Herbal remedies for ADHD - Chinese medicine

Herbal remedies for ADHD - Chinese medicine

The Chinese have a very ancient medical tradition that uses herbs and homeopathic remedies to treat a range of medical conditions. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals, Chinese medicine uses natural remedies to restore the flow of energy in the body and rebalance the body's systems, thereby curing the disease. Traditionally, you visit a Chinese herbalist and explain your symptoms. The herbalist prepares a mixture of herbs known to treat the symptoms that are occurring. Pharmaceutical medications are designed to treat a general range of symptoms, but each Chinese herbal brew is tailor-made for a person's specific illness and range of symptoms. This is probably why Chinese medicine is so effective and many people turn to this approach when Western medicine fails.

There is plenty of scientific evidence to support how Chinese medicine can treat common illnesses and some chronic diseases. However, these studies are often discredited by mainstream medicine simply because Chinese medicine does not use the same testing standards as the West. However, the benefits of Chinese medicine are still worth considering, especially since doctors are currently studying the effectiveness of Chinese herbs as natural remedies for ADHD. The following formulations have the potential to be natural remedies for ADHD as they have treated similar symptoms in the past.

Tiaoshen liquor

Tiaoshen liquor is composed of skullcap root, oriental white ginseng extract and Chinese thorowax root. The tincture is specifically designed to control hyperactive behavior in children and its claims have been tested by Chinese scientists. 100 children with hyperactive ADHD type who participated in the study were given a daily dose of Tiaoshen liquor for several weeks, and the study ended with positive results. Parent observations reported that 94% of participants were less hyperactive, had improved attention spans, and performed better in school.

Yizhi syrup

Yizhi syrup, also known as spirit-enhancing syrup, is made from similar ingredients to those in Tioashen liquor. When tested on 66 hyperactive children, 84% experienced fewer ADHD symptoms, improved behavior and better academic performance. Through urine sample testing, researchers confirmed that Yizhi syrup can increase the production of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Chinese medicine versus western medicine

One study conducted a direct comparison between the effects of Chinese medicine and Western medicine in treating ADHD. Eighty children were given a herbal mixture of herbs known to reduce hyperactivity and invigorate the spleen: Scutellaria baicalensis, Ligustrum lucidum, Lophatherum gracile, Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, Bupleurum Chinese, and an herb called “thread of ivory.” The remaining children received 5-15 mg Ritalin tablets twice daily.

The children were monitored for three months and underwent EEG scans, IQ tests and symptom scales. At the end of the study, researchers observed that 29% of the Chinese medicine group gained 10 IQ points, had normal EEG values, and no longer met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. 58% achieved some improvement, while 13% had no improvement at all. The Ritalin group had similar results: 30% no longer met diagnostic criteria, 60% had some symptoms, and 10% showed no improvement.

What this study shows is that there are very few differences between Chinese and Western medicine in terms of effectiveness. However, when it comes to side effects, Ritalin and other ADHD medications are known to cause permanent damage with long-term use. Apart from rare allergic reactions, there are no serious side effects associated with using Chinese herbs. So if you are looking for natural remedies for ADHD, consult a certified Chinese medicine doctor.