Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your child's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is a common childhood disorder that involves an inability to stay focused, pay attention and control behavior. If your child has ADHD, she will also be hyperactive. Before giving your child herbs to help treat her ADHD, talk with her doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Chamomile
Chamomile, also known as Matricaria recutita, is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your child's ADHD. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, chamomile, a member of the aster family, has been used in children and adults for centuries to help treat numerous health or behavior problems. Chamomile possesses a sweet and slightly bitter taste. The fresh or dried flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic and sedative, or a substance that calms your body. The sedative action of this herb, notes Tilgner, is thought to be due to one of its principle constituents, apigenin. Meet with your child's doctor to discuss proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before giving your child chamomile to help treat his ADHD.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your child's ADHD. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that St. John's wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is a shrubby plant that may be native to Europe, certain parts of Asia and Africa and the western United States. St. John's wort, a member of the guttiferae family, has a sweet and bitter taste and slightly warming tendencies. The flowering tops of the plant are used medicinally. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," St. John's wort is an anti-inflammatory, nervine and sedative that helps calm your body and helps treat insomnia. Tilgner cautions that fair-skinned individuals should avoid intense or prolonged sun exposure when taking this herb. Consult with your child's physician about proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before giving her St. John's wort to help treat her ADHD.
Kava Kava
Kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your child's ADHD. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center, kava kava is a plant that grows throughout the Pacific rim and the Hawaiian islands and has been used to help treat symptoms associated with ADHD, such as restlessness. Kava kava, a member of the piperaceae family, has a sharp, pungent taste. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Tilgner states that kava kava is an antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sedative that has been used to help treat ADHD, anxiety, stress, insomnia, tension headaches and pain associated with muscle spasms or inflammation. Smith notes that kava kava is also a muscle relaxant and peaceful euphoriant. Before giving your child kava kava to help treat his ADHD, talk with his doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
