stress of the situation.
and after a few rounds of interviews,
you will have some practice, and practice makes near perfect.

therapy is also good,
an impartial third party somehow makes things easier.

good luck,
good vibes!

[LuMaShI]

Originally Posted by the_heretic

i would also recommend trying to score job interviews that you have NO INTENTION of accepting the job.
just practice runs, if you will.

i suffer from the same afflictions, though my depression far outweighs my anxieties...
but i believe that going into a situation with a "fuck it, its not THAT important" attitude greatly relieves the stress of the situation.
and after a few rounds of interviews,
you will have some practice, and practice makes near perfect.

therapy is also good,
an impartial third party somehow makes things easier.

good luck,
good vibes!

Even though I didn't even start this thread, thanks for all the great advice. The job application one is a good one, that feeling of accomplishment lol. But no seriously I'm filling out an application to actually get a job.

[Elf Salvation]

Eating oats is good for anxiety.

[jugstar]

i'm new to this but really intrested in getting stoned. i,ve just got on to all this mushroom growing which i think is amazing and can,t wait to start but where do you get sporse from...??????? i'm not blonde or stupid , i m just getting to grips with it all. any help would be helpful.. jugstar

[roc]

Originally Posted by jugstar

i'm new to this but really intrested in getting stoned. i,ve just got on to all this mushroom growing which i think is amazing and can,t wait to start but where do you get sporse from...??????? i'm not blonde or stupid , i m just getting to grips with it all. any help would be helpful.. jugstar

Welcome to 'topia!

Checkout starting your own thread next time... kind of crashing in on this one - try and stay on subject.

Hit me up if you are new to the whole online board thing - have you tried a PM before?

Anyways... glad to see ya here! Instead of answering me here pick a forum and start a new thread and we'll get you going.

[cactuswren]

Just did some research on Picamilon, GABA bonded to B6. Some are giving it rave reviews for anxiety relief. KT sells it but is out at this time. It is also quite expensive. If you look on the web there are many suppliers of it. I haven't tried it myself so I can not endorse or dis it in any way.

[logicpill]

I can give you some tips to deal with the anxiety, as I've been going through a ton of that myself. This has helped a lot for me, but take it all with a grain of salt.

The largest thing has been to avoid caffeine. I would drink soft drinks and coffee all day and right up until I went to bed, but after getting past the withdrawl headaches, things got much better. The caffeine seems to lower the limit of allowable stress/anxiety before freak-outs occur.

I'd avoid anti-depressants unless you start having panic attacks regularly. Even then, I'd avoid just taking what the doctor recommends and going with it. If I remember correctly, there are three main types of anti-depressants, and most doctors now are either giving out the latest SSRI that they are being paid to promote, or giving out lorazepam (think xanax without the euphoria). The anti-depressants are a little different for everyone, but mostly you get the bad side effects up front and then 3 months later you still have the stress but it doesn't matter as bad. The lorazepam type drugs are more anti-psychotic/anti-mania/anti-anxiety and are given out to take whenever you have a problem, but also have very bad addictive properties and long term side effects.

As far as herbal goes, you can try St. John's Wort, which is the most popular. There is also chamomile, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, passion flower, peppermint, skullcap, and a ton of other herbs. Each is a little different, like peppermint is better for stomach type anxiety or frazzled nerves, skullcap is good at preventing panic attacks and getting to sleep, chamomile is good for the upset stomach and a little calming, ginseng is uplifting, etc.

I remember sinicuichi ("the sun opener") as possibly having some anti-anxiety or at least anti-depressant properties, but I'm not sure it is something you'd want to be taking every day or not.

A lot of supplements are said to help, but I've never tried them because they are so expensive. A bottle of 5-HTP would likely be twenty bucks.

[Mario]

I recently started going back to church after a 3 year sabbatical and it helps with anxiety significantly. Uplifting music in a good setting with a progressive lesson in the middle really helps reprogram the mind to be more healthy. That and spiritual growth of coarse. Have a relationship with Jesus, that's the best way IMO.

