Herbal Remedy for ADD

ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) is the more obscure name for ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a mental disorder commonly occurring among children although it has now been recognized as afflicting adults as well. The causes of ADD are currently unknown but some thought that the term actually covers a variety of different but related disorders.

According to recent advances in medical research, ADD is a hereditary dysfunction where the metabolism of dopamine is affected mainly in the frontostriatal region of the human brain. Others consider the possibility that norepinephrine metabolism also affects ADD. The Diagnostic and Statitical Manual of Mental Disorders –IV shows three subtypes of ADD/ADHD as identified by the American Psychiatric Association. These subtypes are: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.

ADD Treatment

Although the true mechanism of ADD is still currently being investigated, there are actually many options available for those suffering from this disorder. These options include a variety of medications (including herbal remedy for ADD), behavior-changing therapies, and educational interventions.

Stimulants are used as the first-line medications for ADD patients. Poweful stimulants such as methylphenidate, adderall/amphetamine, desoxyn/methamphetamine, and dextroamphetamine are prescribed by physicians to treat ADD. However, the ability of stimulants to divert attention – the very reason for its use as an ADD treatment – has a potential for abuse. And for this reason, there is much controversy associated with their prescription for children and adolescents.

Herbal Remedy for ADD – Alternative Treatment

Herbal remedy treatments have been around for centuries. Herbal remedy formulations have been used by early humans to treat a variety of health concerns. With regards to ADD/ADHD, parents of children with this specific disorder are hesitant to use stimulants, which are what are commonly prescribed by doctors today. This is because strong stimulants, such as amphetamine, may not always work or cause adverse side effects. Thus, many parents turn to herbal remedy to effectively control the symptoms or at least, dramatically decrease the amount of stimulant medication taken each day.

Many of the herbal remedy products today are sold as “food supplements.” And as such, their FDA regulation is not as stringent as that of prescription medications. Those who manufacture herbal remedy products are not required to have their products meticulously researched or tested before they can have them available in the market. With this in mind, it is imperative that you take care in choosing the right herbal remedy product for you.

Herbal Remedy for ADD: Basic Formula Highlights

Most herbal remedy products for ADD sold in the market today contain the following active constituents: essential fatty acids to promote building of neural pathways, amino acids to promote the production of neurotransmitters and enzymes, valine to increase cognitive function, and tyrosine to increase concentration and decrease anxiety and depression. All these substances can be found in herbs, such as flax seed, gotu kola, and ginkgo biloba.