12 Herbal Remedies for ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a kind of neurobehavioral disorder, mostly prevalent in children under the age of 19. If not diagnosed properly, it may continue in adulthood as well. The symptoms of ADHD start getting seen usually before the age of 7 years and include inattention, by which child feels it difficult to focus on a task and gets distracted easily.

Such children have been found to have low score in their studies also. Secondly, he or she may be affected with hyperactivity and the child may be getting extremely energetic, running and talking excessively in a restless mood. Thirdly, he or she may be very impulsive in his or her behavior and acts without thinking of the consequences. There may be a single symptom seen in the children or all the symptoms combined.

It has been found that school going children are more like diagnosed with ADHD rather than other children. Also, ADHD diagnosis has been found to be 4 times more in boys than in girls. The causes of ADHD are not known clearly but among the various factors considered to affect the disease include genetics, social environment and diet. Though this disease is not completely curable but the symptoms can be reduced and controlled to a great extent.

Parents of diagnosed children often get confused whether they should consider medications or herbal remedies which could benefit and help in further treatment of their kids. Ritalin and Adderall are the medications recommended for the disease but they may have side effects like headache, depression, weight loss etc. Since every individual is different traditional medications may cause side effects in some. In such cases, herbal remedies can be beneficial that can also be used with drug therapy.

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Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Gingko Biloba

Also known as gingko or maidenhair tree, Gingko biloba is used as a traditional medicine. It is very beneficial for increasing memory and improving concentration which is the main problem with ADHD patients. Having nootropic properties, it is used as a neuro enhancer and improves a number of mental functions. Usually, 40-200 mg of gingko supplements is consumed per day. It is also used to reduce psychiatry symptoms in Dementia patients. It has helped in improving attention in a number of healthy persons also and the effect has been found to be immediate.

Insufficient blood flow is one of the reasons of headaches, disturbed concentration and memory deficiency in ADHD affected child. Gingko extracts help in the improvement of blood flow to the tissues, organs and protect the cells from getting damaged by free radicals. Moreover, it prevents the blockage of many effects related to the development of central nervous system disorders. Gingko reduces irritability which is also one of the symptoms of ADHD patients.

Gingko may cause side effects like bleeding, vomiting, nausea and headaches etc. especially to those who are taking antidepressants or anticoagulants. Thus it should be taken under doctor’s supervision. As this brain herb reduces a number of major ADHD symptoms, it is used as a potential herbal remedy.

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Ginseng

Having flashy roots, ginseng is a perennial plant that lives for more than 2 years. It has medicinal effects and used for diseases like type 2 diabetes, aphrodisia etc. Ginsenoside components have been found to be effective for central nervous system. It is consumed by mixing its small doses in energy drinks and teas.

Roots of the plant are the main part having medicinal value to humans. It is an herbal stimulant and used to treat ADHD conditions. 200 mg of ginseng taken daily has great effects, though it can be taken in large amounts. Siberian ginseng help in blood flow improvement and Panax Ginseng helps in mental clarity and responsiveness.

It has side effects like insomnia, nose bleeds, breast pain, nausea etc. When taken with antidepressants, it can cause side effects to depressed patients. But common types of ginseng have been found to be safe even after taking overdose.

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Valerian Root

It is a perennial plant with pink or white flowers blooming in summer. Its roots are used for preparing herbal medicine. It is basically used to reduce the conditions of insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, stress, nervous tension like disorders. It should not be used with antidepressants, to prevent side effects. Valerian juice is used as an ingredient in capsules and medicines used for treating ADHD.

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Bacopa

Commonly known as Water Hyssop or Brahmi, it is an aquatic plant. It is used as an ayurvedic medicine that helps in improving memory, recollection and other mental functions.

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Centella asiatica

It is an herbaceous plant, commonly known as centella. It is used as a medicinal herb for the treatment of hypertension, anxiety, mental agility and to increase concentration by stimulating blood circulation.

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Passiflora

Also called as passion flowers, it is a flowering plant that helps in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Its constituents are helpful for brain and nervous system.

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Vitis Venifers

Also known as Common Grape Vine, it is used as herbal supplements that help in regulating the blood flow in the brain as it has antioxidant properties.

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Chamomile

Chamomile tea can be given to children before going to sleep that helps them to be calmed and relaxed. But it should be used with utmost care as its overdose can lead to side effects like anger and anxiety among children. Its sweet aroma is also useful when smelled. Furthermore, it soothes nervous system by relaxing the mind. It reduces anxiety, tensions and stress.

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Pycnogenol

The product of French maritime pine tree, pycnogenol is very effective in curing ADHD. It is used as an antioxidant which helps in detoxification of harmful toxins. It also helps in balancing the stress hormones, improving concentration and attention. It contains adrenaline and noradrenaline that decreases the symptoms of ADHD.

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Radix Heraclei

Radix Heraclei is one of the Chinese herbs used for medicinal purposes. It relieves stress and tension. It contains antioxidants that are used for improving blood circulation in the brain.

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Scutellaria Lateriflora

It is a perennial herb and is also known as Blue Skullcap. It has a number of medicinal uses as it relaxes the mind and treats mental disorders like nervous tension, anxiety etc. It is very beneficial for brain and nervous system.

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Green Oats

They help in relaxing the nervous system and thus helpful for children suffering from ADHD related symptoms.