ADD Natural Remedies

By Dr. Emily Kensington

One prominent reason for the rapid rise of seeking alternative treatments is due to the common adverse side effects of most ADHD medications, which makes ADHD sufferers and their concerned families leery regarding popular pharmaceutical interventions.

As a doctor who treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and as the mother of a son with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I have witnessed positive results with the ADD natural remedies listed below.

BrightSpark

It is especially helpful for those children who also suffer from a learning disorder. In addition, it is helpful in social environments such as school and family functions as it reduces behavioral challenges.

It was specifically formulated by a clinical psychologist to relieve symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is made of plants and herbs. It is a safe, non–addictive, and FDA approved ADD natural remedy.

It acts quickly, has no negative side effects, no withdrawal, and comes in dissolvable tablets. For more information, see this review of Brightspark.

Focus Formula

Focus Forumula is available in two different versions: Focus Formula For Children and Focus Formula For Adults.

It was formulated by a Clinical Psychologist to support and enhance concentration and attention, while promoting normal energy levels. Focus Formula enhances and supports brain functions including information processing and memory.

It helps to maintain balanced mood, maintain a healthy attention span and an age related ability to stay on task, and encourages the healthy flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Because Focus Formula is 100% safe and non-addictive, it is one of the most popular ADD natural remedies. For more information, see this review of Focus Formula.

Attend

Attend is a doctor-formulated homeopathic medicinal specifically engineered to help support the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in individuals who are inclined to be inattentive, underactive, overactive, and/or learning. This formula empowers the body to balance both neural growth and neurotransmitter production.

The ingredients in Attend naturally support the body's ability to: Support focus and concentration, promote mental alertness, maintain healthy brain and cognitive function, promote a balanced mood, and aid the body to manage frustration, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Among ADD natural remedies, it is growing in popularity. For more information, see this review of Attend.

Listol

Listol employs the use of time-tested botanicals, amino acids, potent neurotransmitter precursors, and specific vitamins and minerals to lessen the various physiological problems commonly occurring in ADHD sufferers.

Listol addresses the many nutrient deficiencies known to contribute to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder while effectively complementing the body’s natural calming and balancing agents (i.e. neurotransmitters). The result is increased focus and longer and improved attention spans.

All of this makes Listol stand out among ADD natural remedies. For more information about this medication, read this review of Listol.

Synaptol

Synaptol is a homeopathic, plant-based medicine that is specially formulated to boost focus, memory, and attention. It relieves symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder including poor concentration, impulsiveness, disorganization, hyperactivity, and inattention. It is typically taken orally twice per day.

It is non-addictive and the side effects are minimal. As a result, ADD natural remedies such as Synaptol are better tolerated among patients than amphetamine-based ADHD medications such as Ritalin. This makes it a preferred option for parents leery of medicating their children.

It can be taken by children, adolescents and adults. For more information, see this review of Synaptol.

Herbs

1. Chamomile is an herb that has been used for thousands of years. It is noted for its soothing and calming properties and is safe for children. In addition, it tastes good and can be ingested in multiple ways. It is easily digestible in tea or capsule form which makes it among the most convenient ADD natural remedies.

2. Red Clover Blossom is a plant that has multiple medicinal applications. It acts as a relaxant as well as a detoxifying agent. This soothing agent has no adverse side effects if used as directed and is easily digestible as a supplement or in tea form.

3. Kava kava is an herb that originates from the Pacific Islands and has been used for various medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It offers natural stress and anxiety relief. In addition, it also aids focus and concentration. It is widely available in easily digestible tea form, which is is the preferred means of ingestion.

4. Bacopa(Brahmi) is an aquatic plant that improves memory, concentration, and ability to manage stress. It has multiple benefits as a brain booster and relaxing agent.

An Australian study of adults aged 18 to 65 indicated that taking 300 mg of Bacopa extract daily for up to 12 weeks revealed that subjects were able to process visual information more quickly, learn faster and consolidate new material into memory more effectively.

Bacopa (Brahmi) has no side effects if used as directed. Internationally it is prescribed by many doctors to specifically treat ADHD.

5. Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular supplement with multiple health benefits that has been used successfully for thousands of years. Commonly referred to as a natural "smart" drug, Gingko Biloba increases blood flow to the brain, and increases neurotransmitter levels which can improve focus. It is available in easily digestible supplement form.

6. Skullcap is an herb and member of the mint family. It is widely known as a “calming” nerve tonic and sedative used for relieving anxiety and insomnia.

In addition, Skullcap has multiple uses in helping alleviate nervous tension, headaches, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, neurasthenia, exhaustion and depression.

Skullcap is often used to aid withdrawal from prescription tranquilizers and antidepressants. (And historically it was used to treat rabies! Now that is a calming plant!)

7. Gotu Kola is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown to reduce anxiety and enhance memory and brain function. Recent research has also suggested that it helps to increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation. It is available in easily digestible supplement form.

8. Oatstraw. Known scientifically as Avena Sativa, or green oat, Oatstraw is a pale green grass cultivated for its edible grain. Oatstraw has been shown to improve mental function, concentration, as well as sharpen focus. It also reduces stress, exhaustion and nervousness.

Historically, Oatstraw (Avena Sativa) has been used to treat a variety of conditions including panic attacks and calming hyperactive children. It’s soothing and relaxing agents act as a natural antidepressant and help relieve anxiety. It is available in convenient tea form as the standard means of ingestion.

9. Rooibos is a member of the legume family of plants and is used to make a herbal tea called rooibos tea, or red bush tea. Native to South Africa, this plant boosts brain function, improves memory, and improves circulation to the brain. It also is used to alleviate restlessness and anxiety. It comes in easily digestible tea form.

