Natural Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms including difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior and hyper activity. It is one of the most common childhood disorders, but can also continue into adulthood. While the causes of ADHD are unclear, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that it is a combination of genetics, environmental factors like cigarette smoke, food additives and lead exposure. Typically, medication and behavior modification are treatments for ADHD. However, there is growing evidence that natural treatments such as diet, homeopathy and other holistic approaches may be useful in treating ADHD.

Things You'll Need

• Flaxseed, primrose or borage oil
• B vitamins
• Calcium supplements
• Magnesium supplements
• Multivitamin

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Instructions

• 1

  Adjust your diet. Dr. Doug Cowen, a clinical psychologist who specializes in ADHD, suggests cutting out dairy products, as much sugar as possible, and refined, fried and fast foods. Avoid food colorings and additives, and never consume artificial sweeteners. Replace refined foods with lean proteins, vegetables and whole grains. Boost your protein intake at breakfast. Eat meats that are antibiotic free and preferably free range or soy-based.

• 2

  Consume essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 and omega-6 are long-chain fatty acids that improved ADHD children's reading, spelling and behavior significantly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because fish oils can contain mercury, the best sources of these omegas are flaxseed and primrose oil; adults can take up to 1 g a day, or up to 400 mg for children.

• 3

  Take your vitamins. In Israeli and Polish tests as well as in studies conducted by Purdue University, the B vitamin complex, calcium and magnesium have shown a remarkable impact on ADHD. Each of these vitamins is vital to brain function. B vitamins play an important role in mood regulation, affecting levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Calcium and magnesium affect muscle contraction and relaxation as well as the timing of neurotransmitter release. Children with ADHD show decreased blood levels of these nutrients as well as low fatty-acid levels. Dr. Angela Stengler, a specialist in ADHD, suggests that children may benefit from an extra 500 to 1000 mg of calcium and magnesium in their diets. Food is the best source of these nutrients, but supplements may be necessary.

• 4

  Adults should take Pycnogenal, a water-soluble extract from the bark of French maritime pine. It is high in antioxidants, and provides a transportation system for nutrients and neurotransmitters. Pycnogenal has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of disorders, including asthma and diabetes. According to preliminary studies at the University of Oklahoma, Pycnogenal may be "the single most effective substance available today for the management and improvement of ADHD symptoms."

• 5

  Consider homeopathy treatments. Evidence published by the British Homeopathic Journal suggests that homeopathic remedies are effective in the treatment of ADHD. Children treated with stramonium, cina and hyoscyamus niger showed improvement in behavior and attention in a 1997 study. Discuss dosages with a homeopathic practioner.