ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and no doubt you have heard of it before.  This neurobehavioral developmental disorder affects about 3-5% of the children under 19 throughout the world.  ADHD usually becomes apparent during early childhood.  Children diagnosed with ADHD are usually inattentive and/or hyperactive.  They often times have problems remembering things and they can have poor control over their impulses. ADHD can present a problem during school years as a lack of concentration and focus can make navigating school hard.

Many studies have been done and much has been written about the unhealthy side affects associated with the use of one of the more popular medicines prescribed for ADHD children – Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine).  Not all children react favorably to these medications.  Sometimes the side effects can be worse than the problems associated with the ADHD. There are, however, natural medications or remedies that can be suggested. Of course any changes to your child’s treatment should be discussed with your pediatrician or family physician first.

St. John’s Wort (also called Klamath weed) is said to have properties that can help with the symptoms of ADHD.  It was first used in ancient Greece to treat many ailments.  The active ingredient in St. John’s Wort is hypericin and dianathrones and flavonoids.  Studies show that St. John’s Wart acts as an anti-depressant in the body.

Lemon Balm or Melissa officinals is a fragrant herb with a lemony taste.  It was once considered a cure-all for various conditions including nervous problems.  It has had a long history with families affected by Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is felt to have a particularly positive effect on overly energetic kids.

Melotone Syrup is a natural liquid promoted widely on the internet as a “natural alternative to Ritalin.”  It is essentially a liquid nutritional supplement that has Omega-3s (the good fats) and oils from salmon and the primrose plant.  It also includes several vitamins and minerals that have been found to be low in children with ADHD (magnesium, B6 and others).

Spirulina is what is a known as a super food.  It is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the earth and this make it very valuable for human nutrient needs.  Studies have shown it to have positive effects on children who struggle with learning, social and behavioral problems. Putting powdered Spirulina in fruit smoothies in the morning hours can help increase focus and concentration the whole day through.

When looking for alternative options for ADHD treatment you cannot forget to consider making simple changes in diet, sleep, exercise and routine. Food allergies can often play a big role in behavioral problems too. Gluten, wheat, and dairy allergies are quite common.  Natural or homeopathic remedies try to address the unbalance in the body without the side effects of sedation through medication.  The goal of these remedies is to improve the balance and wellbeing of the whole child – mind and body.

Tags: ADHD, attention deficit, lemon balm, melotone syrup, Natural Parenting, st johns wort

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 am and is filed under Natural Family Cures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.