Natural Remedies for ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or AD/HD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder and is recognized as one of the most common childhood disorders although it may continue through adolescence and adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD are classified as primarily inattentive – which may include lack of attention to details, difficulty in sustaining attention and following instructions, and easy distraction; primarily hyperactive – fidgety, excessive talking, difficulty in remaining seated; and combined type which means all the characteristics of the first two categories.
Although exact causes have not yet been identified, research shows that “heredity makes the largest contribution to the expression of the disorder in the population”. Difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, excessively high body lead levels, and postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain have all been found to contribute to the risk for AD/HD to varying degrees. ADHD may also occur from environmental factors, brain injuries, sugar, and food additives.
Natural Remedies for ADHD
- Sugar consumption may cause aggressive and restless behavior in ADHD patients. Sugar should therefore be avoided and a natural remedy to the condition. Other foods to avoid include soft drinks which may exaggerate muscle activities, caffeine and other stimulants.
- Chamomile is mild sedative, used customarily in mild sleep disorders, particularly in children. It helps digestion and nervous stomach, soothes upper respiratory tract, is also antibacterial and promotes wound healing. Chamomile is known to relax and tone the nervous system, consume as a tea to calm ADHD symptoms.
- Fresh lemon balm is an aromatic herb with a distinctly spicy, lemony taste. It has antispasmodic properties and its treatments include nervous problems, insomnia, headaches and is recognized for counter acting hyperactivity in children.
- Vitamin B complex taken daily nourishes the nervous system and calcium magnesium is extremely important for neurotransmitter function.
- Skullcap is a herb popular for its effectiveness as a nerve tonic. It is known to help produce calmness and balance in the mind as well as a healthy attitude. The active ingredients in skullcap have been shown in clinical studies to enhance a sense of calm, relaxed focus.
- Ginkgo Biloba is well-known herb that is frequently found in natural remedies. Ginkgo Biloba increases the flow of blood to the brain, as well as it helps to increase neurotransmitter levels, all of which have a positive effect on a person’s ability to focus. One of the most helpful qualities of Ginkgo is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, even after its use is discontinued.
- Apply stress management skills, meditation and deep relaxation techniques to combat stress associated with ADHD and its other symptoms.
