Use Herbal Remedies for ADHD

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http://www.naturalnews.com/026081.html

 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become increasingly

prevalent among children. A recent report by the CDC based on phone interviews

with parents shows that about 4.4 million children in the United States have

been diagnosed with ADHD at one time. Out of these children, about 2.5 million

of them were on medication. Pharmacological treatment of ADHD can have troubling

side effects which is why more and more parents are turning towards herbal

treatments instead of medication for their children.

ADHD is typically treated with the medications methylphenidate or amphetamine,

which are stimulant drugs. While they have been proven to be effective they also

have a high risk for abuse and have many side effects such as weight changes,

appetite changes, insomnia, and nervous tics. The numbers of children on these

drugs is alarming - the production of methylphenidate and amphetamine has

increased by 500% and 2000%, respectively, since 1991. More than 50% of

prescriptions for these drugs are from pediatricians.

Due to the troubling side effects of these medications many parents are looking

into alternative options for dealing with ADHD. Research on herbal treatments

have shown promising benefits, most without side-effects.

Caffeine has been studied as a potential herbal remedy because of its stimulant

properties. Numerous studies have shown that caffeine is beneficial to children

with ADHD when given in high doses, however the benefits from caffeine have not

been shown to reach those seen with pharmacological treatments and there are

numerous side effects from caffeine.

Other herbal remedies that have shown promise without side effects are ginkgo

biloba, brahmi, Siberian ginseng, gotu kola, and green oats. All of these herbs

enhance alertness without the use of caffeine.

Ginkgo leaves increase blood flow to the brain and act as an antioxidant to

nervous tissue. It also improves glucose metabolism in the brain. Brahmi also

acts as an antioxidant and has been shown to increase learning and cognition.

Siberian ginseng increases brain activity and work output. Gotu kola reduces

chemicals in the blood that are released during stress. Green oats is known as a

nerve tonic and demonstrates a stimulating effect over time.

Chinese herbs also show positive effects on ADHD symptoms. A study comparing a

Chinese herbal formula versus Ritalin showed the same benefits with fewer side

effects.

Use of herbal remedies for ADHD shows beneficial results without the risk of

abuse found in pharmacological medications and usually with significantly less

side effects. Herbalists may recommend other supplementation and dietary changes

in addition to herbs in the treatment of ADHD.

Sources:

ADHD: Treatments, Herbal Medicine and Treatments

(http://www.healing-arts.org/childre...)

National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD

(http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publ...)

New Numbers on ADHD in U.S. Kids (http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/...)

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.

Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing

disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically

fabulous.

And her latest website www.raiselibido.com offers a vast quantity of information

on how to increase sex drive and enjoy a vibrant sex life.

Love, Gabby. :0)

http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

 

" I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had

some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin. " ~ Jerry Newport