Natural Herbs For Hyperactivity In Children

There are possible biological differences in the brains of children who are chronically hyperactive or diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD and general hyperactivity in children can be difficult to appropriately ascertain, yet many professionals agree that herbal stimulants can generate significant improvements in many of the symptoms of hyperactive children. The Healing Center On-Line reports that herbal stimulants such as ginseng, gotu kola and ginkgo biloba tend to improve the performance of anyone--child or adult, hyperactive or not. Frances Brinker, ND, refers to such herbs as "alertness enhancers," in reference to their documented ability to enhance nervous system function.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that can increase the circulation of blood, nourishment and oxygen to your child's brain. The effect of this improved circulation is a sharper sense of memory and concentration, which eases hyperactivity. Ginkgo leaves contain ginkgolide and flavone glycoside extracts--the agents that increase local blood flow and oxygenation to your tissues. The Healing Center On-Line maintains that ginkgo also improves brain glucose metabolism and positively affects levels of amine neurotransmitter substances in the brain.

Ginseng

Ginseng is an adaptogenic, which means that it helps you handle and mitigate the effects of stress reactions. The extracts found in ginseng stimulate brain activity and cause a more efficient use of your body's energy, which results in more effective output of productivity. Scientifically, ginseng is shown by The Healing Center to contain a mixture of eleutherosides, which have been shown to diminish stress and benefit growth rates, all of which serve the treatment of hyperactive children.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an herb that does not contain caffeine. Although the name is similar, it is important that you do not confuse gotu kola with the kola nut, which is naturally caffeinated. Gotu kola is said to contain substances referred to as triterpenoid glycosides, which can reduce adrenal corticosterone blood levels when your child is experiencing stress. Gotu kola has also been useful in treating other brain and nervous system disorders.