Treat Anxiety the Natural Way

Valium is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the nation-but many people suffering from anxiety disorders would reap huge benefits from giving natural remedies a try. Alternatives to prescription drugs can help you to sidestep common side effects as well as the terrible withdrawal symptoms that can occur should you forget to refill an anti-anxiety med in time. For those already taking a number of medicines for other conditions, a natural treatment may be the only feasible option.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy involves meeting with a therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist or psychiatrist either in a one-on-one or group setting to discuss how to cope with anxiety. CBT explores ways of improving self esteem and enhancing personal skills, and learning how to deal with stress and situations or things that trigger anxiety.

The Mind-Body Connection

Mind and body techniques such as yoga and meditation are being recognized as excellent ways of reducing anxiety without the need for expensive or potentially dangerous drugs.

You should also consider of the following natural alternatives that are gaining popularity in treating anxiety disorders:

-Biofeedback

- Hypnosis

- Massage therapy

- Shiatsu

- Tai chi

Your Exercise Rx

Unfortunately, many people immediately discount the benefits of exercise and never realize how much it actually does help when dealing with anxiety, stress, and tension. Scientific research has proven that exercise increases the production of hormones and chemicals in the brain known as endorphins that elevate one's mood. The more you exercise, the more endorphins are created, increasing the feelings of well being and happiness.

Follow Your Nose

Aromatherapy-the use of essential oils to treat and wide array of symptoms-is enjoying a surge of popularity, and many people have found it successful in easing their anxiety. Oil candles come to mind first when aromatherapy is mentioned, but oil massages and scented baths are also employed to treat anxiety as well as insomnia and depression. Aromatherapy is definitely worth giving a try before resorting to expensive and potentially dangerous drugs.

If you're ready to experiment with aromatherapy, look for the following oils:

- Bergamot

- Cypress

- Geranium

- Jasmine

- Lavender

- Neroli

- Orange

- Patchouli

- Rose

- Sandalwood

- Ylang-ylang

Herbs and Flowering Roots

Chamomile, a flower reminiscent of the daisy, has been used medicinally since ancient times throughout Asia and Europe. Chamomile tea has been long been a trusted remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Some people do report adverse reactions to chamomile so people with allergies or women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this plant.

Valerian root, or valeriana officinalis, is an herb that's long been used for treating insomnia, although those with mild anxiety may benefit from it's calming properties. The herb can be found in teas, capsules, or in liquid extract and generally shouldn't be taken for more than a few months at a time. Another herb, passionflower, is also used for coping with anxiety, although it may cause a serious reaction in those taking certain prescription medications.

Any treatment regimen should be begun only with the blessing of your doctor and needs time to take effect. Prescription meds for anxiety like Effexor need weeks to take effect-so give your alternative method at least an equal grace period. If you get impatient over a perceived lack of results, you'll l only grow more anxious, which would of course completely defeat the purpose of your endeavors-so give it time and be consistent.