Many herbal remedies may be helpful in treating Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, and depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is a condition in which you have difficulty paying attention, staying focused and controlling your behavior, whereas depression is a condition involving prolonged feelings of sadness and unhappiness. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your ADHD and depression, talk with your doctor about proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions.
Kava Kava
Kava kava, also called Piper Methysticum, is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your ADHD and depression. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, kava kava, a member of the piperaceae family, is native to the islands of the South Pacific, where it has been used for centuries as both a medicine and a ceremonial beverage. Kava kava has a pungent, tongue-numbing taste. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that kava kava is a sedative, hypnotic, nervine and antidepressant that helps relieve anxiety, stress, insomnia, ADHD and general pain from muscle spasms or inflammation. Meet with your doctor prior to taking kava kava to discuss appropriate dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your ADHD and depression. Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a plant native to southern Europe, although it now grows throughout Europe, Middle Asia and North America. Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has a lemon-like taste and smell and possesses slightly warming tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the flowering herb of the plant medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including ADHD and depression. According to Tilgner, lemon balm is a nervine, sedative and mild antidepressant. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that lemon balm is an effective tranquilizer that can be used by all ages. Consult with your physician about proper dosage, potential drug interactions and possible side effects before taking lemon balm to help treat your ADHD and depression.
Vervain
Vervain, also known as Verbena officinalis, is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your ADHD and depression. Vervain is a perennial plant with numerous small lilac flowers. Vervain, a member of the verbena family, has a bitter taste, possesses drying tendencies and is native to certain parts of North America, South America and Europe. The leaves and flowering heads of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including ADHD and depression. Tilgner states that vervain is an antispasmodic, nervine and antidepressant that helps you relax. Vervain has been used to help treat nervous depression and hyperactivity. If you're pregnant, avoid taking this herb. Before taking vervain to help treat your ADHD and depression, talk with your physician about appropriate dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions.
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