Hyperactivity is a health problem commonly seen in children. This problem, notes MedlinePlus, usually involves certain behaviors or actions, including aggressiveness, impulsiveness, difficulty concentrating and staying focused and almost constant activity. If your child suffers from hyperactivity, she may talk excessively or fidget nonstop. Certain herbal remedies may be beneficial in treating your child's hyperactivity, although avoid giving your child herbs until you speak with her primary care provider.
Hyperactivity
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common problem among school-aged children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007, about 9.5 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 17 were diagnosed with this health problem, and significantly more boys than girls have historically been diagnosed with ADHD. Your child may exhibit hyperactivity in the absence of attention deficit and impulsivity, although these problems often occur together.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbal remedies, when brewed as a tea, may be helpful in treating hyperactivity in children. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch reports that appropriate herbal remedies for this health problem include wood betony, thyme, St. John's wort, skullcap, passionflower, oats, licorice, lobelia, kava kava, lemon balm, hops, gotu kola, chamomile, catnip and valerian root. Further scientific research testing using contemporary testing methods is needed to verify the purported health benefits.
Highlighted Herb
Lemon balm may be a helpful herbal tea in treating your child's hyperactivity. According to herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," lemon balm has historically been used in treating over-excitement and sleeplessness and is a particularly effective remedy for children. This herbal remedy is a mild sedative and tranquilizer. Add 1 tbsp. of the dried herb per cup of water to make an infusion. A larger body of scientific research evidence is needed to evaluate the true efficacy of lemon balm in treating hyperactivity in children.
Considerations
Hyperactivity in children is a condition best be managed by a licensed health care practitioner. If your child exhibits hyperactive behavior, impulsiveness or an inability to maintain concentration, schedule an appointment with her primary care provider. Ask your doctor about the risks, benefits and limitations of herbal remedies in treating your child's hyperactivity. A health care provider who specializes in botanical medicine may provide you with the most accurate and relevant herb-related information.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hyperactivity
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
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