by Tess Thompson / Native Remedies

If you are like many parents, deciding how best to medicate your child for ADHD is not an easy task. Along with the increased prescription of stimulant drugs for children has come a heightened awareness of the risks these medications can pose, and more and more parents are searching for natural alternatives.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the manufacture of stimulant drugs has increased by more than 500 percent since 1991, and over 50 percent of the prescriptions for these drugs are written by pediatricians.

Unsurprisingly, these alarming statistics have raised questions about whether some doctors and parents are too quick to medicate children, and whether it might be worthwhile to try homeopathic remedies for ADHD before turning to stimulant drugs.

The reason drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can be successful in treating ADHD is because they stimulate brain activity. While extra stimulation may seem like the last thing a hyperactive child needs, the heightened activity in fact helps the brain to focus and pay attention.

There are several herbal ingredients which act similarly to stimulate the brain, and can be used as part of an effective child ADHD treatment plan.

Among these ingredients is Brahmi, an herb that has long been known to enhance cognitive function. Brahmi can help increase learning abilities, and according to research, it provides another healthful benefit of protecting the brain from damage from free radicals.

Ginko Biloba is well-known herb that is often found in natural medications. It is popular for it's ability to generate increased blood flow to the brain, as well as increased neurotransmitter levels, helping the brain to focus.

Perhaps one of the best qualities of Ginko is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, eliminating the need for its continued use.

Centella Asiatica, which is also called Gotu Kola, is a natural ingredient that has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent research has also suggested that it helps to increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Siberian Ginseng is another natural brain stimulant that increases endurance and concentration. This particular herb also moderates the release of body energy and normalizes body function.

Similarly, Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown to reduce stress and fatigue, strengthen the immune system, increase motivation and also normalize body function.

There are effective herbs for hyperactivity, and the herbs mentioned above have all been used successfully in treatment for ADHD.

There are a wide variety of herbal remedies available that are created by experts in the field, and combine multiple ingredients that both stimulate and soothe for the best effect. Since many herbal stimulants have effects on the brain that are similar to the effects produced by prescription stimulants, the two types of medications should never be taken together.

It is essential to consult a doctor before trying any new medication or before stopping any medication, and if you do ultimately decide to try ADHD natural remedies, remember to give them at least a few weeks to take effect.

You might be among those who find it is a healthy and effective alternative to prescription stimulant drugs for your child.

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For a number of herbal remedies for ADHD for all ages - and many other conditions, see the Native Remedies site.

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  See more articles by Tess Thompson.

Related page: ADD / ADHD : articles sites books

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