Natural Remedies for ADHD and ADD: An Alternative to Prescribing
Ritalin for Children
By Tess Thompson
When your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, deciding on the
best form of treatment can be an extremely draining and
intensely personal process. Recent headlines about dangerous
side effects of commonly prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and
Concerta can leave parents feeling ashamed of their decision to
give their children these medications.
It is important to remember that while some children who take
these drugs do experience alarming side effects, many are
treated effectively. But it is also important to be informed of
alternatives, and to know about natural medications and
ingredients that have shown to be both highly effective and
safe.
In order to make the best decision about treating your child,
you need to understand what the most commonly doctor-prescribed
drugs are and what they do.
Stimulants (such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta) increase
brain activity and tend to increase a child's alertness and
ability to pay attention. The most common side effects of these
drugs are mood changes, headaches, irritability, insomnia and
loss of appetite. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration received reports that Concerta was producing more
serious side effects such as psychosis, hallucinations and
suicidal thoughts among some users.
Non-Stimulants, such as Strattera, increase attention and
impulse control by monitoring a brain chemical believed to
affect those behaviors. Side effects similarly include
moodiness, fatigue and decreased appetite.
Anti-depressants, such as Wellbutrin, relieve anxiety and
regulate mood by altering brain chemical composition. These
drugs are commonly prescribed to children suffering from both
ADHD and depression. Side effects can include dizziness, weight
loss and suicidal thoughts.
Many natural remedies for ADHD and ADD have
proven to be equally effective and can be excellent alternatives
to prescribing Ritalin for children as the homeopathic
medications do not produce the same disturbing side effects.
When researching natural remedies as a treatment for ADHD,
look for ingredients which have been shown to be the most
useful. One of these is Centella Asiatica (also called Gotu
Kola), a natural ingredient known to reduce anxiety levels and
enhance memory and brain function. Recent studies show that it
may also help increase blood flow to the brain and improve
general circulation.
Another popular ingredient, Green Oats (also called Avena
sativa), acts as a nerve tonic whose calming effects grow with
time and consistent use.
Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown in studies to
strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and fatigue,
increase motivation, and normalize body functions.
There are many natural remedies available that focus
specifically on child
ADHD treatment. Every child is unique and will react
uniquely to medication, so trust your instincts and give the
remedy time to take effect. As always, consult a doctor if you
have questions, but you may find that homeopathic medications
provide your child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD
symptom-free life.
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