ADHD Alternatives: A Natural Approach to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Storey Medicinal Herb Guides

by Aviva Romm

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed, and misdiagnosed, disorders in children. This guide focuses on the root causes of ADHD and offers a natural and holistic approach to combat the disorder, encouraging families to find solutions that don’t rely on psychostimulant drugs like Ritalin. Discover the many benefits of treating ADHD with a mixture of nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, and parenting techniques that foster self-esteem, creativity, self-discipline, and confidence.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Adhd

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jessica Romick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The herbal remedies and dietary suggestions make this book worth having, even though I disagree with her concept of what ADHD is (or isn't, as she seems to think). The book's scorn for the concept of ADHD is tiresome and, while some of the generalities may apply for some children/families, they were completely off-base for our situation. Since my son falls into the seemingly-fake category of abnormally hyperactive and unable to focus (even while being homeschooled), the repeated caricatures of "normal but misunderstood" children whose parents/society just can't handle them was completely unhelpful. I have a lot of respect for Aviva Romm and her writing on herbs... but in regard to her philosophy about the seemingly-fake diagnosis of ADHD, I strongly disagree with her. Thankfully, the herbal remedies section should make the book worth the money I spent on it.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

As someone trained in holistic health, I wanted to give this book a chance. I got maybe 10% of the way through and was too annoyed to continue. I'm sure there are some helpful tips for natural ways to supplement treatment, but the book was too preachy and felt like it was denying the existence of ADHD altogether. That's not helpful.

[Kristen Jett]

I'd love to see an updated version of this book - the science is from 1999, so unfortunately... entirely obsolete at this point. ADHD is focused entirely as being a child's disease, and as an adult reading it first for themselves, that bugged me a bit. But again, the science is outdated at this point.

The herbal information is exactly what I was looking for, and I think still valuable with today. I'm sure there's more options today that could be added/expounded on. (I'd be curious on adaptogens being discussed.) There's also recipes included that use herbs not mentioned at all, and I'd love to see those broken down as well.

I do worry that someone reading just the beginning chapters would read it and choose to not try medication for their kids, but I register that ADHD wasn't known well at the time - and I greatly agree that there is way more to do than just giving someone medication. I also greatly agree that the structure of our school systems create environments where kids can't succeed at their best unless they are a particular type - which makes it hard to discern does your child actually need help, or do they need a better environment?

Overall, worth the read. I'm not adding stars though since I think that would be unfair.

[Kei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful information, though mostly on the behavioural assistance side. I do like the "whole circumstance" approach. Admittedly, at first I was a bit wary of this book, as I always am when I feel like I'm the choir on an issue I feel strongly about and know that not all of that is rational.
I did not learn much more herbally, which isn't too surprising, and I have issue with a couple of the things suggested. Overall, useful resource/read.

[Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Judgy tone.

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Just do better! Believe in yourself (or your child) and do all the healthy living things that neurotypicals struggle with before considering drugs!"

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s pretty rare for me to give one star, but it was warranted here. The title of this book is completely misleading. It’s not about alternatives for people with ADHD, as the authors take great pains to argue throughout that ADHD does not even exist. In addition, adults with the condition are ignored, and only children are addressed.

In total, this book is full of false, outdated, and honestly downright harmful claims. Quotes abound throughout the book from some other person who claims ADHD isn’t real - just a bunch of biased and long since disproven bunk. Bypass.

[Diana Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

This book touches on so many topics that may be affecting behavior. From diet and stress, to adhd and depression.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different dietary arrangments that may be benefical to Sybastian.