ADD Natural Remedies: Natural Remedies For ADD

ADD natural remedies may help ease symptoms of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) when medications cease to become effective. They are also an option if you have developed side effects to medications.


ADD is a condition marked by learning disabilites, hyperactivity and /or impaired judgment. Additional problems with this disorder include frequent forgetfulness, an inability to focus on or complete tasks, excessive talking or interrupting, restless fidgeting and problems with organizing activities.

The most common form of ADD is ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is mostly seen in children The hallmark of ADHD is constant motion an ddisruptive behavior. Because adults usually have developed some measure of coping with the problems, both ADD and ADHD in adults is referred to as residual ADD.

ADHD is the most common neurological disorder in North American children affecting up to 5% of all school age children, and it tends to run in families.

Studies have indicated that ADD is basically a failure of cordinating information within the brain. We now know that it is neuro-biological not a behavioral issue as was thought years ago. Basically signals within the brain are disrupted. Sugar consumption blunts the brain's responsivienes to normal neurochemicals in the brain and can contribute to the problem. Just about every parent I have ever met agrees with the statement that sugar can increase activity in children!

Other contributing factors include:

• Other neurological disorders
• Family history of ADD or ADHD
• Anxiety
• Oxygen deprivation at birth
• Smoking during pregnancy

While stimulatory medications may be effective for many people with these disorders, unfortunately over time, for some people the effects wear off. A rebound effect of more symptoms may appear including frustration and anger.

The ADD natural remedies listed below are for adults only. If you need to consider therapy for a child it must be co-ordinated by a physician who is knowledgable about the dosing for children. Children between the ages of 6-12 may take 1/2 of the adult doses.

Herb	Dosage	Comments
Avena Sativa	Tincture. 10 drops in 1/4c water twice a day.	Reduces symptoms of withdrawl from Ritalin. Relieves mild depression in adults.
Brahmi	Tablets. 300mg once a day.	Improves attention and retention of new material.
Chamomile	Tea bags. 1 cup, 1-2 times per day.	Relieves insommnia.
Ginko	Tablets. 160-180mg, 3 times per day	The best herb for adults with ADD
Hawthorne	Capsules. 3-5 gms/day	Relieves acting out, anxiety and unrest.
Lemon Balm with Valarian	Capsules, 240mg 1 hour before bed.	Improves sleep, relaxes muscles with out daytime drowsiness.
Lobelia	Capsules. 500-100mg 3x/day no more than 2 weeks at a time.	For adults with ADD only.
Passionflower	Tea bags. 1 cup, 1-2 times per day.	Calming effects without drowsiness.
Scutellaria	Capsules. 1000-3000mg 3x per day.	Prevents allergic reactions.
Wood Betony	Liquid extract. Use as directed on label.	For adults with high blood pressure.

Special Note: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis and avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed. Do not use ginko if you are on other blood thinners such as Plavix, Aggrenox or aspirin. Watch out for scutelleria and diarrhea.

Do not give lobelia to children under 12. All children with ADHD and ADD should eat a healthy balanced diet and take a multivitamin. An extra 250mg of magnesium per day may help prevent "jumpy legs" that occur at night.

Avoid allergens. Between 80 and 90% of all children with ADD or ADHD are allergic to blue, red, and yellow dyes in food products. Avoid processed foods and colored candies which contain these dyes.

Adults with ADD need to have moderate exercise for 30 minutes per day. This reduces brain excitability by up to 40% according to an Italian study and the effects of exercise can last for several hours to as long as a day so exercise can also be one of the ADD natural remedies.

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