Following is a discussion of the top ADHD herbal remedies.
That is preceded by a brief discussion of the problem & links to alternative treatment sources.
This page is relevant to adult sufferers but specifically addresses children with ADHD.
What is ADHD?
A highly controversial category, ADHD includes 1)problems with attention & 2)difficulties remaining physically & mentally composed & relaxed.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children, (ADHD) features poor concentration, hyperactivity, distractibility & impulsiveness, not appropriate for the child's age. Diagnoses & when to introduce prescription medication is the subject of much debate.
While there is a place for prescription medication in certain cases of ADHD, one should carefully consider alternative treatments because of the side effects of meds.
Certainly, changes in diet, sleep, exercise and routine, can be as helpful as medication & should be the first line of defense.
Visit our 2 sister sites for helpful info on the role of exercise & water on mental health including ADHD.
There are also many herbs for ADHD which can help balance the brain and nervous system, without side effects or sedation. ADHD natural remedies also support various functions of the brain, nervous system and circulatory system.
In fact, you can bet that any herbal remedy for ADHD will have other positive effects on physical & emotional health & no side effects!
Complete list of ADHD herbal remedies
The following herbs for ADHD should be taken as directed. For children, start at 1/3 adult dose, for young teens, start at ˝ adult dose. Adjust as needed.
Ginkgo Biloba, a natural herb for ADHD, used in Chinese Medicine has shown effectiveness in keeping a healthy circulatory system. Especially good in older patients with memory loss & forgetfulness & younger kids with focus difficulties.
Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), one of the herbs for ADHD that has a long history of strengthening thinking skills. It the protects brain from free radical damage even better than drug deprenyl (Battacharya), while stimulating learning.
Scuttellaria laterifolia (Skullcap), one of the ADHD natural remedies for ADHD, traditionally used to ease feelings of being overwhelmed. Promotes the natural equilibrium optimally present in the mind, helps keep a healthy attitude & even emotions.
Green Oats (Avena sativa), as an herbal remedy for ADHD, nourishes the nerves. Has tonic effects, not immediately stimulating as caffeine, but are cumulative and resotorative over time with consistent use.
Matricaria recutita (German chamomile), a natural herb for ADHD, used to relieve nervous tension & gently soothe & lessen frustration caused by every day overwork & fatigue.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) one of the multi-use ADHD herbal remedies increases brain efficiency & work capacity. Also useful in insomnia, night sweats & diarrhea.
Centella asiatica (Gotu cola), another of the tonic herbs for ADHD, supports the brain and nervous system. Helps with mental clarity, healthy memory, brain function & mood. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for its effect on the mind. Improves cerebral blood flow (CBF) and circulation in general.
Hawthorne, another of the multi-action ADHD natural remedies, strengthens the heart & circulatory system.
St. John's wort is a good herbal remedy for ADHD as it lessens depression associated with ADHD.
Some people have used coffee, which may work like Ritalin, a stimulant that relaxes hyperactive patients. This is cannot be the best natural herb for ADHD due to side effects, but who knows?
Tuberculinum, another of the herbs for ADHD, soothes irritability & frustration. Relieves temper outbursts when confronted with trying circumstances.
Siberian Ginseng is another natural brain stimulant that increases endurance and concentration.
Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown to reduce stress and fatigue, strengthen the immune system, increase motivation and also normalize body function.
Lavender essential oil, is one of the ADHD natural remedies that engages the nose & is used for nervous excitement, exhaustion, and insomnia.
Orange essential oil, is the other herbal remedy for ADHD that engages the sense of smell & is relaxing and uplifting.
Chinese ADHD natural remedies
In addition to above herbs for ADHD that are based on Chinese medicine, the following Chinese herbs may also be helpful.
(It would be best to have an herbalist combine some of the following herbs into a formulation meant to address ADHD in children.)
Chinese thorowax root
Pinellia rhizome
Oriental white ginseng root
Calcined oyster shell
Dragon bone
Cinnamon twig (cassia)
Poria sclerotium
Red jujube fruit
Hematite
Gardenia fruit
Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou),
Chinese Dates (Da Zao)
Chinese Date Seed (Suan Zao Ren)
Sweetflag (Shi Chang Pu)
Obviously, using ADHD herbal remedies on your child is a very delicate matter, so please speak to a knowledgeable person at wherever you purchase herbal preparations or just visit an established online retailer for good formulations - Click here for good ADHD natural remedies.
Note: ADHD should not be confused with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) especially since that would lead to incorrect treatment protocol. For more helpful info on ADD and how to differentiate ADD from ADHD visit our pages on ADD.
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