* Forwarded (from: HERBS-N-SUCH)
* Originally from Alex Vasauskas (1:17/75) to Craig Loewen.
* Original dated: Sat Oct 25, 08:56
Craig Loewen wrote in a message to All:
 CL>         Has anyone here had any success in using herbs to treat
 CL> attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and ADD with hyperactivity (ADDH)?
 CL> I would be especially interested for any anecdotal evidence dealing
 CL> with treating adults who struggle with the syndrome.
Here's some info I found:
From:
Medicinal herb FAQ - part 4 of 7
http://sunsite.unc.edu/herbmed Henriette's Herbal Homepage
mediherb.html
[...]
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2.2.9 Herbs, ADD, and replacing Ritalin
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>Does anyone know of any viable substitutes for Ritalin for ADD? I have
heard of a substance called Pycnogenol. Are there any other substitutes
for taking Ritalin? How long does a person need to take Pycnogenol in
order for it to take effect?
From herbal@got.net (Roy Upton):
I have seen at least 70 children weaned of Ritalin. I usually recommend
weaning off of Ritalin for a 2-3 week period, while administering the
herbs. Usually, the program consists of dietary modification, exercise,
and nutritional and herbal supplementation. Though treatment is similar,
differentiate between ADD and ADHD. ADD might be a direct result of
under/poor nourishment. The brain is the most energy intensive organ of
the body. If the body is deprived of energy, the brain is first to
suffer. In ADHD there is often a rapid heart beat that may have varying
underlying causes such as specific allergies.
DIETARY
* Elimination of most simple sugars including fruit juices, foods with
colors and preservatives. Concentrate on a whole foods diet. 
* Magnesium supplementation. Dosage based on weight, age of child. 
* I have used a combination of the following herbs with significant
success (according to parents and teachers): Chinese zizyphus,
chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, hawthorn berry, and gotu kola flavored
with cinnamon, anise, and a touch of cloves. Usually this is prepared
as a glycerite extract (approx. 1:3-1:5 concentration). 20 drops 2-3
daily. I alternate this with Hawthorn berry syrup, 1 tsp 2 x daily. 
* Exercise is a must for ADHD. 
In Germany, Chamomile tea, and small doses of valerian root are
utilized.
I think it is important to note that ADD and ADHD is one of the most
frequently diagnosed conditions in children, and that is rising
dramatically, much to the concern of many practitioners who feel that
the diagnosis is handed out much too casually. I believe the makers
of Ritalin have done an excellent job of marketing. There have been
a series of articles (and a few books) I have seen over the past
number of years on the need to provide a "proper diagnosis" of these
children rather than labeling them as 'bad". Teachers have become
the prime target for providing the initial grounds for diagnosis.
Oftentimes, a child will be diagnosed in kindergarten or early grade
school and not adequately reassessed for a number of years. The
inherent problem in both of these is obvious. I also do not believe
the diagnosis should be made until all lifestyle protocols
(including supplementation, diet, exercise, etc.) have been attempted
and failed.
I am of the firm belief, from many of the parents that I have seen,
that it is often the parents that primarily require the help, the
children secondarily. This is especially true of ADHD. Relative to
the energy levels of the majority of exhausted, "burned-out at the
end of the work day" parents, the majority of children are
"hyperactive". We try to force them to be little adults before they
have developed the coping mechanisms or social skills we design to
stifle their natural impulses. We expect them to sit still when they
have boundless physical energy. We ask (tell) them to pay attention
to educational materials that mean little to them. This is an
indictment of our education system as well.
Also, the typical American child is raised on nutritionless foods,
challenged with numerous stresses, and spends an average of six
hours a day in front of the television, when they should be
expending the physical energy. While I believe that medicating,
especially with amphetamines, is beneficial for some, by-and-large,
it should be a last resort.
I hope this is of some help.
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