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Natural treatment for sensory processing disorder

This neurological condition is affecting many people all around the world. It can happen in infants and children but also in adults. This condition was formerly known as sensory integration disorder. It is a condition in which sensory messages (auditory, visual, touch and taste) are not signaled to the brain correctly. This can cause children to have inappropriate behavioral and motor reactions to the sensory stimuli.

There are some studies in which are shown that one in 20 children suffer from sensory processing disorder [1]. It can cause many problems, such as oversensitivity to taste, balance, touch, noises, odors and lights. Those children who suffer from Fragile X syndrome, autism and ADHD, the prevalence of sensory processing disorder is much higher than the general population. Some children have an extremely under – active response to sensory stimulation, including a lack of reaction to cold, heat and pain while other children have over – reactive response to sensory input.

The precise cause for sensory processing disorder is not known but it is thought that genetics are playing a role in it. Boys have more chances to get this condition than girls. The long – term effects of sensory processing disorder can include: low self – esteem; decreased friendships; poor self – confidence; social isolation; underachievement; depression; inability to find pleasure in recreational activities that over-stimulate the senses; challenges with interpersonal relationships; trouble maintaining a mainstream job. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from sensory processing disorder before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies for this condition because some of them can cause you side effects so never start using them without consulting with your doctor.

Home remedies for sensory processing disorder

Natural treatment for sensory processing disorder

Melatonin boost: There are some studies in which are linked the low levels of melatonin with sensory processing disorder which means that the body does not make enough melatonin [2]. This connection should be explored in future but there are many anecdotal evidences in which are said that melatonin deficiency leads to physical fatigue, mental exhaustion and sleeplessness that accompany sensory processing disorder. If young children do not get enough sleep, then this can have serious impact on the neurological function and cognitive ability. You should add melatonin – rich foods to your children’s diet, such as tomatoes, sweet corn, oranges, bananas and pineapples to prevent or manage sensory processing disorder.

Ginseng: This is ancient Chinese remedy which is used for many different health problems but also it can be used for the natural treatment of sensory processing disorder. This home remedy can boost the cognition, stimulate the proper function of neurotransmitter and increase the concentration levels. These positive effects of the ginseng can help you to treat the sensory processing disorder. [3]

Skullcap: Skullcap is one of the best home remedies for the treatment of sensory processing disorder. It has strong nervine properties which can boost the cognitive function and improve the connections of the brain. This can prevent the onset of neurological disorders which is making it useful in the treatment of sensory – based motor disorders.

Dietary alternations: There are some foods which can negatively affect the neurological function and processes so this is a reason why you should pay attention to your diet if you suffer from sensory processing disorder. There are some people who have found that removing all grains from the diet is helpful, particularly in the terms of gastrointestinal problems. You should talk with your doctor before you make some changes in the diet of your child. [4]

Salt therapy: There are some studies in which are shown that the salt bath can negatively affect some types of neurological and hyperactive conditions. You can use Epsom salt bath as your natural treatment for sensory processing disorder because is inexpensive and it has shown its health benefits for thousands of years. Also you can apply the Epsom salt topically to your skin in the form of cream or you can take foot baths. This home remedy can help to people suffering from sensory processing disorder by lowering the anxiety levels, promoting restful sleep and calming the nerves which can be experienced by children who suffer from sensory processing disorder.

Cognitive practice: There are many cases when doctors have difficulties to diagnose neurological disorders. If your child is diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, then it is very important to engage in the daily practice sessions so your child can improve the cognitive function and form neural pathways that will allow your child to operate better in his or her world. Your doctor will create visual cues and practice materials to the real world applications of social interactions and game play so you can notice positive results in your children if you are supporting and encouraging new behavior and understanding of their condition. [5]

Magnesium: Our nervous system needs more magnesium to transmit the electrical information. When the magnesium deficiency happens, then the nerve signal transmission is inefficient. The signals can arrive less accurately or slowly than normal. This mineral is very important for the healthy stress response and children who have sensory processing disorder experience a stress response on more intense and more frequent basis. [6]

Omega – 3 fatty acids: These fatty acids can help to support the brain development and the normal brain function so they are very important for the neurological health. There are some studies in which are shown that the increased intake of Omega – 3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can benefit in many different neurological disorders. [7]

Roman chamomile essential oil: This essential oil can help you to relax and calm your nervous tension and depression. Also it has anti – inflammatory and anti – spasmodic properties which can help in the treatment of sensory processing disorder.

