"Cure anxiety and panic attacks once and for all!" A similar advertisement appears on the Internet touting the powers of a new medication. This is great news for 54 million people in the United States, who are affected by various form of mental illness including anxiety disorder, depression, and addictions. The question, is it true or is it hype?

Americans pay millions upon millions of dollars annually for mental health costs and some insurance companies still do not pay, or pay limited amounts for mental health treatment. There are alternative treatments that help with anxiety and depression, but how do you weed out the hype from the truth? Fortunately, the Internet makes researching topics easy and painless.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common feeling we get sometimes but it can also be a disorder requiring treatment.
Symptoms sometimes resemble heart attacks with chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and constricted breathing so that the person experiencing an anxiety attack may believe he is dying. Having anxiety is commonly referred to as "being stressed out."

Fear is a major component that comes from a number of variables such as anger, pain, impending disaster or even real danger. Anxiety is more of a gut feeling that leads to stress and a distressed condition of the mind. Severe anxiety and panic attacks should be addressed by a health care professional.

Conventional medicines treat anxiety disorder with medication and sometimes treatment includes psychotherapy. These anti-depressants may not be available to children however, and some people feel more comfortable with natural medication over synthetic drugs.

Alternative medicine has a variety of treatments including herbals that address specific anxieties. In addition, there are therapies that involve manipulation of the body (massage), hypnosis, aromatherapy, music therapy, and others.

Herbals have long been used for healing many were in use before conventional medicine developed. Common and well known herbs are available and can be used to deal with anxiety.

*Aspen: for anxieties dealing with the future

*Mimulus: for anxieties of the past

*Red chestnut: anxiety about other people's safety

*Elm: overwhelming anxiety

*Rock rose: anxiety that results in pain.

Aromatherapy includes fragrances from roses that can be used in oils or candles. Massages can incorporate rose oils for added calming effects. Many of us have seen lavender advertised in baby bath products

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