ADHD Natural Remedies: Finding the Best Herbs for Hyperactivity
by Tess Thompson
If you are like many parents, deciding how best to medicate your
child for ADHD is not an easy task. Along with the increased
prescription of stimulant drugs for children has come a
heightened awareness of the risks these medications can pose,
and more and more parents are searching for natural
alternatives. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the
manufacture of stimulant drugs has increased by more than 500
percent since 1991, and over 50 percent of the prescriptions for
these drugs are written by pediatricians. Unsurprisingly, these
alarming statistics have raised questions about whether some
doctors and parents are too quick to medicate children, and
whether it might be worthwhile to try homeopathic remedies for
ADHD before turning to stimulant drugs.
The reason drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can be successful in
treating ADHD is because they stimulate brain activity. While
extra stimulation may seem like the last thing a hyperactive
child needs, the heightened activity in fact helps the brain to
focus and pay attention. There are several herbal ingredients
which act similarly to stimulate the brain, and can be used as
part of an effective child ADHD treatment plan.
Among these ingredients is Brahmi, an herb that has long been
known to enhance cognitive function. Brahmi can help increase
learning abilities, and according to research, it provides
another healthful benefit of protecting the brain from damage
from free radicals.
Ginko Biloba is well-known herb that is often found in natural
medications. It is popular for it's ability to generate
increased blood flow to the brain, as well as increased
neurotransmitter levels, helping the brain to focus. Perhaps one
of the best qualities of Ginko is the tendency of its positive
effects to become permanent, eliminating the need for its
continued use.
Centella Asiatica, which is also called Gotu Kola, is a natural
ingredient that has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and
enhance memory and brain function. Recent research has also
suggested that it helps to increase blood flow to the brain and
improve general circulation.
Siberian Ginseng is another natural brain stimulant that
increases endurance and concentration. This particular herb also
moderates the release of body energy and normalizes body
function. Similarly, Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been
shown to reduce stress and fatigue, strengthen the immune
system, increase motivation and also normalize body function.
There are effective herbs for hyperactivity, and the herbs
mentioned above have all been used successfully in treatment for
ADHD. There are a wide variety of herbal remedies available that
are created by experts in the field, and combine multiple
ingredients that both stimulate and soothe for the best effect.
Since many herbal stimulants have effects on the brain that are
similar to the effects produced by prescription stimulants, the
two types of medications should never be taken together. It is
essential to consult a doctor before trying any new medication
or before stopping any medication, and if you do ultimately
decide to try ADHD natural remedies, remember to give them at
least a few weeks to take effect. You might be among those who
find it is a healthy and effective alternative to prescription
stimulant drugs for your child.
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