can anyone tell me if there is a natural alternative to ritalin?

Question

my son is special needs and is extemely aggressive and violent for about 6 years now my son is 10 years old

Answer 1

GABA is the product. But unless you really brought your son up poorly you should see if he is allergic to the foods you are feeding him. Can cause same effect. Check about gluten inolerance and celiac.

www.awisealternative.com

Answer 2

Try Valerian Root pills You can get them at grocery stores in the vitamin section. Less than $10.00 a bottle. Take anywhere from 1-4 pills depending on what you need and what works for you. They really calm you down, but you can still function and won't feel drugged. You could also try benadryl. Get the generic and it is pretty cheap. Start with 1/2 a pill, if you buy the tablets you can bite them into smaller pieces but you can't with the caplets. If you are really anxious or hyper it will calm you down but not put you to sleep. I have heard Kava works, but haven't personally tried it but have read a lot of stories that you can't drive and function well on it. Plus, I don't know where you can buy it. Probably a health food store. Anyway, the first two I listed work great, no addiction, take as needed, easy to get at any grocery and cheap under $10.00. Best of luck!

Answer 3

In France they've had success with potassium supplementation and caffeine.

Make sure that your son does not get any extra sugar, and believe it or not a cup of coffee and a banana, might work as well as the ritalin, with some behavorial therapy as well.

Ritalin is just a stimulant, contrary to belief, it is not a "downer".

Answer 4

Many natural remedies for ADHD and ADD have proven to be equally effective and can be excellent alternatives to prescribing Ritalin for children as the homeopathic medications do not produce the same disturbing side effects.

When researching natural remedies as a treatment for ADHD, look for ingredients which have been shown to be the most useful. One of these is Centella Asiatica (also called Gotu Kola), a natural ingredient known to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent studies show that it may also help increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Another popular ingredient, Green Oats (also called Avena sativa), acts as a nerve tonic whose calming effects grow with time and consistent use.

Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown in studies to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and fatigue, increase motivation, and normalize body functions.

There are many natural remedies available that focus specifically on child ADHD treatment. Every child is unique and will react uniquely to medication, so trust your instincts and give the remedy time to take effect. As always, consult a doctor if you have questions, but you may find that homeopathic medications provide your child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD symptom-free life.

Answer 5

yes, there is..please don't give your children ritalin, it is highly destructive & interfers with their creativity & naturalness.Apparently, a leading University toxicologist recently told delegates at a UK child health conference that Ritalin - or methylphenidate - has almost the exact same chemical properties and toxicology as cocaine! (please see last link).
please read this book, it is written by a very respected author & it's highly recommnded for ADD.
This is the amazon link for it:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Care-Feeding-Indigo-Children/dp/1401911641/ref=sr_1_1/203-9244793-4271132?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188428098&sr=8-1

I also found these articles on this wonderful site that gives advice on alternative & natural remedies.Please type in any relevant words in search, & the results for each word are in sections & they even have a special section called Kidzone for children.

Answer 6

In addition to the many excellent answers given so far, make sure your son is getting enough exercise. Dr. Aman has written an excellent book about ADD and ADHD. Book includes brain scans showing how different medications affect different parts of the brain.

Answer 7

I don't know what their diets are like, but food colouring, refined foods, preservatives, flavourants all contribute towards child behavioural problems. Sweeteners, sugar and food colourants are the big ones. In studies done just removng these can ease hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour.

Answer 8

I believe that your son needs to be fed differently, to avoid the symptoms associated with what he's being treated for. It's very very common these days for kids to act in a way that garners them a "diagnosis".

Cut down on sugar- no soft drinks, not even diet. No candy. just have him drink water for a few days. Try giving him fish. He'll calm down, but it's not going to be easy for you to make the adjustments, I'm guessing. Changing bad habits never is. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Google ADHD and Gluten Free Diet. You will be surprised that Gluten is an Autoimmune derived condition and a Gluten Free diet is used to control AHD, Aspergers and aggressive behaviour with many sucessful medical trials.

Answer 10

Yes It's been around for a long time .
The Feingold Diet. It WORKS I have seen it 1st. hand.
http://www.feingold.org/
Lots of luck.