Herbal Treatment for Autism

Raising an autistic child can be challenging and frustrating, especially because so much is still unknown about autism. Today, autistic children are often taught to manage their surroundings and become, to varying degrees, functioning adults. In searching for cures or therapies, many hope to find help in natural solutions, including the use of nutrients and herbs.

Important Nutrients

• Vitamins are crucial. Studies show that vitamins A, B and C are essential for normal brain and nervous system function. In particular, a deficiency in B6 has been linked to autism, and coenzyme Q has shown promise in helping with proper mental function. As vitamin E improves circulation and brain function, it, too, can be a helpful supplement. Other supplements to consider include magnesium and, if advised by a physician and used under supervision, choline may be helpful.

Herbal Help

• Dr. James F. Balch recommends giving ginkgo biloba to children with autism as the herb is taken to improve blood flow to the brain. He believes that improving the blood-oxygen supply will help. As such, he also recommends deep breathing exercises. Other herbal remedies, available on line, are offered at places like Native Remedies. They offer remedies, or blends of various herbs, including Mindsoothe and Mindsoothe Jr., which combines St. John's wort with passion flower and is taken to develop a healthy emotional state. For calming nerves, they offer Purecalm, which contains lemon balm, lavendar and passion flower. Another product they offer is called Focus Formula, taken to improve focus while maintaining a normal level of energy. Focus Formula contains maidenhair tree, skullcap, German chamomile, goto cola and wild oats. For homeopathic remedies, Native Remedies offers Tic Tamer and Tula Tantrum Tamer.

Other Herbs

• Because autism is worldwide, treatments and remedies are available in other systems of medicine. In Chinese medicine, autism may be treated with acupuncture along with an herbal supplement. The Tole center in Malaysia (which offers products on line) has a formula called Herbal Brain Powder although they do not list their ingredients. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, a variety of herbs are considered helpful in treating autism. In an Ayurvedic treatment, these herbs may be used: centella asiatica, glycerrhiza glabra, nelumbo nucifera, bacopa monnieri, acorus calamus or convolvulus pluricaulis.