Hyperactivity is a key symptom of ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Medications, social and behavioral interventions and dietary changes are often used to treat this disorder. Herbal supplements may also ease hyperactivity, though more research is required to validate their effectiveness.
Hyperactivity and ADHD
In diagnostic criteria for ADHD, hyperactivity is usually combined with impulsivity. ADHD is characterized by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. According to Mayo Clinic, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms include fidgeting, an inability to sit still, feeling restless, a frequent need to get up and move around, excessive talking or blurting out answers in class, lack of patience, problems with waiting, and interrupting or intruding on others.
Herbal Management
Some parents, concerned about the side effects of prescription stimulant medications, opt for alternative or holistic treatments to manage their child's ADHD symptoms. While there is little scientific evidence to show the benefits of herbs for hyperactivity, many herbalists and alternative healers use certain calming herbs to alleviate symptoms of ADHD. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbs that may be used include American and Asian ginseng, evening primrose, lemon balm, passionflower and valerian. These herbs are reported to have relaxing, soothing or sedative effects that may help calm hyperactive children, although there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
Considerations
In his book "Medical Herbalism," herbal medicine practitioner David Hoffmann says herbs may help hyperactive children by calming the nervous system and detoxifying the liver of certain substances that may aggravate symptoms of ADHD. These substances include pollutants and artificial food additives. However, studies regarding the efficacy of specific herbs have been mixed. A study published in the June 2008 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" compared the effects of St. John's wort with a placebo on children with ADHD. The study showed that St. John's wort was no more effective than the placebo at reducing ADHD symptoms. Another study, published in the May 2001 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience," tested the effects of a combination of the herbs American ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolium, and Ginkgo biloba on ADHD. After four weeks, 44 percent of study participants experienced an improvement in social problems related to ADHD, and 77 percent experienced a decrease in hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Warning
While herbs may supply some benefits, it is crucial to consult your child's doctor prior to using herbal remedies. Clinical studies testing the efficacy of herbal supplements are difficult to conduct. Herbs are not regulated by the FDA as drugs are. Herbal remedies are not standardized in terms of purity and dosage. However, several additional issues also hinder herbal research. According to a 2008 bulletin of the World Health Organization regarding herbal medicine research, issues include a lack of a consistent, universal ethical framework for conducting such studies and a universally accepted research methodology. Herbal remedies can cause unwanted side effects or interactions with certain medications. According to Healthychildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, herbs used for ADHD should not be combined with sedative medications, as this can increase the effects of these drugs.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Symptoms
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs and Supplements for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Medical Herbalism"; David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG; 2003
- "Bulletin of the World Health Organization"; Herbal Medicine Research and Global Health: An Ethical Analysis; J. Tilburt and T. Kaptchuk; 2008
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort) for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents; W. Weber, M.D., et al.; June 2008
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"; Effect of the Herbal Extract Combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder..."; M.R. Lyon et al.; May 2001
