Herbal Remedies for ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed in childhood. However, it persists throughout the lifespan. As the mother of an adult son who has struggled with the condition his entire life, I am always on the lookout for effective, safe tools that will make life easier for him and other people who are affected by ADHD.
Some people who have ADHD benefit dramatically from the use of medications, often stimulant drugs. However, pharmaceuticals are not for everyone. All ADHD medications may precipitate undesirable side effects. Stimulants can be addicting and may be abused. As a result, many individuals turn to complementary and alternative treatments for ADHD in hopes that they will be effective, yet not cause harmful reactions.
The use of herbs as part of a holistic plan to relieve the distress that ADHD causes is an outstanding option for many individuals.
Use the Ayurvedic Herb, Brahmi, to Boost Brain Function
Brahmi, which is scientifically known as bacopa monnieri, is an Indian herb that has been used for over three thousand years. Bacopa may improve your memory. Some studies indicate that bacopa makes decision making easier. It may improve your ability to focus, and help you to complete tasks in a timely manner. You may sleep better, and feel more relaxed.
Some people experience gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhea, when they take bacopa. If you experience any undesirable effects, consider reducing the amount of bacopa you consume, or discontinuing its use. Experts agree that more research is needed to evaluate the benefits of bacopa; however, it does appear that the herb may be useful if you have ADHD.
Drink Green Tea and Sleep Better
Many people who have ADHD have difficulty sleeping. If you take medications to treat ADHD, they may keep you awake at night.
It might seem strange to think that green tea, which contains caffeine and other stimulating compounds, may help you to sleep better. Green tea may help you to rest because it contains L-theanine, which improves sleep patterns. L-theanine has been approved as a treatment for ADHD in Europe and Japan for over 20 years.
Researchers conducted a study of school-aged boys. (Lyon M, et al.2011) They gave half of the children 200 milligrams of L-theanine twice daily. The children who received L-theanine slept better than those who received a placebo, an inactive supplement. They did not fall asleep any faster than the children who received the placebo; nor did they experience feelings of drowsiness afterwards, but they experienced a more restful sleep.
L- Theanine promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. It stabilizes mood swings and aids concentration. You may want to consider drinking green tea as a beverage or purchasing it in the form of a supplement.
While the researchers did not address the stimulating aspects of green tea, perhaps some of the benefits may be related to those effects. Stimulant drugs reduce symptoms of ADHD, so it may be that the caffeine in the green tea provides similar benefits. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants, which protect your entire body, so in addition to reducing signs of ADHD, your general level of wellness will be optimized.
