Valium is among the most popularly prescribed drugs in the nation, and modern life seems to grow more fraught with stress by the year. But if you are among the scores of Americans plagued by excessive anxiety, you don't have to resort to expensive and potentially dangerous prescription meds-even if that's what your physician is pushing. There are plenty of natural remedies for anxiety that many people have found effective, and it's worth exploring at least one of them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Attending a therapy session for anxiety does not mean you have to be subjected to some Freudian analysis about how your warring id and superego are creating tension. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, involves learning to deal with stressful situations, to change or eliminate patterns of behavior that are producing anxiety, and to take control of your thoughts and calm yourself down when you sense an anxiety attack is imminent. They are led by a psychologist or counselor in a one-on-one or a group setting.

The Mind-Body Connection

The ancient practices of yoga and tai chi dominate today's fitness scene, but are sometimes overlooked as a remedy for anxiety and related conditions like depression. Yoga and tai chi emphasize a mind-body connection, soothing both the psychological and physical discomfort associated with anxiety. Meditation promotes relaxation and teaches to take control of your thoughts, allowing you to react with calm and clarity to situations that would have once provoked an anxiety attack.

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

• Biofeedback

-Hypnosis or self-hypnosis

• Massage therapy

• Shiatsu

• Tai chi

Your Exercise Rx

If you're looking for a magical feel-good drug, you might try going for a walk or hitting the weights. Exercise is great way to work off tension and it releases chemicals called endorphins, harbingers of happiness and a sense of wellbeing. Scientific research has validated the idea of a "runner's high," proving that exercise can dramatically improve mood.

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.

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

Herbal Remedies

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.