6 Effective Herbal Remedies For ADD

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a neurobiological disorder, due to problems with the dopamine in the brain. A great majority of the cases are due to genetic inheritance. ADD is not caused by ineffective parenting, family problems, poor teachers or schools, poor nutrition, excess sugar, allergies, excess TV viewing, or drugs.

The characteristics features of ADD include distractibility (poor attention), impulsivity (cannot control impulses and seeks immediate gratification), and hyperactivity (physical restlessness and excessive activity). For a diagnosis of ADD to be made, these behaviours should be pervasive, excessive and long-term, leading to problems at home, school, social settings, or work.

Effective treatment of ADD involves a judicious combination of medications (when necessary), counseling or therapy for learning coping skills and adaptability, and coaching on ADD for adults. Additionally, you could try the herbal remedies discussed below.

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6 Effective Herbal Remedies For ADD

Consult a doctor before trying any of these herbal remedies for ADD. They can interact adversely with any other medication that is being taken. Most of these remedies can be taken as teas or tinctures – see the instructions on the product(children require only one-fourth to one-half the dose for an adult, depending on the weight of the child).

Coffee

Several studies show that coffee is useful in children with ADD. Coffee is made from coffee beans or roasted fruits of Coffea arabica, and contains the stimulant caffeine.Caffeine increases the alertness and leads to clear thinking. Drink two cups of coffee per day, getting about 250 mg of caffeine into the system per day. Sometimes it can cause sleeplessness, restlessness and nervousness.

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Brahmi

Brahmi is the leaf extract of Bacopa monnieri. It improves the functioning of the brain and facilitates learning. Dose is 50 mg thrice daily. Side effects include dry mouth, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.

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Ginkgo

Ginkgo extract is made from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The active principles terpenoids (like ginkgolides) improve the blood flow to brain by dilating the blood vessels.It also improves the metabolism of glucose in the brain. Dose is 120-300 mg/day to improve cognitive function. Minor side effects include headache, dizziness, stomach upset, constipation, and forceful heartbeat.

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Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng extract is obtained from the root of Eleutherococcus senticosus. The active ingredients are eleutherosides. They restore or maintain mental alertness. It is available as tea, tincture, tablets and capsules. The side effects it can cause are disturbance of heart rhythm, drowsiness, anxiety, sadness, and muscle spasms.

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Gotu Kola

Gotu kola extract is made from the aerial parts of Centella asiatica. The active chemicals are triterpenoids, which increase the mental function. Take 250-500 mg once daily. A serious side effect is possible liver damage. Other side effects include itching, stomach upset, and nausea.

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Pine Bark Extract

The bark of the pine tree Pinus maritima is used for extracting the medicine. Pycnogenol is the active ingredient in the extract, which acts by improving the blood flow. Dose is 50 mg, thrice daily. It can cause headache, dizziness, mouth ulcers, and gut problems.