In hopes of improving your child's quality of life, you may look to herbal remedies for sensory integration problems. Sensory integration is a neurological process in which the brain perceives and organizes sensory input from sound, sight, smell, touch and movement. Children and adults with sensory processing disorder, or SPD, often face difficulties with learning, sleep, coordination, and behavioral and emotional control. People with autism and other developmental disorders are particularly prone to SPD. Using herbs is a controversial practice, so use caution and seek professional guidance.
Herbs to Support Underlying Causes
Although the cause of SPD is unknown, some experts speculate that it may be associated with the immune system and/or the gastrointestinal system. For example, children with SPD may have higher rates of allergies and may suffer from leaky gut syndrome. Also, some children undergo chelation therapy for having high levels of heavy metals in their bodies. Certified herbalist Laura Mezai recommends using herbs such as garlic, usnea, slippery elm, marshmallow root and licorice to improve the gastrointestinal system. For the immune system, astragalus and shiitake may substitute for antibiotics, whereas goldenseal, thyme and echinacea can help treat respiratory issues. Mezai supports the use of liver- and kidney-enhancing herbs during chelation treatment.
Uses for SPD Symptoms
Herbs that aid sleep, behavioral and emotional control, attention and focus may ease some sensory-related problems. Mezai recommends an herb called skullcap to reduce self-stimulatory behavior; golden root, specifically to help with self-injurious behavior; and Ginkgo, to address issues relating to focus. Children who are over-responsive to sensory input may use herbs such as lavender and lemon balm to assist with relaxation. Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone rather than an herb, is a promising treatment for sensory-related sleep issues.
Precautions
Currently, insufficient scientific evidence supports the use of herbs for sensory integration. The Food and Drug Administration does not monitor the composition or use of herbal remedies. A study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2004 cites that one out of five ayurvedic herbal medicines contained high levels of lead, mercury or arsenic. This exemplifies the risks that you assume with alternative medicine, and parents must use caution with children, whose systems may be more susceptible to damage. You should seek expert advice before using herbs and inform your doctor if you or your child is currently using any herbs, because they may interfere with other drugs. For help in treating SPD, consult an occupational therapist or other practitioner certified in sensory integration.
References
- "New Developments"; Herbal Medicine for Children with Developmental Delays; Laura I. Mezei, M.H.A.
- eMedicine Pediatrics; Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Treatment & Medication;Sufen Chiu, MD, PhD and Randi Jenssen Hagerman, M.D.; April, 2010
- "Journal of the American Medical Association";Heavy Metal Content of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Products;Robert B. Saper, MD, MPH; Stefanos N. Kales, MD, MPH; Janet Paquin, PhD; Michael J. Burns, MD; David M. Eisenberg, MD; Roger B. Davis, ScD; Russell S. Phillips, M.D.; 2004
- "Pediatrics"; Herbal Remedies and Children: Do They Work? Are They Harmful?;Alan D. Woolf, M.D., M.P.H.; July 2003
Member Comments