By Brent Crouch
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
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on finding unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns and replacing them with more constructive methods of thinking and acting. In CBT, the psychologist or counselor guides the client or group of clients in learning to deal with stressful situations and to refrain from anxiety-triggering thoughts.
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.
Some other promising natural treatments for anxiety include:
-Biofeedback
- Hypnosis or self hypnosis
- Massage therapy
- Shiatsu
- Tai chi
Endorphins and Exercise
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.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is becoming ever more widely used in treating a range of conditions of which anxiety is only one. The technique involves breathing in fragrant essential oils in the form of candles, scented baths, or massage oils. Many people have found it effective-at the very least it's a good deal more pleasant than swallowing pills.
Some of the most commonly used oils for treating anxiety include:
- Bergamot
- Cypress
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Orange
- Patchouli
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Ylang-ylang
Herbs and Flowering Roots
Chamomile, a flowering plant resembling the daisy, has been used for countless years in ancient medicinal preparations all throughout Asia and most of Europe. Besides being used for treating stomach ailments or digestive conditions, chamomile is also said to be useful for reducing anxiety and relieving insomnia. Some people report having allergic reactions to the plant, especially those with allergies, and women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn't use chamomile as a natural treatment for anxiety.
Valerian Root, or valeriana officinalis as it is scientifically known, has calming properties helpful for milder forms of anxiety. It can be taken as a tea, capsule, or liquid and can be used safely for several continuous months but it is not recommended for long-term use. Passionflower is another herb esteemed for its calming properties. It can react adversely with some prescription meds so doublecheck with your pharmacist before you try this remedy.
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.
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
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on finding unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns and replacing them with more constructive methods of thinking and acting. In CBT, the psychologist or counselor guides the client or group of clients in learning to deal with stressful situations and to refrain from anxiety-triggering thoughts.
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.
Some other promising natural treatments for anxiety include:
-Biofeedback
- Hypnosis or self hypnosis
- Massage therapy
- Shiatsu
- Tai chi
Endorphins and Exercise
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.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is becoming ever more widely used in treating a range of conditions of which anxiety is only one. The technique involves breathing in fragrant essential oils in the form of candles, scented baths, or massage oils. Many people have found it effective-at the very least it's a good deal more pleasant than swallowing pills.
Some of the most commonly used oils for treating anxiety include:
- Bergamot
- Cypress
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Orange
- Patchouli
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Ylang-ylang
Herbs and Flowering Roots
Chamomile, a flowering plant resembling the daisy, has been used for countless years in ancient medicinal preparations all throughout Asia and most of Europe. Besides being used for treating stomach ailments or digestive conditions, chamomile is also said to be useful for reducing anxiety and relieving insomnia. Some people report having allergic reactions to the plant, especially those with allergies, and women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn't use chamomile as a natural treatment for anxiety.
Valerian Root, or valeriana officinalis as it is scientifically known, has calming properties helpful for milder forms of anxiety. It can be taken as a tea, capsule, or liquid and can be used safely for several continuous months but it is not recommended for long-term use. Passionflower is another herb esteemed for its calming properties. It can react adversely with some prescription meds so doublecheck with your pharmacist before you try this remedy.
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.
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