ADD and ADHD has been diagnosed at alarming rates in recent years and ADD and ADHD prescribed medications can be harmful to children. What are the alternatives to doctor prescribed medications? For years, natural medicines have been helping ADD and ADHD symptoms and in some cases, have allowed children to grow into adults without any type of natural or prescribed medicines at all.
ADHD and Pupils
Before beginning any type of natural medicine, start by looking at the pupils of the eyes. If the pupils are small, then an excess of parasympathetic nervous system activity is present. In this case, caffeine has been known to help calm down the child.
In the case of large pupils, sympathetic nervous system activity is present and will need calming natural medicines to help with hyperactivity.
Small Pupils
When thinking about giving your child caffeine, don't look to drinks like sodas or energy drinks. Instead, think more healthy alternatives like green tea. Green tea comes in many forms and green matcha tea can be sprinkled on top of food or in other drinks.
Focusing is a major problem for ADD and ADHD children and don't rule out leaky gut syndrome as it could also be a culprit.
Some natural herbs and medicines to think about: licorice root, flax seed oil, black current oil, and magnesium.
Large Pupils
Often, children with ADHD tend to be stressed. Not only do they not realize what is going on inside their bodies, but they are unsure of how to deal with it. All they know is that no matter how hard they try they still end up in trouble.
A natural stress remedy is a great way to help them relax. Some natural stress remedies: sandlewood, St. John's Wort, and licorice root.
Check with your local Doctor of Natural Medicine as he may be able to recommend a blend of natural herbs in one bottle for hyperactivity and stress.
Focusing
Protein plays a major factor when it comes to focus. When too much sugary foods or carbohydrates have been eaten, the body can be more hyperactive. Try to balance out the carbohydrates and proteins and stay away from sugary foods and drinks. Also, many herbal stores have their own blend of herbs for focus. Essential oils for focusing may also help.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is a single herb that helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels. It is known to help with hyperactivity and can be used in teas as it has a sweet flavor. Avoid taking licorice root if high blood pressure is present and it should not be taken in large doses as it can cause potassium to be removed from the body. Although, a diet high in potassium can help counteract the problem.
Green Tea
Green Tea has a long list of benefits:
- potential to fight off heart disease
- cancer cure
- preventing diabetes
- preventing strokes
- preventing diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis pain relief
- helps boost immune system
- reduces tooth decay
- helps reduce acne
- helps lower cholesterol
- and many, many others
Try to find green tea in its whole leaf form or green matcha tea which is green tea leaves ground up.
Sandlewood
Sandlewood is an essential oil that has a calming effect helping to reduce confusion and tension. It can also be used for eczema and psoriasis.
St. John's Wort
St John's Wort is a single herb used for a number of ailments and conditions: irritability, nightmares, tension, bed wetting, anxiety, asthma, depression, insomnia, and as an antidepressant. It is recommended that if taking St. John's Wort, the amount of sunlight each day should be limited as a sunburn may occur.
Flax Seed Oil
A great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 in vegetarian form, Flax Seed Oil is known for being one of the most nutritious oils on earth.
Black Current Oil
Black Current Oil is a nutrient used for arthritis, asthma, ADD, Type II Diabetes, down syndrome, eczema, fear, MS, immune deficiency, and many more ailment and conditions. Black Current Oil has no known warnings.
Sources:
"Licorice", University of Maryland Medical Center, UMM.edu, accessed January 16, 20120.
Magee, Elaine, MPH, RD. "The Benefits of Flaxseed", WebMD.com, accessed January 15, 2012.
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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