ADHD is the acronym for “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” It is a developmental disorder and medical condition that often first appears during an individual’s childhood years (and generally before the age of seven). The main characteristics of the disorder include hyperactive-impulsive behavior and inappropriate levels of inattention.
It can place a tremendous stress on not only the child but the parents.
The person who has been diagnosed with ADHD will have a difficult time attending to tasks and remaining focused on that task for the length of time needed to complete it. Besides having problems concentrating the child may also demonstrate behavior that is aggressive, disruptive or overstimulated. These children often seem to do things to extremes, such as excessive restlessness, running or talking, etc.
It has been estimated that ADHD affects an estimated eight to 10 percent of all school age children. It is also more commonly seem in boys than in girls. Why this is the case is at present not clear to the medical community.
ADHD can be treated with medication but many of the drugs have come under scrutiny and are controversial in nature. As well many of them have been shown to have some adverse side effects that are not beneficial to the developing mind and body of a child. Examples of these drugs include Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin. As a result of this some parents turn their attention to the world of holistic medicine to find help for their ADHD children.
Alternative treatments for ADHD can help the brain and the body to find the equilibrium it needs. Balance is an important aspect of mastering this condition, as well as many others similar to it. Natural treatments do not just treat the signs and symptoms of this health issue but they do their part to support and encourage healing.
When a course of treatment is decided upon for a patient the disorder must be looked at but so must a host of other relevant factors. Examples of these include the personality traits of the person, their diet and exercise habits, their lifestyle in general and the environment that they live in (and go to school or work in).
Herbs are the most popular form of alternative treatment for ADHD sufferers. There is an array of them that holistic practitioners can recommend to help relieve the symptoms of the health problem. The most common of these include ginkgo biloba, gotu kola and skullcap.
Ginkgo biloba has been used in alternative medicine practices in North America for the last two decades. However it has been around for much longer than that in other parts of the world. This herb improves the work of the circulatory system and by so doing increases the rate at which blood reaches the brain. This can be very beneficial for an ADHD patient.
Gotu kola is a very strange name but this herb is also very healing and soothing for the brain and the nervous system. It has been shown to improve both concentration as well as attention span. This makes it an excellent choice for those who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Skullcap is another unusual sounding name. This natural remedy for ADHD is relaxing and calming at the same time. It calms the overexcited feelings in those with ADHD and it is also beneficial in relieving the signs of anxiety and depression which can accompany this disorder.
ADHD is a chronic illness which means it’s for life.
As always discuss these options with your Doctor before stopping or changing medication.
Becca
Alternative Health for Today 