[limeade]

Lorazepam (attivan) is nothing more then 2.5 milligrams of valium. If one wanted to abuse lorazepam it's no different then valium.

xanax is completely different then lorazepam, it's a 'pam, but not the same.

lor and diaz are about the same.

who gets euphoria from xanax anyhow?

[tyler]

If anyone would like to discuss some options i.e. kava extract, mulungu, manaca, phenibut, magnolia, etc., pleae feel free to email me at KTBotanicals@aol.com I know what it feels like to have anxiety rule your life, and theres some very effective herbs for this condition.

[Mermaidia]

Hey guys! Please be sure to check out our sponsors for products and do not post links to non sponsors.
Tyler really knows his stuff please check out KT Botanicals.

[ishkaboo]

L-Theanine

It is naturally found in green tea and is the chemical responsible for blocking some of caffeine's negative effects in tea. It is a non-essential amino acid that is good for you. It is available in supplements since there is only a small amount in tea. I use it for anxiety all the time. It increases GABA in your brain and makes you relax, and it focuses you at the same time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine

[EmmisonJ]

Originally Posted by UniqueShroomer

I had an ex girlfriend who had severe anxiety/panic attacks that use to prevent her from getting through some situations. Exercise really does help even you out, eating healthy as well!
However there is a natural supplement '5-HTP' which can help stabilize and boost your serotonin level and if taken on a regular basis does help with a variety of problems including anxiety disoroders. It won't cure you, but it will definitely help. You can get it at most any drug store, CVS, walgreens etc.

i used to take 5-htp to preload and postload rolls for a bit, then after i broke from rolling for a bit i decided to try 5-htp on its own and it encouraged a positive mood but, perhaps i overdid it, but it left me also feeling energetic with a decent bit of anxiety which i didn't have before plus an added difficulty sleeping. i stopped the 5-htp and leveled back out, i think it was because perhaps i didn't need 5-htp did begin with so failed to reap any reward from it - i tried it on its own just for the hell of it. but everybody's brain chemistry is different so it's like they say: different strokes for different folks, i would indeed recommend giving it a shot because it works for alot of people and certainly worked for fighting seratonin depletion due to MDMA use. it honestly made MDMA comedowns practically nonexistant except for being supertired/lazy the day after but no emotional downside and still just as enjoyable of an experience.

definitely exercise to the point of exhaustion and rehydrate yourself (great advise there guys), aside from that experiment carefully with small doses until you find what works.

[slipp3ry]

Originally Posted by the_heretic

i would also recommend trying to score job interviews that you have NO INTENTION of accepting the job.
just practice runs, if you will.

i suffer from the same afflictions, though my depression far outweighs my anxieties...
but i believe that going into a situation with a "fuck it, its not THAT important" attitude greatly relieves the stress of the situation.
and after a few rounds of interviews,
you will have some practice, and practice makes near perfect.

therapy is also good,
an impartial third party somehow makes things easier.

good luck,
good vibes!

this is seriously good advice. I have to find a job and Im about to start interviews.. and Im going to take this mentality with me. Maybe i'll even go for jobs I absolutely know I cant land first, just to practice like you said. Good idea..

[slipp3ry]

Originally Posted by limeade

Lorazepam (attivan) is nothing more then 2.5 milligrams of valium. If one wanted to abuse lorazepam it's no different then valium.

xanax is completely different then lorazepam, it's a 'pam, but not the same.

lor and diaz are about the same.

who gets euphoria from xanax anyhow?

i totally agree. I have heard so many people say Xanax=Valium and I am just like no, no way. It is not the same. They are both benzodiazepams but they do not have the same effect on me whatsoever.

Xanax makes me tired, slow, and effects my memory.. makes me very forgetful. Its a good pill for a sleeping aid, but thats about it (for me). If you drink on it... lookout. Be prepared to wake up with no recollection of ANYTHING , seriously , and you'll probably be banned from some local bars and such for being completely out of control.

