Anxiety attacks and stress disorders are increasingly common in our society with so many pressures from every direction. Millions of Americans take prescription drugs to gain relief from many different types of anxiety attacks.

Though they are often effective, prescription medications have many drawbacks such as side effects and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. It is not surprising, therefore, that there is an increasing market for alternative solutions. In particular, natural or herbal remedies are becoming more and more popular with those who seek to avoid the problems associated with conventional medicines.

You may have decided that you do not want to risk experiencing the side effects associated with prescription drugs. If so, it could well be that an herbal remedy is the answer for you. But do not rush into it. Remember that natural remedies are not meant to treat long-term conditions. And some herbal remedies have side effects too. So talk to your doctor and find out as much you can. You need to find the solution that is right for you.

The one you are most likely to have heard of is St Johns Wort. It is the best known and most popular of the herbal anxiety remedies also known as 'Nature's Prozac'! This is because it works in a similar way to Prozac, by increasing the activity of brain neurotransmitters like serotonin. The effects can be seen in as little as two weeks. It is important to inform the person you are purchasing it from if you are taking any other medications, as there are some that cannot safely be combined with St Johns Wort.

Another popular remedy is Valerian Root, which has been used as a sleep aid for centuries. It is known for its ability to help relax the central nervous system, promote feelings of calm and reduce anxiety and stress levels, thus enhancing sleep - a great boon for many anxiety attack sufferers.

Vitamins, too, can help - notably the B-vitamins. B-vitamins are often called the 'stress vitamins', because they are the first nutrients to be depleted at times of stress. Like St Johns Wort, they can work on the neural pathways helping to synthesize neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Other effective remedies include Passion Flower or Passiflora, a woody vine that has been used for centuries to improve mood and sleep difficulties by acting on the central nervous system; and Ashwaghanda Root, which provides a strengthening and calming effect.

One of the most effective of all is Kava Kava, a natural root extract known worldwide for helping to relieve anxiety attacks, depression and insomnia. Its effectiveness has been supported by a large number of clinical studies. It has also been shown to have fewer side effects than almost any other preparation.

There are two popular proprietary remedies that seem to have proven very beneficial for a large number of sufferers from anxiety attacks and other such related disorders. One of these is called PureCalm, which combines the soothing properties of Melissa Officinalis (balm), Passiflora (Passion Flower) and lavender. Many people have testified that it has brought relief from anxiety attacks, stress and irritability when nothing else worked. The other is Mindsoothe, which is suggested for more severe or acute anxiety attack disorders. Mindsoothe is a combination of two effective herbs, St Johns Wort and Passiflora or Passion Flower, and among other benefits has been found useful in improving memory and concentration.

Many have testified to the relief and benefits they have experienced through natural remedies. But of course, not all of these are right for everyone. If you feel this is the way you want to go, there is no substitute for investigating thoroughly and learning all you can about what is available. You need to know what is right for YOU. More and more people are finding relief this way - there is no reason why you should not find it too.

Summary:

Who has not experienced an anxiety attack at one time or another? Though there are quite a few prescription drugs that can eliminate anxiety attacks but they come with many side-effects. Trying out alternative or natural remedies is the answer to preventing these side-effects and at the same time getting relief.