Zinc: This mineral is modulator of the healthy brain function, neuronal plasticity and synaptic activity. Also it is very important for the proper digestive function. It is known that those kids who suffer from neurological conditions, such as sensory processing disorder, often have poor gut function. If your child suffers from sensory processing disorder, then you should double the zinc intake. [8]

B Vitamins: These vitamins are playing an important role in the nervous system and brain health. Vitamin B6 is very important for the synthesis of practically all the neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals which can help to transmit messages in the CNS. The Vitamin B12 is very important for the maintenance of myelin (this is a component of the CNS) and the inadequate synthesis of myelin could lead to neurological damage. The Vitamin B9 is preventing the neural tube defects, such as spina bifida in babies. [9]

Holy basil: This home remedy is good for the immune system and it encourages vital energy. It decreases the stress hormone levels, particularly cortisone. Also it has powerful anti – inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Licorice root: This home remedy is good for the adrenal burnout. You need to talk with your doctor for the correct dosage of this home remedy if you suffer from sensory processing disorder.

Homeopathy: There are some homeopathic remedies for the sensory processing disorder which have been shown that are effective for this disease, such as stramonium and belladonna. It is very important to talk with a trained practitioner if you have decided to use some homeopathic remedy because these powerful substances are meant to sedate and alter neurological function. There are some studies in which are shown that homeopathic remedies can improve the cognitive and behavioral functions in children suffering from sensory processing disorder. [10]

Passionflower: This relaxing and calming herb which is good for the heart palpitations and it can help you to have better sleep. You need to talk with your doctor for the correct dosage and suitability for you. [11]

Orange essential oil: This home remedy is antidepressant. Also it has uplifting and refreshing properties. Talk with your doctor for the correct dosage as your natural treatment for sensory processing disorder. [12]

Lemon balm: This home remedy is gentle and calming restorative to the nervous system [13]. You can use this home remedy as tea but consult your doctor if it is suitable for you.

John’s wort: This home remedy is a deep nervous system tonic. It is useful as home remedy for mild to moderate depression [14]. Also it has relaxing and calming properties.

References:

[1] STAR Institute. About SPD. Retrieved from www.spdstar.org/basic/about-spd

[2] Gagnon K, Godbout R. Melatonin and comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder. Current Developmental Disorders Reports. 2018;5(3):197–206.

[3] Lee SH, Park WS, Lim MH. Clinical effects of Korean red ginseng on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: An observational study. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2011;35(2):226–34.

[4] Cermak SA, Curtin C, Bandini LG. Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2010; 110(2):238–246.

[5] Miller LJ, Nielsen DM, Schoen SA, Brett-Green BA. Perspectives on sensory processing disorder: A call for translational research. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience. 2009;3:22.

[6] Kirkland AE, Sarlo GL, Holton KF. The role of magnesium in neurological disorders. Nutrients. 2018;10(6):730.

[7] Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2015;7:52.

[8] Duke University Medical Center. Zinc regulates communication between brain cells. Science Daily. 2011.

[9] Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the brain: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy—A review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68.

[10] Rajalakshmi MA. Homeopathic treatment as an adjunct to neuropysychological therapies in children with autism spectrum disorders. International Journal of Public Mental Health and Neurosciences. 2015;2(3):13-18.

[11] Yeung KS, Hernandez M, Mao JJ, et al. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance. Phytotherapy Research. 2018;32(5):865–91.

[12] Zhang LL, Yang ZY, Fan G, et al. Antidepressant-like effect of citrus sinensis (L.) osbeck essential oil and its main component limonene on mice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2019;67(50):13817-28.

[13] Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, et al. Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):4805–21.

[14] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. St. John’s wort and depression: In depth. 2017. Retrieved from www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort-and-depression-in-depth

Ramesh Kumar
Ramesh Kumar
Dr. Ramesh kumar, BAMS is naturopathy doctor who is well versed with health benefits of all fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants

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