ADHD is attention deficit Hyperactivity disorder. It is a psychiatric disorder that commonly develops amongst young children. ADHD impairs a person’s ability to focus, concentrate and learn. Persons suffering from this condition have difficulty in carrying out their daily and regular activities smoothly. In adults ADHD leads to numerous issues at work place as they are not able to stick to one activity and complete it.
Psychiatric consultancy and in severe cases use of medication may be prescribed to calm the mind and help such people to cope with their daily tasks and activities. In this write up we will discuss various natural treatments and ways in which ADHD can be managed successfully leading to a normal lifestyle for people suffering from it.
Natural Treatments For ADHD
Yoga And Sports
Indulging in physical activities or taking up any sport like swimming, badminton, tennis etc is considered a good option for patients of ADHD. Such activities make a person concentrate naturally and also in case of hyperactive children these activities use up the excessive energy. For adults, yoga is recommended as it involves sitting at one place, regulating breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga asanas can go a long way in helping people suffering from ADHD.
Regular practice can lead to easy and effective management of ADHD as yoga. Pranayam, Shavasana, Vajrasana, Halasana, Anlom Vilom not only include meditating and breath control but also help in calming agitated mind and nerves. Yoga is difficult for young children but regular and slow introduction of yoga is prescribed for them as well. The beauty of yoga is that it can be easily practised anywhere therefore Adults must try out these asanas whenever they find themselves getting distracted.
Aroma Therapy
Aroma Therapy involves using our strong sense of smell to calm our minds and body. Most of the people who suffer from ADHD have issues around sound sleep and falling asleep. Aroma therapy can help such people immensely. The best part about this therapy is that you yourself can play the role of therapist. You do not need a qualifies therapist unless you are getting an essential oil massage done. You can use this therapy by using essential oils, incense sticks and bathing salts. Many types of diffusers are easily available that help in releasing the aroma of essential oils.
Vanilla, Lavender, sandalwood are considered to be best aromas when it comes to calming the mind. If you want to concentrate on certain work or task, try using aromas of Rose, Jasmine and Sandalwood. You can  begin by using each fragrance for each activity, this way your mind will automatically begin to associate different fragrances with different tasks. Once this happens there are lesser chances of your mind getting distracted and with exposure to each fragrance it will begin to prepare itself for the task at hand automatically.
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Herbs
As mentioned earlier, in severe cases of ADHD, nerve calming medication is administered. Many of these medicines are sedatives whose use carry a very high risk of dependence and side effects. However, nature has gift of herbs that have mild sedative properties and are especially recommended in cases of anxiety, depression, insomnia and ADHD. Chamomile is one of the best herbs that can ease your mind and is also a great anti-oxidant. Chamomile tea is easily available and can be had 2-3 times in a day. Having this tea right before bed time is recommended for sleeping difficulties. Valerian root is another herb that can help you calm yourself and focus.
However, valerian root is known to cause allergic reaction and its dosage is critical, therefore this remedy is best used under the able guidance of an ayurvedic practitioner. Licorice root which is used for flavouring candies is another popular herb with patients suffering from anxiety, insomnia and ADHD. Licorice acts by stimulating endocrine glands and production of adrenalin. Adrenalin is the hormone which leads to sudden energy bouts very typical in persons suffering from ADHD. You can prepare tea using Licorice root and Anise so that it tastes good. Refrain from intake of more than 100 mg of Licorice as it can cause side effects in some cases of taken over a long period of time.
Schedule It Up
For people suffering from ADHD, it is important that a schedule of activity is made with the timings and one must ensure that it is adhered to religiously. Try not to include any twists or surprises in the said schedule and deviations must be avoided at all cost. Since ADHD patients find it difficult to concentrate that is why their minds need to be conditioned in such a way that the whole day is planned and they know what activity would fall next so that they are prepared and their is minimum resistance. Make it a habit to eat at a specific place, say dining table only so that they associate it with eating.
There should be a proper play room and study table so that they know the activity or task that they are expected to do there. Specifically issue with children suffering from ADHD is that they just would not sit at one place, such earmarking of places and furniture around the house will eventually and gradually make them comfortable about their tasks and routine. Use bed only for sleeping and try to introduce a ritual like washing hands, brushing and changing cloths before sleep time. Over a period of time, their mind will begin to prepare them for sleep time as soon as they start the first ritual for bed.
Watch Your Diet
Diet can play an important role in the quality of life in cases of ADHD. Try to include high proteindiet and complex carbohydrates in the meals. Complex carbohydrates are converted into energy at a much slower rate and therefore recommended. Try to eat at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before bed time. In 1-2 hours the process of digestion would take over and rush the blood towards your digestive system making it easier for you to sleep.
Try to go low on sugar and simple carbohydrates as they provide instant energy which fuels the hyperactivity. Replace sugar with honey and natural sugar. Many studies have also found that food preservatives and food colours also worsen the hyperactive condition among children and adults.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
