Herbs That Help With ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological and behavioral disorder characterized by difficulty learning, problems with mental focus and episodes of hyperactivity. While ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in children, it can also affect adults. Because of the serious side effects associated with stimulant medications, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD, many parents and patients seek alternative remedies. Certain herbs may help treat ADHD, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Daily Herbal Supplements

• Few herbal remedies have been thoroughly investigated by the scientific community as alternative treatments for ADHD. However, one study, published in 2001, concluded that a daily combination of ginkgo biloba and American ginseng can provide relief from ADHD symptoms. This combination is now a popular choice for adults and children with ADHD.

  Because St. John's wort has been used to stabilize fluctuations in mood and attention span, some herbalists speculate that it can be useful in countering ADHD. Unfortunately, scientific data does not back this choice. A clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that St. John's wort was no more effective than a placebo in treating ADHD symptoms.

As-Needed Herbs

• Sedative herbs like valerian and chamomile have been extensively used in the treatment of acute symptoms of ADHD. While these herbs can be useful for intermittent treatment, they should not be used on a daily basis, as they inevitably cause physical and mental fatigue---problems that can actually exacerbate attention deficit.

  The use of sedative herbs for children with ADHD has not been extensively studied, but the most commonly used choices include valerian, lemon balm and chamomile. These can be used to calm intermittent episodes of hyperactivity and anxiety, and are also useful in treating insomnia.

Risks and Warnings

• Like all forms of complementary alternative medicine, naturopathic treatments for ADHD should not be used except under the guidance of a qualified health-care professional. Studies have not yet reached conclusions about the safety of using certain herbs with prescription medications, and interactions are possible. Most medicinal herbs are also associated with some side effects.

  Most herbs have also not been studied extensively in children. While many are generally recognized as safe for adult use, they can be harmful if given inappropriately to children.