5 Effective Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Recent studies show that ADHD has become increasingly prevalent among children. It is estimated that approximately 10% of school children have ADHD. While ADHD treatment drugs are effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, the benefit comes at a price. Nearly all ADHD treatment drugs have troubling side effects. Due to this reason, in recent years, more parents are experimenting with various herbal remedies for ADHD treatment.

Today, the verdict on herbal remedies for ADHD is nearly unanimous. Herbal remedies for ADHD are as effective as ADHD treatment drugs and have little or no side effects. Read on to know more about the side effects of ADHD drugs and different herbal remedies that are available for ADHD treatment.

Common side effects of ADHD drugs
The most common medications used for ADHD treatment are amphetamine and methylphenidate. The drugs are effective in alleviating ADHD symptoms, but they also have many troubling side effects and a high risk for abuse.

Common side effects of ADHD drugs include:

• Weight changes
• Appetite changes
• Nervousness
• Insomnia

The troubling side effects of ADHD drugs and the high risk for abuse have convinced parents to look for alternate treatments for ADHD. Most health experts recognize herbal remedies for ADHD treatment as the most effective option available under the ADHD alternative treatment umbrella.

Below are the top 5 herbal remedies for ADHD.

1. Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko Biloba is recognized by herbalists as one of the most effective herbal remedies for ADHD treatment. Gingko Biloba works by increasing the blood flow and neurotransmitter levels to the brain. This in turn increases an ADHD patient’s ability to focus. In addition to improving the blood flow to the brain, Gingko leaves also act as an antioxidant for the nerve tissue.

2. Brahmi (Bacopa Monniera)
Brahmi also sits atop in the list of herbal remedies for ADHD treatment. Brahmi is known to have various positive effects on the brain and helps in strengthening learning skills and increasing total cognitive function. This herb also protects the brain from free radicals and various toxic substances.

3. Schisandra (Schisandra Chinensis)
Regular use of Schisandra has proved to very beneficial for ADHD patients. This herb is known for its ability to increase brain efficiency and work capacity.

4. Skullcap (Schuttellaria Laterifolia)
When talking about herbal remedies of ADHD treatment, one name you can’t ignore is skullcap. This herbal remedy has found to be very useful in reducing restless and agitation, both of which are common symptoms of ADHD.

5. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s wort is known to help in alleviating certain symptoms of ADHD such as insomnia, despair, and anxiety. This herb takes some time to show effect, so you need to use it continuously for at least a month to allow it to work.

It is true that there is no permanent cure for ADHD. However, the good news is that various herbal remedies for ADHD can help ADHD sufferers a great deal in managing ADHD symptoms.

Why You Should Consider Natural Medicine for ADHD

What is ADHD? ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects nearly 5% of children all over the world. ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurobehavioral development disorder that manifests itself as raised levels of impulsiveness, activity, and inattentiveness.

In most people, the symptoms of ADHD start showing before the age of seven. As of today, no definite cause of ADHD is known. Also, the disorder is incurable. Nearly 30% of children diagnosed with this behavioral disorder continue to deal with it in their adulthood.

Due to severe side effects of ADHD drugs, many health experts recommend natural medicine for ADHD treatment. Below is a list of natural medicines for ADHD.

Herbs
Herbs such as gingko biloba, St. John’s wort, valerian, kava kava, skullcap, and ginseng are acknowledged by health experts as effective natural medicine for ADHD.

Different herbs help in controlling and managing ADHD differently. While herbs such as gingko biloba improve the concentration abilities of ADHD patients, other herbs such as skullcap reduce restlessness and agitation.

When using herbs as natural medicine for ADHD, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Always use herbs under medical supervision.
2. Certain herbs such as valerian can react with certain medications. Ensure that you discuss all the existing pre-conditions and medications that your child is taking with your doctor.
3. Certain herbs are known to not suit some people. In case your child develops rashes or shows an allergic reaction to an herb, consult your doctor immediately.

Diet
A diet rich in essential nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and iron has also proved to be helpful in alleviating ADHD symptoms. Various studies have shown conclusively that children with ADHD are often lacking in these essential minerals, and that a mineral rich diet helps in reducing ADHD symptoms.

A simple blood test is used for measuring mineral levels. Based on this test and your doctor’s advice, you can use mineral therapy as a natural medicine for ADHD.

Avoid Sugar
Studies done on ADHD shows that people with this disorder are unable to process sugar as efficiently as someone without the disorder. The inability to properly process sugar, in turn, leads to elevated hyperactivity. That is why health experts recommend that ADHD patients cut down on their sugar intake.

Meditation
Meditation and deep breathing exercises are also considered as effective natural medicine for ADHD. Meditation helps in reducing hyperactivity and promotes good sleep, something which ADHD patients struggle to achieve.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the symptoms associated with ADHD. That is why fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is often used as a natural medicine for ADHD.

To ensure effective management of ADHD symptoms, health experts recommend that a combination of different natural medicine be used. A comprehensive ADHD treatment plan can help your child manage ADHD symptoms better.