10. Lemon Balm is an herb belonging to the mint family that has a distinct lemon flavor and aroma. Considered a calming and relaxing herb, it has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and to “lift the spirits.”

Native to Europe, where it is still widely used for various medicinal purposes, Lemon Balm acts as a natural antidepressant.

It is conveniently available and ingested in tea form. Another popular means of ingestion is to place 6-12 drops in juice, water, or under the tongue. It may be taken up to three times daily.

11. Valerian Root is used for a variety of conditions such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, nervousness, digestive complaints, trembling, tension headaches and heart palpitations. It is a calming root and available in easily digestible supplement or tea form.

12. Hawthorn is a plant in which the berries and flowers are used treat mild-to-moderate heart failure and anxiety. It is another "calming" plant and is available in easily digestible supplement form.

13. St. John's Wort is a proven mood and brain enhancer. This plan has been traditionally used for a wide range of medical conditions. The most common modern-day use of St. John's Wort is as a mood enhancer in the treatment of depression. It is another calming plant available in easily digestible supplement form.

Diet Supplements

1) Vitamin B-6 boosts the central nervous system. Vitamin B6 is known as an anti-stress vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body's ability to manage tension, stress, and anxiety. In general, it is essential for nervous system functioning and brain development which makes it popular among ADD natural remedies.

2) Iron. A 2004 French research study indicated that iron deficiency may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, and that children with ADHD who also have iron deficiencies exhibit more severe symptoms.

The children with the most severe iron deficiencies were also the most inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive. This led the researchers to conclude that low iron stores may explain as much as 30% of ADHD severity.

In addition, past research has linked iron deficiency in infancy to slower brain development and poorer school performance later in childhood. Animal studies have linked iron deficiency to restlessness.

3) Magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been implicated in ADHD. Individuals with ADHD have lower than normal levels of magnesium inside their blood cells than do individuals without the disorder. Low magnesium levels can also lead to irritability, hyperactivity, inattention, aggressive behavior, sleep disturbances, and reduced blood flow to the brain, which are all common phenomena frequently seen in brain scans of ADHD individuals.

4) Zinc. Zinc deficiency is associated with severity of ADHD symptoms. It is a natural booster of neurochemicals and neurotransmitters. Also, Zinc may be more effective in treating the hyperactive and impulsive aspects of the disorder rather than symptoms of inattention, but it is still a standout among ADD natural remedies.

5) Glycine and Di-Methyl Glycine (DMG), are used to improve speech and behavior in those suffering from ADHD. They are also used to reduce stress and improve oxygenation of the blood which makes them effective ADD natural remedies.

6) GABA powder. GABA is a neurotransmitter and amino acide, and GABA pathways in the brain appear to play a role in certain cognitive disorders like ADHD. GABA is a natural calming agent and helps fight anxiety which makes it stand out among ADD natural remedies.

7) DMAE or Dimethylaminoethanol is an organic compound and brain booster. It enhances mood and alertness.

What is good for the brain is generally beneficial in treating ADHD.

8) Fish oil is gaining increased attention among ADD natural remedies. It is rich in essential fatty acids (EFA's), particularly Omega-3 and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Research studies have shown that fish oil improves ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional and defiant behavior and conduct disorders. Some researchers suggest that children with ADHD may have an Omega-3 deficiency.

Compared with results of studies testing popular and mainstream ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Concerta, they found that fish oil was more effective.

See this great guide to the benefits of fish oil.

9) Flaxseed oil, like fish oil, is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It offers much of the same benefits that are found in fish oil. It can improve not only ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behavior and conduct disorders, but also enhances and stabilizes mood. For this reason, it is also used as an ancillary supplement in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

As an added benefit, flax seed oil can be used by vegetarians or folks who do not like fish. Also, it has no negative side effects when taken as directed, unlike Amphetamine-based stimulant medications such as Ritalin.

See this great guide to the benefits of flax seed oil.

Oils

Cedarwood oil. Another healing oil, Cedarwood stimulates brain function and like all of these oils can be massaged into the skin.

Vetiver oil. Less common than the other oils listed, Vetiver oil has a lovely rich, smokey flavor that improves mood.

Frankincense has long been used for mental, emotional and spiritual healing and has seen clinical use in treating brain injuries, emotional and physical trauma, and learning challenges. It improves mental function. Although use of Frankincense has been used for thousands of years, it is only now beginning to be researched in alleviating ADHD. It is an up and comer among ADD natural remedies.

Peace & Calming oil is a blend of oils developed to combat the effects of ADHD. Has a citrus scent. Good for both children and adults.

Clarity oil. Created for students, Clarity contains peppermint and rosemary which have many health benefits, including improving focus.

Brain Power oil. Brain Power is a nice mix of frankincense, cedarwood and lavender, which have been shown to relieve brain fog and improve focus.

Other ADD Natural Remedies

For Children

In my personal and clinical experience, the Total Focus Program is one of the most effective treatments today for children and their parents struggling with ADHD. It is an easy to use program that parents can use in the privacy of their own home without costly psychotherapy.

For Adults

For adults, the 30 Days To Better Focus program was developed by a college student who was able to graduate from a top university with a 3.8 GPA and start her own business while struggling with the challenges of ADHD.

She documents how she manages ADHD symptoms, gets focused and meets deadlines all without the use of psychiatric medications.

Other Treatments

Other ADD natural remedies include behavior modification, neurofeedback, exercise, ADHD diets and ADHD coaching.

Helpful Books

Alternatives: A Natural Approach to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a thoughtful and empowering book. It is a guide for parents and educators in considering more holistic and effective approaches to problems of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

The authors offer insights into various ADD natural remedies and provide inspiring insight about addressing a child's unique needs through nutrition, herbal medicine, love, and understanding that fosters self-esteem, creativity, and confidence.

See this list of recommended ADHD books.

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