Herbal Remedies for ADHD - Five Herbs to Help to Increase Focus

If you're a parent with an ADHD child, choosing a course of treatment can be a daunting task. Awareness of the risks that can come with the commonly prescribed medications is increasing and many parents are looking for an alternative such as herbal remedies for adhd.

Statistics indicate that stimulant drug manufacturing has risen in excess of 500 percent since the early 1990s and that over 50 percent of these medications have been prescribed by pediatricians.

Questions are being raised about the seeming excessive use of these drugs and if maybe they are being used as a quick fix before looking at a more holistic approach that does more that just artificially suppress symptoms.

Popular medications like Ritalin and Adderall work in part by stimulating brain activity. While it may seem counter-intuitive to increase stimulation to an already hyperactive child research has shown that this approach does in fact help the ADHD child to focus attention.

This stimulating and focusing effect can also be accomplished with ADHD herbal therapies and homeopathic remedies and these will also avoid the negative side effects that often come with prescription drugs. Herbal and homeopathic remedies also work well with a holistic child ADHD treatment plan that incorporates diet and learning skills.

Herbal Remedies for ADHD

The herb skullcap has been traditionally used as an effective nerve tonic. It is known to help produce calmness and balance in the mind as well as a healthy attitude. The active ingredients in skullcap have been shown in clinical studies to enhance a sense of calm, relaxed focus.

German chamomile has been used traditionally to soothe nervous tension and ease feelings of frustration and general fatique that can arise as a result of attempting to learn new tasks.

The herb gotu cola has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a tonic to support healthy brain and nervous system function. Gotu cola is often recommended to enhance mental clarity, memory and to maintain a balanced mood. Recent studies have suggested that gotu cola improves cerebral blood flow and circulation in general. This allows oxygen rich blood to flow more deeply into the brain.

Ginkgo Biloba is well-known herb that is frequently found in natural remedies. It is known for increasing blood flow to the brain, as well as helping to increase neurotransmitter levels, all of which have a positive effect on a persons ability to focus. One of the most helpful qualities of Ginkgo is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, even after its use is discontinued.

Rooibos has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years by the indigenous people of the Western Cape of South Africa, which is the only place in the world where it grows. Rooibos contains a high level of minerals and nutrients which have been shown to benefit the brain and nervous system.

The herbs mentioned are being used successfully as herbal remedies for ADHD. To avoid negative side effects, it's important not use prescription medication together with herbal remedies. A knowledgeable natural health provider will be able to answer any questions you may have. If you do decide to try ADHD herbal therapies, remember to give them at least a few weeks to take effect. Hopefully you will find it to be a successful natural alternative for your child.

Herbal remedies for adhd
Max Wardlow is an independent natural health researcher and helps manage a website about natural remedies. Visit today to find out more about herbal remedies for ADHD.