Valium, makes me cool, and euphoric. It feels warm like a hydrocodone. I dont know if this is just from personal chemistry or what, but I love valium and i dont really care for xanax at all.

[TastyBeverage]

My boss recently gave me a handful of these sublingual Gaba extract pills she got for anxiety at a high end vitamin store. They taste good, like oranges and within 15 minutes there is a definite feeling of relaxation. I just took one to try it out (not while having an anxiety attack) so i can't say how effective it is for a bad attack, but i watched my boss take one while she was having a bad attack and she seemed a lot more relaxed and upbeat afterwards. Normally when she has a bad attack she has to take an adavan and go take a nap upstairs for an hour.

[Jordan86]

Thanks everyone for your input. I've been drinking kava tea and have noticed immediate positive affects. Honestly I realized there was something to it from the very first sip I took. I've been experiment with different amount to see what is about right. So far what seems to work best is a cup in the morning and another in the afternoon. Some times if things are going good I won't drink the cup in the afternoon.

I've also been taking st john's wort but haven't noticed anything positive or negative.

It's only been a little over a week so far, but I am very optimistic. Social functioning is noticeably improved, I don't fidget as much when I talk to people don't get as nervous I look them directly in the eye as opposed to away from them. As far as you know real basic day to day functioning it's helped. It's a real balanced calm after it set's in. It doesn't feel like I'm a drug. I feel more like what seems naturally I should be.

Thank you everyone, I will keep working on it, and looking into your advice. I'm exercising regularly and avoid eating sugary foods, fried foods, or processed white flour bread products.

The Tea I drink has 78 mg of Kava Root Extract in it.

[tyler]

75mg of Kava Kava has been shown to be as effective as Rx benzos for anxiety. Gotta love Kava Kava.

[blabbly]

Jordan, that's great to hear. I too have some struggles with social anxiety.
Tyler, you say 75mg is a good amount. What does that mean? 75mg kavalactones? (spelled wrong, I'm sure). Do you have any idea as to what a good amount of powdered root would be?

[tyler]

75mg of kavalactones. I eat 14g of kava root at a time personally. Another VERY highly recommended botanical is Erythrina Mulungu, and its cousin Erythrina variegata. 15-30g of mulungu and I think you will forget what Anxiety is.

[steeq]

Originally Posted by KTBotanicals

75mg of kavalactones. I eat 14g of kava root at a time personally. Another VERY highly recommended botanical is Erythrina Mulungu, and its cousin Erythrina variegata. 15-30g of mulungu and I think you will forget what Anxiety is.

Would you mind telling us how Mulungu tastes? Any recipes?

Thanks

BTW- Glad to hear you are doing well Jordan

[tyler]

Its actually quite difficult to desribe the taste of mulungu ha. It has that strange kava-like taste, rooty, earthy, but without the numbing. Also, its not nearly as bad tasting in my opinion. Definitely drinkable. I usually put 15-20g in water, heat it up for 10 minutes, never boiling, and let it set. I then pour off the liquid and try to leave as much of the powdery sludge at the bottom of the pot. If all of this seems simply too difficult, there is also a very close relative of mulung called erythrina variegata which a well known, reputable vendor on this board sells a 5X extract of. Variegata is used for the same purposes as E. Verna, or Mulungu, and is popular in both TCM and Ayurvedic medicine systems. With the 5X extract, only 3-4g is required, making it easy to pill up or toss and wash. Hope this helps.

Tyler
KTB

[steeq]

Thanks KT. How are the sedative effects IYO versus Kava? Is it stronger? Kava seems to be lacking a little in that department.

[tyler]

Originally Posted by steeq

Thanks KT. How are the sedative effects IYO versus Kava? Is it stronger? Kava seems to be lacking a little in that department.

In my opinion, mulungu is stronger in effects, but takes more material.

[entheogenetics]

Hey KTB, would you recommend phenibut for anxiety?

[tyler]

If I were suffering from anxiety, I would MOST DEFINITELY consider phenibut as it is probably one of the most effective non Rx compounds that I have come across. Picamilon is also quite nice.