Natural alternatives to attention deficit problems

By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist/The Herbarium "It's the most wonderful time of the year.," so sang Andy Williams and so sing many parents as their children heads off to get an education. For many children this is a very difficult time, due to learning problems, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and myriad other designations and classifications. It has seemed to me in many instances that our educational system is no longer designed to take into account children's learning differences, with massive amounts of money and drugs being thrown into the mix. In my day (boy, am I feeling old) we did not have designations other than "he can't sit still, he isn't trying, or he's a daydreamer." Now there is a better understanding of what is going on, beyond typical youthful energy. Back in the 1970s Dr. Ben Feingold really pioneered the importance of diet on children's behavior. Lendon Smith, MD and Doris Rapp, MD also added to the research and literature that today is the cornerstone of complementary treat-ment of ADD. Some of the simplest supplements can make a world of difference. Grapeseed extract, essential fatty acids found in fish and flax oil, B vitamins, DMAE, herbs such as lemonbalm, chamolile and gotu kola, essential oils and homeopathic remedies all can change how a child deals with their learning difficulties. At The Herbarium, we have done programs on this subject for many years and have a wealth of information available to interested parents. Let me be clear on one point. In some cases medication is needed, at least temporarily, but not as the only answer and not as a permanent fix. On a personal note to parents, just remember, kids with ADD and such tend to be brighter than the average kid and are bored, or at least not challenged, by the class material. Keep your chin up, you could be raising the next Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison or Einstein. Dear Jonathan, I had an enlarged prostate and you suggested saw palmetto and pygeum. I recently saw my doctor and I am happy to report my psa numbers dropped to normal. I just wanted to let you know and say thank you. Gerry Dear Gerry, I appreciate your note. The studies have shown that Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) and Pygeum (Prunus africana) work faster than Finisteride, previously known as Proscar, works on more men and there are no sexual side effects. Remember that all Saw Palmetto is not created equal. We only use a guaranteed potency of 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. That being said, I have many customers who have been able to lower their psa and switch to a tincture to maintain their prostate health. Keep up the good work. Dear Jonathan, I heard a doctor show that recommends raspberry ketones for fast weight loss. Is this safe? Evelyn Dear Evelyn, I researched this product and will not sell it. It is synthetic. Even companies that I deal with admit it is not natural and is sourced from China, which is not a source I like when it comes to products I am ingesting. The results of various testing showed only minimal weight loss, and truthfully, I do not know what else could be in the product. As I said, when it comes to quality control, China is not my first choice. There are many other real, natural and safe products available with true and proven results. Dear Jonathan, I am afraid to take the recommended dose of calcium listed on the bottle. It says to take four tablets, but that would give me 4000 mg of calcium and that is too much. I read that women are more prone to kidney stones if they take too much calcium. Is there a smaller dose that is safe? Phyllis Dear Phyllis, Check your label again. Look where it says serving size. My bet is the serving size is four tablets, which will equal only 1000 mg of calcium. The serving size relates to the total amount listed on the back, not each tablet, I hope. P. S. After finding, and reporting in this column, on two totally ridiculous stories about omega 3 fatty acids being bad for you, lo and behold, Monsanto is teaming up with another company to offer soy beans that will produce omegas, and I am sure their product will be shown to be safe. Money talks. – Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.