Home Remedies and Herbs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain or developmental disorder characterized by a notable pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. This pattern or combinations of behavior patterns interferes with normal functioning and personality development. ^1,2
 
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed disorder of childhood behavior. ADHD in children affects between 3 and 5 percent of the population, usually affecting them in their early developmental years with the symptoms presenting before the age of 7. ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in boys than girls and is more common in children than adults. ^2,4
 
Diagnosing ADHD is controversial and relies on assessing a behavior pattern marked by numerous recognized symptoms, usually requiring six or more clearly abnormal behavior traits. There are no clinical laboratory tests for ADHD and no objective way to measure a person’s social and educational behavior. ⁴
 
What Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
 
ADHD causes are not precisely known. As in many personality and brain disorders, many factors may combine to cause ADHD. These factors that contribute to ADHD causes include:

• Genetics passed from parents
• Smoking, alcohol and drug use during pregnancy
• Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy
• Exposure to environmental toxins at young age, especially lead and PCBs
• Low birth weight
• Premature delivery
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms
 
ADHD symptoms present in three distinct behavior patterns which can include one, two or all three. ^1,2,3,4
 
Inattention where a person wanders off task has difficulty focusing, lacks persistence and/or shows disorganization where these traits are not due to lack of comprehension or acts of defiance.

Hyperactivity where a person fidgets, cannot sit still, moves continually about, rocks, taps or compulsively talks, especially in social situations where this behavior is inappropriate.

Impulsivity where a person makes hasty actions in the spur of the moment without first thinking them out or calculating the repercussions. These impulsive and short-term self-gratifying actions may present danger to that person or others.
 
ADHD in children changes over time and often disappear one a child reaches adulthood. ¹
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
 
ADHD natural supplements are aimed at controlling the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder rather than attempting to cure ADHD. The most effective ADHD natural supplements are:

• Melatonin - Melatonin is a natural hormone associated with sleep patterns. Melatonin supplements are effective in controlling abnormal sleep in ADHD sufferers, allowing them to have more rest which contributes to lowering restlessness.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon and tuna are critical for proper brain function and improving ADHD behavior.
• Fish Oil - Studies show that fish oil including Omega-3 fatty acids is better for controlling ADHD-related behavior than Ritalin which is a standard ADHD medication. Fish oil with the fatty acids DHA and EPA are critical for brain function and is also a strong anti-inflammatory.
• Borage Seed Oil - Oil extracted from borage seeds contains high levels of fatty gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that’s a proven anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce ADHD symptoms.
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids - Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that’s important for normal brain development and behavior function. Omega-6 fatty acid deficiency is a contributor to ADHD symptoms. Supplements of Omega-6 are effective in treating ADHD.
• Iron Supplement - Iron is one of the best ADHD natural supplements because it is a common mineral that’s vital for normal brain development and human behavior. Iron is key to making neurotransmitters that play a large role in brain function and contributing to ADHD. Studies show that ADHD is associated with low levels of serum iron and ferritin.

References

1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
2. https://medlineplus.gov/attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder