Help your child accept ADD / ADHD:
A Leopard is More Than His Spots
Natural Remedies for ADHD and ADD: An Alternative to
Prescribing Ritalin for Children
By Tess Thompson
When your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, deciding on the best form of
treatment can be an extremely draining and intensely personal process.
Recent headlines about dangerous side effects of commonly prescribed drugs
such as Ritalin and Concerta can leave parents feeling ashamed of their decision
to give their children these medications. It is important to remember that while
some children who take these drugs do experience alarming side effects, many are
treated effectively. But it is also important to be informed of alternatives,
and to know about natural medications and ingredients that have shown to be both
highly effective and safe.
In order to make the best decision about treating your child, you need to
understand what the most commonly doctor-prescribed drugs are and what they do.
Stimulants (such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta) increase brain activity
and tend to increase a child’s alertness and ability to pay attention. The most
common side effects of these drugs are mood changes, headaches, irritability,
insomnia and loss of appetite. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
received reports that Concerta was producing more serious side effects such as
psychosis, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts among some users.
Non-Stimulants, such as Strattera, increase attention and impulse control by
monitoring a brain chemical believed to affect those behaviors. Side effects
similarly include moodiness, fatigue and decreased appetite.
Anti-depressants, such as Wellbutrin, relieve anxiety and regulate mood by
altering brain chemical composition. These drugs are commonly prescribed to
children suffering from both ADHD and depression. Side effects can include
dizziness, weight loss and suicidal thoughts.
Many natural remedies for ADHD and ADD have proven to be equally effective
and can be excellent alternatives to prescribing Ritalin for children as the
homeopathic medications do not produce the same disturbing side effects.
When researching natural remedies as a treatment for ADHD, look for
ingredients which have been shown to be the most useful. One of these is
Centella Asiatica (also called Gotu Kola), a natural ingredient known to reduce
anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent studies show that
it may also help increase blood flow to the brain and improve general
circulation.
Another popular ingredient, Green Oats (also called Avena sativa), acts as a
nerve tonic whose calming effects grow with time and consistent use.
Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown in studies to strengthen the
immune system, reduce stress and fatigue, increase motivation, and normalize
body functions.
There are many natural remedies available that focus specifically on child
ADHD treatment. Every child is unique and will react uniquely to medication, so
trust your instincts and give the remedy time to take effect. As always, consult
a doctor if you have questions, but you may find that homeopathic medications
provide your child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD symptom-free life.
About the Author
Tess Thompson is a Homeopathic Practitioner, Reflexologist, Certified
Aromatherapist, and Herbalist who contributes regularly to
Native Remedies -
where you can find Guaranteed, All Natural Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies for a
myriad of health conditions including the
natural treatment of
ADHD and child
ADHD treatment.
Help your child accept ADD / ADHD:
A Leopard is More Than His Spots
