herbs for hyperactivity

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Hyperactivity

General characteristics

Hyperactivity (and ADHD) can be described as a state of increased stimulation or physical activity with a reduced ability to slow down and relax. Nervous activity is excessively high in most cases and emotions are often unstable and uncontrollable.

Causes are often multi-layered and include overuse of stimulants like coffee and cola, blood sugar imbalance, nutritional deficiencies (essential fatty acids, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins), regular consumption of 'junk' foods, food or other allergies, environmental toxins, lead poisoning, fluorescent lighting, stress, too much television or other visual stimulation and mercury amalgam fillings. Other health conditions that can produce hyperactivity as a side effect include hyperthyroidism, anxiety, lack of sleep, blood sugar imbalances and psychiatric disorders.

Healing objectives are to remedy any nutritional deficiencies and to improve lifestyle with exercise, proper rest and the elimination of possible day to day toxins.

Diet and lifestyle

Eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds to provide good nutrition and to avoid constipation.

Eat organic foods where possible as pesticides can aggrevate the entire system.

Have a bowl of muesli for breakfast with plenty of oats, seeds, dried fruits and your favourite nuts.

Foods rich in essential fatty acids (EFA's), zinc, calcium and magnesium have a beneficial action on the nervous system. Oily fish, dark green leaves, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds and many other plant foods are rich in these nutrients.

Eat small regular meals with at least 1 portion of wholegrains if possible to encourage an even and regular blood sugar balance. If you need to snack between meals try nuts, seeds, dried fruits or muesli bars. Sugary snacks or refined carbohydrate foods like biscuits and pastries will cause blood sugar peaks and crashes, further aggravating the nervous system.

Avoid processed foods, junk foods and fizzy and bottled drinks. Many of these will contain artificial sweeteners, colours and other additives that can upset and unbalance the nervous system and emotions.

Some artificial colourings have been found to produce allergy like responses and many people benefit from avoiding them altogether.

Useful herbs

Herbs to nourish and soothe the nervous system include oatstraw, nettle, raspberry leaf and alfalfa in dried herb form. Use equal parts of each, 1 heaped teaspoon per cup, 3 cups daily. This nutritious mix will provide calcium, iron, magnesium and B vitamins amongst many other important nutrients and can be taken safely long term, almost as a supplement.

Take a teaspoon of siberian ginseng in water 3 times daily to help the body and mind to cope with the physical effects of stress and over stimulation.

A relaxing tea to calm the nerves could contain skullcap, passionflower, motherwort, chamomile and valerian for example. use equal parts of the dried herbs and stand for at least 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily. Or combine the tinctues in equal parts and take a teaspoon 3 times daily

Natural healing

Get plenty of exercise each day to help discharge some of the energy and ensure a proper nights sleep.

Use a few drops each of essential oils like lavender, rose and geranium in your baths to sooth and relax the nerves.

Use more natural, environmentally friendly household cleaners and products such as shampoos, air fresheners, washing powders, surface cleaners and the like. Most popular brands are loaded with toxic chemicals that can burden an over-stimulated body.

Practise deep belly breathing for 5-10 minutes every day to encourage a greater sense of relaxation.