Natural Remedies For ADHD

By Dr. Kensington

Natural remedies for ADHD are a rapidly expanding treatment area as people look toward natural and holistic approaches to treat various conditions. As a doctor who treats Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), and as the mother of a son with ADHD, I have witnessed positive results with the remedies listed below.

Attend

Attend by Vaxa 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 VÄXA 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 natural remedies for ADHD, it is growing in popularity.

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 ADHD while effectively complementing the body’s natural calming and balancing agents (i.e. neurotransmitters). This increases focus and attention spans. All of this makes Listol stand out among natural remedies for ADHD.

Focus Formula

Focus Formula was formulated by a Clinical Psychologist to help both children and adults. It supports concentration and attention, while promoting normal energy levels in children and adults. 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.

It is one of the most popular natural remedies for ADHD. Because Focus Formula is 100% safe and non-addictive, it is one of the most popular natural remedies for ADHD.

Intuniv

Intuniv provides a 24-hour evenly released dose of the medication guanfacine. Specifically, guanfacine improves the ability to concentrate in children with ADD/ADHD.

Guanfacine may also help reduce the aggression and the insomnia normally associated with the use of risky prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD. The parent company Shire is one step closer to gaining FDA approval. Intuniv is available at Drugstore.com.

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 natural remedies for ADHD.

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 ADD/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" 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, Lemon Balm acts as a natural antidepressant.

It is conveniently available in tea or liquid form and can be used by placing 6-12 drops in juice, water, or under the tongue. It may be taken 3 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.

14. 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 natural remedies for ADHD.

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 ADD/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 natural remedies for ADHD.

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 natural remedies for ADHD.

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 natural remedies for ADHD.

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.

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 natural remedies for ADHD.

- 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 Natural Remedies For ADHD

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, the Conquer ADD Program is a highly powerful guide to help adults suffering from ADHD thrive.

Other natural remedies for ADHD include behavioral therapy, exercise, and ADHD diets.

Helpful Books

ADHD 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.

They offer insights into various natural remedies for ADHD and their inspiring advice on addressing a child's unique needs through nutrition, herbal medicine, love, and understanding that fosters self-esteem, creativity, and confidence.

An inspiring must-read for any caretaker dealing with the challenges of ADHD.

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