Numerous herbs may help treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, and it can continue through adolescence and adulthood. If your child has ADHD, she may have difficulty staying focused, paying attention and controlling her behavior. Before giving your child herbs to treat her ADHD, talk with her doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Skullcap
Skullcap is an herb that may be helpful in treating your child's ADHD. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, skullcap, also known as Scutellaria lateriflora, is a plant that grows wild in woods and meadows. Skullcap is native to North America, but is now widely grown in Europe and other parts of the world. Skullcap, notes the UMMC, has been used for over 200 years as a mild relaxant and therapy for anxiety, nervous tension and convulsions. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that skullcap is a sedative, antispasmodic and hypotensive used to treat agitation, restlessness and insomnia. Before giving your child skullcap to treat his ADHD, talk to his doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your child's ADHD. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia, but it now grows throughout North America. Valerian has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, states the NCCAM. Valerian, a slightly warming herb, possesses a sweet and spicy taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally. According to Tilgner, valerian is a sedative, relaxing nervine, antispasmodic and hypotensive. Valerian, notes Tilgner, is used to treat numerous health problems, including attention deficit and hyperactivity syndromes, nervous irritation, restlessness, anxiety, nervous palpitations and insomnia. Before giving your child valerian to help treat her ADHD, talk with her doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is an herb that may be effective in treating your child's ADHD. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ginkgo, also known as Ginkgo biloba, is a plant cultivated around the world for its medicinal properties and aesthetic value. Ginkgo has a slightly sour taste. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that ginkgo is used to treat poor concentration and poor mental performance, decreased circulation to your head and brain and many other conditions. According to a 2001 study by M. R. Lyon and colleagues published in the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience," ginkgo may improve symptoms in children with ADHD. Before giving your child ginkgo to help treat his ADHD, talk with his doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skullcap
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Valerian
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginkgo
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"; Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; M. R. Lyon et al.; 2001
