About

Natural Remedies for Hyperactive Children

Contributor
By Rebecca DeLuccia-Reinstei
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Natural Remedies for Hyperactive Children
Natural Remedies for Hyperactive Children
sxc.hu/profile/sgarbe84

Even if a child does not have a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, there are many natural remedies available for treating hyperactivity. The treatments are safe, natural and may offer a positive change for a hyperactive child. If one alternative remedy is tried and doesn't seem to have any effect, another may work. Some families find that a combination works best. Since the following treatments are holistic and homeopathic, it's perfectly acceptable to use more than one. But to know which one is working, it's best use one treatment at a time and add others later. Consult a professional to gain the most from your natural remedies.

From Quick Guide: Hyperactivity Basics

    Regular Exercise

  1. Regular exercise such as walking provide a release for hyperactivity.
     
    Regular exercise such as walking provide a release for hyperactivity.
    While exercise is good for any child, it's especially beneficial for those with hyperactivity. Exercise provides the opportunity to release some energy, and on a regular basis can significantly reduce its symptoms. Children who are old enough to know when they feel an episode coming on can use exercise to release some the stress associated with the condition. Making exercise fun allows it to be more appealing to most children. A trampoline, a swing set, pool or other exciting activity is attractive to children of all ages.
  2. Diet Change

  3. Carob substituted for chocolate, and corn or rice substituted for wheat, may improve hyperactivity.
     
    Carob substituted for chocolate, and corn or rice substituted for wheat, may improve hyperactivity.
    Foods that are high in artificial ingredients may aggravate the condition. So having your child avoid these types of foods and consume all natural ingredients can have a calming effect and may improve concentration.

    Underlying allergies to foods may also worsen the condition. Removing one item at a time from the child's diet can be effective. Milk, chocolate, wheats and salicylates worsen hyperactivity in some children. Substituting these items with an alternative may help.
  4. Herbal Supplements

  5. A variety of herbal supplements improve hyperactivity.
     
    A variety of herbal supplements improve hyperactivity.
    Certain herbal supplements, or a combination of a few, can prove to be helpful. Ginkgo Biloba is the most popular choice and may help to increase blood flow to the brain. Brahmi is an herb that treats hyperactivity since it improves cognition. Siberian ginseng has a natural ability to relieve the stress that's often associated with hyperactivity. Gotu kola regulates blood flow in the brain during stressful occurrences. And green oats mimic stimulant drugs but may work only after used for an extended period. As with any pharmacological drug, herbal supplements need to be monitored and regulated by a physician or holistic practitioner.
  6. Biofeedback

  7. Biofeedback measures brain waves and teaches the hyperactive child to relax.
     
    Biofeedback measures brain waves and teaches the hyperactive child to relax.
    Biofeedback is an interesting treatment option. It requires repeated visits to a facility that specializes in the technique, as well as active participation from the child. As the child's brain waves are captured by electrodes and visualized on a screen, the child is taught to regulate them and bring them down to a level that's considered normal. Some biofeedback machines use the temperature of the child's skin or some other natural measure to determine the level of hyperactivity. Reduction methods vary, but can include meditation or other forms of relaxation.
  8. Music Therapy

  9. Music therapy improves hyperactivty by using specific frequencies of sounds.
     
    Music therapy improves hyperactivty by using specific frequencies of sounds.
    Music therapy is a fun option for treating hyperactivity that's especially useful for younger children. Frequencies of sound, alpha, beta, theta and delta, each affect the bran differently. An electroencephalograph, or EEG, machine measures brain waves and an appropriate music therapy is selected to regulate them. After the initial reading, and in between check-ups, the therapy works at home and is as easy as wearing a headset and listening to recorded music playing for an hour or so.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

Related Ads

Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US † requires javascript

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health