ADHD – its possible causes, common Signs & Symptoms, and how Holistic Remedies can help.
ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; is a developmental neuropsychiatric or mental health disorder that affects millions of children as well as adults.
The symptoms normally start before age 12 but can be noticeable in children as early as 3 years of age.
This condition occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviours can be different in boys and girls.
Some of the most noticeable signs and symptoms of ADHD are:
- Inattention – difficulty paying or sustaining attention.
- Hyperactivity – an excessive inclination to fidget and moving about.
- Difficulty remaining seated or static in one place.
- Impulsivity
- Frequent daydreaming,
- Difficulty following instructions.
- Memory issues or forgetting things easily.
- Problems organizing, completing tasks or activities.
- Easily distracted.
- Becoming bored easily
- Talking excessively.
- Incapable of concentrating at school.
- Tend to have more accidents and injuries.
- Trouble interacting with others etc.
Adults symptoms in ADHD may include:
- Unstable relationships.
- Poor work or performance.
- Trouble multitasking
- Hot tempered
- Trouble coping with stress and
- Low self-esteem etc.
Possible causes and Risk factors of ADHD.
The exact cause is still unknow and not clear!
- But there are few factors found to contribute to its development.
- Genetics or blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental disorder
- Central nervous system problems
- Premature birth
- Exposure to environmental toxins such as metal pipes or lead.
- Maternal drug, alcohol use, smoking or exposure to environmental poisons during pregnancy.
Helpful Tips & Prevention for ADHD
- Pregnant ladies should avoid anything that could harm foetal development such as drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs or smoking cigarettes.
- Children should be protected from exposure to pollutants and toxins, including cigarette smoke etc.
- Use organizers for homework and other tasks.
- Help your child develop a habit of writing down important notes for the day.
- Spend quality time with your child and show lots of love and affection.
- Look for new ways to improve your child’s self-esteem and sense of discipline.
- Use simple words and demonstrate with your hands when giving your child directions.
- Always make eye contact with your child.
- Make sure your child gets proper rest and sleep as being overtired can make symptoms worse.
- Make sure your child does not spend too much time on cell phones, computer games and watching TV.
- Remain patient and calm when dealing with your child.
- Give praise or small rewards when your child follows the rules.
- Regular physical exercise specially in open, green spaces is beneficial against stress, anxiety, depression, poor impulse control and compulsive behaviour.
- Bike riding, jogging, swimming, swinging, and kicking a ball are some exercises that most children enjoy.
- Martial arts, gymnastics and ice skating etc., are few other good options.
Herbal Supplements and Home remedies for ADHD
Make sure to avoid any food or ingredient you are allergic or sensitive to – discussed in this video!
- A well-balanced Diet – both the body and brain require different types of nutrients to function properly, improve memory, sharpen reflexes and enjoy a better attention span.
- Include magnesium-rich foods like spinach, Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews and black beans. Magnesium will help reduce irritability, increase attention and lessen mental confusion.
- Include foods rich in vitamin B6 to combat irritability. good options are avocados, bananas, spinach, sunflower seeds, prunes and nuts.
- Fish Oil – a lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as ADHD and dyslexia.
- Essential fatty acids are “good fats,” that are necessary for the proper development of brain function in growing children.
- One study found that the supplement melatonin may be helpful for improving sleep in children with ADHD.
- Avoid foods with artificial colours and sweeteners, flavourings and preservatives
Chamomile herb has soothing and calming properties help regulate mood and attention.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers to 1 cup of hot water.
- Cover and allow it to steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the solution and add some honey.
- Drink it daily before going to bed.
Green oats work as a supporting brain tonic and have a sedative effect on the nervous system that may boost attention and concentration.
Ginkgo Biloba extract may protect the brain from toxins and help improve focus, memory, cognition, knowledge retention and perception.
Korean Red Ginseng is usually used as a memory enhancer.
Brahmi or bacopa works as a brain tonic and helps improve word recall memory, decrease depression and anxiety. It also protects the brain from free radical damage as well as stimulates cognitive function.
Top Essential oils for AHHD.
Aromatherapy is the use of plants extracts for healing.
Make sure to dilute them in a career oil such as olive oil etc. and apply externally!
- Lavender is a very well-known essential oil been used to reduce anxiety and help calm in stressful situations.
- Ylang ylang oil is derived from the flowers of the tropical Cananga tree and is effective in stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by ADHD patients.
- Sandalwood has shown to have medicinal properties that help with inflammation, also helps to relax, calm, and improve mental clarity.
- Peppermint oil is believed to have a soothing effect. It can help relax and calm the restlessness.
- Frankincense oil has a musky, sweet smelling aroma. It may be helpful to focus better, h, reduce negative emotions that is experienced by people with ADHD.
Aromatherapy Massage
A regular massage can have a positive impact on mood and behaviour, help increase serotonin levels, which in turn help modulate elevated dopamine levels that occur in patients with ADHD.
Homeopathic approach for ADHD
Homeopathy is one of the most popular, safe and natural holistic systems of medicines – a very unique, personalised approach.
Make sure to consult a qualified homeopath for a proper assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.
Here are TOP 7 suggested homeopathic remedies that can be used after proper consultation, but please note that there are many factors that affect ADHD treatment with homeopathic medicines such as:
- The age at which the treatment is started.
- Intensity of the symptoms and
- Individual response towards the medicines.
- For controlling Anger outbreaks with irritability and cross behaviour Chamomilla is the most effective natural remedy. The child may also be spiteful and snappish. Such children are Hyper, stubborn, irritative and even beat their parents.
- Baryta Carb is used for treating concentration difficulties, who cannot pay attention to any work.
- Lycopodium is for children who show difficulty with concentration specially during reading and conversation, confused and with low self-confidence.
- Hyoscyamus is suitable in children who are impulsiveness with the desire to strike and bite in high degrees.
- Tarentula Hispanica is used for hyperactive children with marked restlessness and impatience.
- Veratrum Album is a homeopathic treatment to control impulsive behaviour along with a desire to cut and tear things and excessive shrieking.
- Tuberculinum is indicated when a child displays hyperactivity along with an impulse to run away, also when there are fits of angry outbursts coupled with screaming, and a tendency to use abusive language. Such patients have destructive behaviour and throwing things at others.
- Natrum Mur is the remedy with slow milestones and speech delay issues.
For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.
You may also book your one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for your tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, peculiar signs & symptoms etc.
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