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ADHD herbal remedies are being used more and more today as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as they provide many benefits that medication cannot provide, without having the associated side effects.

What is ADHD?

ADHD (or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a behavioral and developmental disorder that mainly involves inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. It is generally agreed that ADHD is mainly caused by genetic factors and is hereditary. Environmental factors however do play a role in causing or aggravating ADHD - use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs or exposure to dangerous chemicals during pregnancy can cause problems such as ADHD. In addition, exposing a very young child to such toxins can also later lead to ADHD.

Choosing the right treatment

ADHD is usually treated by using stimulant medication in conjunction with counseling and therapy as well as some lifestyle changes. These are usually effective, but any kind of medication has the risk of side effects and the potential for abuse, especially in such young children, and especially in the case of such a problem that cannot be "cured" but only managed. This is why herbal remedies for ADHD are important.

Herbal remedies

It has been generally observed that brain function in children with ADHD is somewhat abnormal, and stimulants tend to help the brain function normally. There are several herbal remedies available that contain natural stimulants, thus providing the needed benefit naturally, with minimal side effects:

• Ginkgo: Extracts of the ginkgo biloba tree, a rare Chinese tree, have long been used to treat a variety of ailments, and it has been found that the extracts are also a useful herbal remedy for ADHD. Ginkgo improves blood flow, thus improving brain function. In addition, it is thought to improve memory and concentration.
• Valerian: This is a medicinal herb that is sometimes used as a sedative, but also seems to have stimulant properties that make it an effective ADHD herbal remedy.
• Gotu kola: This is an Ayurvedic herb that also improves blood flow and in addition seems to help normalize brain function.
• Oatstraw: This is also known as avena sativa or green oats, and seems to improve brain and nerve function.

The dosage of these herbal remedies for ADHD will vary from case to case - usually however, the extracts will be available as a capsule, and a safe but effective dose would be a single capsule a day. Ideally, you should consult your doctor about this. In any case, it is very important that you consult your doctor before giving your child any of these herbs. They are relatively safer than using drug treatment, but herbs also have side effects, and some of these ADHD herbal remedies may not be suitable for very young children.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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