Did you know that our body can naturally heal itself and overcome
most diseases? As long as we maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat
nutritious food, and get lots of exercise, we can recover from any
condition without using medication. Sometimes it's just a matter of
finding out which combination of natural remedies will work for us. In
the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a healthy
lifestyle and diet combined with herbal remedies can manage the disorder
more effectively than medication. Skullcap is one ADHD herbal remedy
that can help reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and the other symptoms
of the condition.
There are two known varieties of skullcap: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis).
Although both varieties are called "skullcap," they are in fact very
different herbs used to treat different diseases. Chinese skullcap can
be found in Central Asia and Russia, and is used by Chinese medicine to
treat headaches, allergic reactions, and inflammation. American skullcap
grows in North America and cold climates, and is the variety used to
treat ADHD and a number of neurological conditions. Skullcap was first
discovered by the first Europeans in America, who discovered that it can
prevent rabies from animal bites. Several hundred years later,
scientists observed that skullcap's ability to treat rabies naturally is
due to its calming effects on the central nervous system. Research on
the herb also shows that it can increase the brain's blood supply and
inhibit muscle spasms.
While no clinical trial has been designed
to evaluate the effects of skullcap on ADHD, many alternative health
practitioners and homeopaths recommend using the herb because of its
tranquilizing effects. There are many ways to use skullcap as a natural
remedy for ADHD. One way is to buy commercially prepared capsules of
skullcap extract. The herb can also be used as a tea; simply put two
teaspoons of dry skullcap leaves into a tea pot and drink three times a
day. Skullcap can be served as a tincture (a highly concentrated herbal
extract), as well. Herbalists recommend purchasing a skullcap tincture
and combining 5 ml of skullcap with 10 drops of lemon balm. This formula
should be taken orally in drops. Finally, some herbal preparations for
ADHD like LTO3 have skullcap among the ingredients.
Although
skullcap and other ADHD natural remedies are generally safe, it is
always wise to consult a homeopath or holistic health care practitioner
before taking any herbs or giving them to your child. Allergic reactions
and unwanted side effects are rare, but they have been known to occur.
