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Disclaimer: Before starting any form of treatment, consult a mental healthcare professional. Ayurvedic treatment cannot cure ADHD and you need to see a psychiatrist, RCI-registered clinical psychologist, clinical psychologist associate, or PsyD for a proper treatment plan and guidance.
Many women with ADHD have also been advised that their ADHD isn't "real". They are advised to just put in more effort,
Even women working in challenging, high-powered positions experience extreme exhaustion and stress once they arrive home. Often women are made to believe their successes are only the result of good fortune, which makes them feel as though they are living a lie.
Understanding ADHD
People with ADHD frequently have a lot of energy and a lively personality. Individuals with ADHD are frequently creative, imaginative, and spontaneous. Also, people with ADHD frequently have a distinct perspective because of their tendency to 'think outside the box.'
People with the condition may also battle with difficulties in school and academic achievement, social interactions, and everyday routines. Consider your mind to be a race car with bicycle brakes. ADHD symptoms might make it difficult to suppress responses or contemplate the effects of actions in that moment. This creates a challenge for the skills required to organize or plan ahead of time.
ADHD through the lens of Ayurveda
Ayurveda does not recognise ADHD as a separate entity. However, some unusual behaviour has been observed in Ayurveda that may be related to ADHD. In ADHD Ayurvedic treatment for women, the holistic approaches aiming to balance cognitive functions and promote overall mental well-being are-
- Dhee's (rational thinking)
- Smriti's (memory)
- Dhriti (the mind's power or intellect)
It causes/triggers irregular behaviour. This leads to an imbalance between the five senses thus causing impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, which are characteristic of ADHD.
Principles of Ayurveda in treating ADHD
Panchana and Deepana
This regulates the digestive fire and helps in the digestion of ama. It corrects appetite and removes canal clogs by eliminating ama. Also, it aids in the proper feeding of all seven tissues in this manner.
Strotoshodhan (cleansing the channels)
The channels that mediate brain processes are primarily affected in ADHD.
Lack of concentration results from a blockage in the natural flow of doshas. additionally causing memory loss and other problems. For instance, ayurvedic herbs, particularly manovahastrotas, may aid in clearing channels of obstructions. Due to its penetrating and digestive qualities, it helps the brain function normally while clearing the pathways by digesting ama.
Simple Ayurvedic Practices
Fresh, organic foods prepared with smart cooking methods are recommended by Maharishi Ayurveda. This means they are cooked in a way that doesn't hinder nature's intelligence. Maintaining an Ayurvedic diet that balances the specific subdosha that may be generating the imbalance is helpful.
Daily abhyanga- ayurvedic oil massage is another effective approach to balance the doshas. If time does not allow for a daily massage, doing it every weekend will suffice. The aroma oil can be applied to an aroma diffuser near the bed at night to aid in a deeper, more regulated sleep.
Ayurvedic Herbs for ADHD
Ashwagandha
It is the most powerful plant for boosting the brain's function. It promotes understanding and cognitive performance. It is often used to relieve stress, anxiety, forgetfulness, and sleeplessness, as well as to improve athletic capacity and as a natural rejuvenator. It complements Vata Dosha.
Brahmi
Brahmi is an excellent Ayurvedic herb for improving memory. Its antioxidant activity boosts cognitive functions and memory. It's an antioxidant that boosts cognitive functions and memory. It also helps improve digestion, alleviates ama, boosts immunity, boosts cognitive and memory efficiency, and helps with anxiety and stress.
Shankapushpi
Shankapushpi improves digestion, immunity, and energy levels. It also helps in management of symptoms related to memory, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
Ghee
Ghee is said to have beneficial effects on memory. Ayurveda recommends including it in one's normal diet. It improves metabolism, memory, smooth working of the sensory organs, wisdom, immunity, and speech when used on a daily basis. It nourishes and revitalises the body of all ages. It is a balance of Vata and Pitta doshas.
Other ways to help ADHD
Healthy Sleep routine
The key to treating ADHD without medication is to maintain healthy sleeping habits and routines. ADHD and sleep problems are frequently linked. Because of the complex and multidirectional nature of the direct association, it is still unclear whether sleep problems are a direct cause of ADHD or merely an aggravation of its symptoms. However, it is well-known that having a healthy relationship with sleep can help in many areas of life, including easing the symptoms of ADHD.
Healthy Diet
For those who have ADHD, eating a diet low in processed foods or without them is wise, as is cutting back on sugar. Although more research is required, some studies imply that additives like sodium benzoate and other food colorings and preservatives may be a factor in the symptoms of ADHD. Eating a well-balanced diet composed of fresh, whole, and little-to-no processed foods can be helpful for general well-being as well.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise and physical activity may benefit ADHD brains, according to meta-analysis and systematic reviews. In particular, exercising as one of the natural treatments for ADHD can assist in treating severe symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, difficulties with executive functioning, and anxiety in adults.
Concluding words
We hope you've found this information about herbal remedies and nutrition for brain health and ADHD useful. When it involves mental health, using herbs and supplements usually requires some trial and error to discover the perfect fit. It is critical to keep an open mind and be curious in order to appreciate the process of enhancing your health and addressing concerns.
Are you feeling unsure on how to get help with ADHD? If taking medication is not the preferred way of treatment, you could try investing in therapy. It is a great idea to work with a professional who knows about adult ADHD. Rocket Health can be a great option for you.
Our online platform can connect you to mental health professionals that help you in your journey with ADHD. Book your session here.
Resources
What is ADHD? (2021, January 26). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=and%20school%20support.
D. (2023, March 4). TREATMENT OF ADHD WITH AYURVEDA. EliteAyurveda Blog & Articles. https://eliteayurveda.com/blog/treatment-of-adhd-with-ayurveda/
Ayurveda, Learning & ADHD | MAPI | Maharishi AyurVeda. (n.d.). https://mapi.com/blogs/articles/ayurveda-learning-and-adhd
Asherson, P., & Agnew-Blais, J. (2019). Annual Research Review: Does late-onset attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder exist? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(4), 333-352. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13020
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