ADHD HERBS-

Traditionally, the use of herbal remedies for ADHD has been to ease some of the associated symptoms of insomnia, sleeping problems, and depression.

Furthermore, some medicinal herbs are known to sharpen mental focus and increase clarity.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition which affects between 3% and 5% of the population.

Impulsiveness and inattention are its chief characteristics, and it is usually first diagnosed in childhood. It is a little more common in boys compared to girls, and for most, continues into adulthood.

The exact causes of this condition are unclear, but it is thought that it is influenced by a complex combination of external and neurochemical factors and although the use of herbal remedies for ADHD may be of great value and work wonders for some people not everyone might feel the same.

It seems that is important to look at several areas in determining the right approach for a specific child, including but not limited to, food or environmental allergens, balanced diet, sugar intake, minerals, vitamins, herbs, and exercise.

 

 

 

GINKO BILOBA

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most commonly used natural treatments for the brain.

It increases the brain’s performance by increasing the blood flow to it. This allows it to consume more oxygen, and so increase cognitive ability. The circulatory system is thereby enhanced helping the brain to function at its optimum level.

This medicinal herb also acts as an antioxidant, thereby protecting nerve cells. Using ginkgo biloba reduces damage by free radicals, which cause harm to cells and their DNA.

The harmful effects of free radicals are believed to be a significant contributing factor in the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia in the elderly.

This ability of ginkgo to protect the brain is the reason why so many herbalists throughout the USA and Europe recommend it as one of the primary herbal remedies for ADHD (ADD).

 

 

MARITIME PINE BARK

(Pinus pinaster)

is used mainly in extract form for its antioxidant properties, although its needles are recognized for their vitamin C.

Antioxidants have been determined by many researchers to play a significant role in the repairing and protecting the body’s cells.

They help to protect against free radicals, which researchers have discovered are damaging byproducts of metabolism and exposure to environmental pollutants. Some areas that have been linked to the damage of free radicals are aging, heart disease and cancer.

It has only been in recent years that free radicals have also been considered as a possible contributing factor in ADD/ADHD.

Maritime pine bark is only one of the anti-oxidant herbs currently recommended. Some herbalists have also reported successes with grape-seed extract – a better known anti-oxidant.

 

 

ELEUTHERO

(Eleutherococcus senticosus)

also known as Siberian ginseng is one of the more commonly known herbal remedies for ADHD. It works to increase alertness and improve the brain’s memory function.

In a recent study, presented at the American Stroke Association, it was found to have improved the memory of those taking the herb as opposed to a similar group of people who received a placebo. Eleuthero is also known by herbalists to boost immune systems and interacts with the body to assist in reacting to stress. For these reasons the herb could be helpful in treating ADHD, as it protects and boosts the brain in a variety of ways.

 

 

GOTU KOLA

(Centella asiatica)

could be of help for ADHD. It has been used for centuries in Asia to treat skin diseases and improve brain function. It is thought to stimulate the mind by decreasing anxiety while increasing alertness.

Gotu kola is a mild antibacterial, as well as being mildly adaptogen, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory. It is also known to be anxiolytic, a stimulant to the circulatory stimulant, and cerebral tonic.

 

 

BRAHMI

(Bacopa monnieri),

A medicinal herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine has shown promise for the treatment of ADHD. It is regarded to have calming properties and to increase mental processes while at the same time reduce stress and nervous anxiety

Bacoside, one of the active constituents found in the herb, is thought to enhance cognitive function by improving the transmission of nerve impulses.

In a randomized 12-week, double-blind, clinical trial, children with ADHD/ADD who were administered 50 milligrams two times a day showed significant improvement compared to those receiving a placebo when tested for mental control, logical memory and paired associated learning (the pairing of two items – usually words).

Evaluation of the study participants was first done four weeks after the last administration of the herb, indicating it could have a long-term effect.

 

 

RHODIOLA

Rhodiola rosea

Adaptogen herb that has been shown to be helpful in improving focus in both adults and children. It has also been used to combat fatigue and improve memory.

The herb increases the sensitivity of the neurological and nervous system that produce serotonin and dopamine, which might make it useful in treating some of the ADHD symptoms.

 

 

PASSION FLOWER

(Passiflora incarnata)

Recommended by herbalists as an herbal treatment for ADHD. It helps to even out mood swings and increases concentration.According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, it was found to have positive benefits in treating generalized anxiety disorder.

 

 

OTHERS….

 

SKULLCAP

(Scutellaria lateriflora)

 

ST JOHNS WORT

(Hypericum perforatum)

 

FENNEL

(Foeniculum vulgare)

 

VALERIAN

(Foeniculum vulgare)

 

CALENDULA

(Calendula officinalis)

 

OAT STRAW

(Avena sativa )

 

ROOIBOS

(Aspalathus linearis)

 

STINGING NETTLE

(Urtica dioica)

 

FLAX SEED

(Linum usitatissimum)