General Health Articles
Natural Remedies for ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two names given by psychiatry to a loose collection of symptoms displayed mainly by children and basically indicating a lack of ability to focus or concentrate and displaying too much energy. Some of the symptoms are just absurd, as the lack of desire to do homework (guilty!) and just general fidgeting.
However there are obviously many children who have a degree of inability to concentrate that does affect their schoolwork and who would benefit from some help in this area. Of course the other aspect is hyperactivity and some help in this area would benefit the sanity of the parents more than the child in most cases.
Conventional treatments for ADD and ADHD most often includes the use of psycho stimulant or antidepressant drugs. These are basically a low level amphetamine and a form of legalised speed. Over time, however these drugs often become ineffective and cause a sort of rebound effect where frustration and anger return. Excessive use of stimulant drugs can cause lethargy and depression.
There are some steps that can be taken immediately to alleviate the condition:
- Avoid Sugar | Research has shown that children with ADD and ADHD may not digest sugars properly. Sugar consumption has been linked to aggressive, restless behaviour.
- Avoid Soft Drinks | Both sugar-free and sweetened contain phosphates which displaces calcium/magnesium levels, causing exaggerated muscle activity.
- Get Plenty of Sunlight | Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Occurring mostly during the winter months, SAD produces ADD-like symptoms. Consider exposure to full-spectrum lighting if unable to spend time outdoors each day.
There are also a number of natural remedies that can alleviate the "symptoms" of ADD and ADHD.
- Ginkgo Biloba is widely used as a remedy for treating memory loss and degenerative diseases of the brain and central nervous system. It stimulates circulation and inhibits excessive blood clotting. It is also useful for treating Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, ADD, cancer, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, impotence, heart attack, stroke, and tinnitus.
- Scuttelaria (Skullcap) is rich in minerals needed to support a healthy nervous system and a good ally during stressful times. It is a wonderful remedy for nervous tension, headaches, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, neurasthenia, exhaustion and depression. Skullcap is often used to aid withdrawal from prescription tranquillizers and antidepressants.
- German Chamomile has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties.
- Gotu Kola has a longstanding reputation in India as a "rejuvenator," helping concentration and memory.
- Avena Sativa, also called oatstraw, has a reputation for nourishing the nervous and hormonal systems. Regular usage has been shown to alleviate mild depression and help to balance blood sugar levels.
The nourishing properties of this herb make it a useful ally for eczema, attention deficit disorders, and all types of nervous exhaustion. - Rooibos contains at least thirty-seven natural antioxidants, minerals, vitamin C, and alpha-hydroxy acids. It is an antispasmodic, anti anxiety and anti allergy agent useful for treating allergies, stress and insomnia.
- Lemon Balm has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is mildly sedating. Traditionally it has been useful in treating menstrual cramps, healing wounds, easing digestion, preventing insomnia and relaxing the nerves. This herb is also used to treat ADD, Grave's disease, herpes virus, and irritable bowel syndrome. Lemon balm is an excellent remedy for soothing the nerves and lifting the spirits with a particular affinity with the digestive system, where it calms and soothes nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, colic, dysentery, colitis and stress-related digestive problems.
- Hawthorn can be used to improve associated with "aging" arteries, poor circulation to the legs and poor memory and confusion related to poor blood supply to the brain. It also increases circulation to the brain and decreases inflammation caused by allergies making it useful in treating attention deficit disorder.
If you are interested in a homeopathic formula that contains a number of natural ADD/ADHD relieving ingredients, check out Synaptol.