Have You Tried Herbal Supplements For ADHD?

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a confusing and devastating blow. Prescription drugs are often the first line of defense for the disorder. Common side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, decreased appetite, allergic reactions, and unforeseen long-term complications lead many people to seek alternative therapies.

Luckily, there are many herbal supplements for ADHD that can balance the brain chemistry without the unwanted side effects of prescription medication. Studies performed on the psychological effects of herbs have revealed benefits for many brain and performance parameters. These benefits also extend to ADHD patients as they have natural stimulating properties and positive effects on the nervous system.

Some of the most effective herbal supplements for treating ADHD include Ginkgo Biloba, American Ginseng, St. John's Wort, Grape Seed Extract, and Pine Bark (Pycnogenol). These herbal supplements for ADHD have been reported effective time and again by children and adults diagnosed with the disorder, and most have been validated by scientific studies.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most effective herbal supplements for treating ADHD. It improves blood flow, brain function, memory, and concentration. Studies have shown that combining Ginkgo with American Ginseng can treat symptoms of ADHD in many children.

St. John's Wort is one of the classic herbal supplements for ADHD. It has been used for years to increase serotonin availability in the brain. Not only is it the most popular alternative anti-depressant prescribed, it is also very effective in the treatment of ADHD. St. John's Wort is particularly useful in the treatment of the limbic system sub-type of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Grape Seed Extract is another of the most frequently used herbal supplements for treating ADHD. It is becoming increasingly common for physicians to prescribe this extract instead of prescription medication as a first line of defense. Although the exact mechanism that makes grape seed extract so effective is unknown, it is believed to inhibit the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, which happens faster than normal in ADHD patients.

Pine Bark is also an up and comer in the world of herbal supplements for ADHD. Also known as Pycnogenol, this supplement is a complex of flavanoids from the French maritime pine tree. It is a powerful antioxidant that increases circulation, improves capillary health, and reduces free radicals. These properties combine to increase duration and effectiveness of the brain's neurotransmitters. Pycnogenol can cross the brain's blood barrier, which almost no other substance can do. It has been found especially helpful in treating children with ADHD.

Diet, exercise, and herbal supplements for treating ADHD may be the answer to your prayers if you are searching for an alternative to drug therapy. These are just some of the many herbal supplements for ADHD that have been proven effective. Find what works best for your child and speak to your doctor about any changes in medication or the addition of herbal supplements for treating ADHD.

Diana is a Natural Health Consultant and is currently taking classes to earn a certificate in herbalism. Her website, Natural Health and Herbal Remedies, offers the knowledge, insights and experiences she has gained from her journey into the world of natural health and her quest to share it with others.

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