Hyperactivity is a common finding in children, although adults may also be hyperactive. The National Institute of Mental Health states that hyperactivity, along with an inability to concentrate and follow instructions, is one of the principal symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. However, you can be hyperactive and not have ADHD. Before taking herbs to treat your hyperactivity, discuss your treatment options with a qualified health care professional.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is a term describing excessive muscle activity. Hyperactivity also describes a situation in which one or more parts of your body are overly active, including your hormone-producing glands. Hyperactive behavior is usually accompanied by other behaviors, including aggressiveness, impulsiveness, an inability to focus on a specific task and being easily distracted. Common signs and symptoms associated with hyperactivity include fidgeting, constant movement and excessive talking.
Helpful Herbs
Certain herbs have long been used to help treat hyperactivity. According to Dr. William Mitchell Jr., an expert herbalist, naturopathic doctor and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," there is a classification of herbs known as calmatives. Calmatives, states Mitchell, reduce the restless energy in your body in a gentle way, without the drug-like aftereffects that are commonly felt after taking sedatives, another herb classification. Examples of calmative herbs include pineapple weed, chamomile, passionflower and kava kava.
Featured Herb
Passionflower is a commonly used herb in treating hyperactivity. Passionflower is a plant indigenous to certain parts of the Americas. Passionflower has been used as a calming herb for a number of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, insomnia and hysteria. Passionflower has hypotensive, sedative, nervine, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and pain-relieving action. Passiflora incarnata, as passionflower is also known, contains several important constituents, including flavonoids, luteolin and apigenin.
Warning
Some herbs may cause unwanted side effects in your body if they are taken inappropriately. If you are planning on taking herbs to help treat your hyperactivity, first consult a health care professional with advanced training in herbal medicine. A health care provider knowledgeable about herbs and their side effects can help you select the herbs that may be best for you and your health complaints and can also tell you which herbs to avoid, which is especially important if you are pregnant or have certain health conditions.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- MedlinePlus: Hyperactivity
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Passionflower
