In 2016, it was estimated that 9.4% of children and adolescents between the ages of 4 and 17 struggled with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ¹ This rising trend has coincided with the increase in ADHD medication. More and more children are getting access to drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall).

While these medications are effective, they can have short- and long-term side effects. These include a loss of appetite, weight fluctuations, sleep problems, mood swings, and tics. ² Inevitably, it may be in your best interest to wean off this medication or find another therapeutic route altogether.

Herbal alternatives have recently garnered a lot of popularity. They provide fewer side effects and don’t promote addictive behaviors. Throughout this article, we’ll review the seven best herbal remedies for ADHD.

Best Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Before we dive into the recommended herbs, it’s important to understand that these ARE NOT cures for ADHD. Rather, these are remedies that can help with specific symptoms of the condition. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any of these alternatives for ADHD treatment.

For this reason, we highly recommend consulting your doctor before consuming these alternatives. Some may have negative interactions with certain medications you or your child is already taking in concerns to ADHD or other medical conditions.

Not to mention, everyone’s experience with ADHD is different from the next. You may find that one herb is more effective than another. In such cases, a bit of experimentation can go a long way.

1.) Ginkgo Biloba

Currently, studies concerning Ginkgo biloba and ADHD have found mixed results. However, the herb has been well-known to increase focus and refine memory.

In one study, a group of children took 240mg of Ginkgo biloba extract daily for three to five weeks. Many showed a reduction in ADHD symptoms and an overall improvement in their mental health. Not to mention, very few experienced any side effects. ³

However, another study from 2010 found that Ginkgo still wasn’t as effective as methylphenidate (Ritalin). For six weeks, participants were given either a dose of Ritalin or Ginkgo. While both groups showed improvement in their ADHD symptoms, the group who took Ritalin showed even more improvement. ⁴

Furthermore, it was discovered that Ginkgo biloba was interacting with certain medications, such as blood thinners. For this reason, it’s not recommended for those who struggle with bowel diseases.

If you want to try Ginkgo for ADHD, it may work best alongside traditional treatment for further benefits.

2.) Gotu Kola

Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) is known for its high levels of nutrients that provide you with healthier brain functions. Some of which include vitamins B1, B2, and B6.

Due to these brain benefits, Gotu Kola may be able to help those who struggle with ADHD. In a 2000 study, it was discovered that Gotu Kola reduced participant’s anxiety levels. In turn, many felt more mental clarity. ⁵

Unfortunately, this study was done on healthy subjects rather than ADHD participants. In turn, more research is necessary to confirm the true benefits of this herb on ADHD symptoms.

3.) Ginseng

Originally from China, ginseng is a herb used for centuries to increase brain function and energy. There are several different strains of ginseng, with the Korean red ginseng showing some potential to ease ADHD symptoms.

One study observed 18 children diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 6 and 14 and gave each 1,000mg of ginseng daily for eight weeks. After the test, many reported feeling less anxiety and showed improvements in personality and social functioning. ⁶

4.) Herbal Tea

It may come as no surprise that children with ADHD tend to have sleep difficulties – from falling asleep at an appropriate hour to getting up in the morning. ⁷ If you’ve noticed these patterns in your child, it’s likely a doctor will prescribe medication to help promote a regular sleep cycle.

However, you may find that herbal teas can do just the trick. Those that contain chamomile, green tea, spearmint, and lemongrass have been found to induce relaxation and are generally safe to take. ⁸ ⁹

Unfortunately, the teas by themselves probably won’t promote sleep. Rather, having a scheduled bedtime and certain rituals to calm the brain and body (i.e. reading a book, meditating) are more effective. With that, herbal teas may be a great accessory to these rituals.

5.) Pine Bark Extract

Proanthocyanidins (better known as pine bark extract) is a compound rich in polyphenols, such as procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids. These compounds may act as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory in humans. ¹⁰

With that, some people experience supported blood flow, immunity, brain function, and skin support. As a result of these benefits, many have taken pine bark extract to reduce ADHD symptoms. In fact, one study found that it helped to assimilate antioxidant levels in those with ADHD. ¹¹

In a 2006 study, researchers observed how a daily dose of either 1mg of Pycnogenol (a brand of pine bark extract) or a placebo had an effect on 61 children with ADHD. Over four weeks, it was discovered that the pine bark extract decreased hyperactivity and increased attention and focus. ¹²

In a 2007 study, it was discovered that Pycnogenol significantly reduced stress hormones in participants. Not to mention, it was able to reduce the neurostimulator dopamine in ADHD patients by 11%. ¹³

6.) Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is often recommended as a therapeutic treatment to be taken alongside traditional medication. Recent research has increased and it’s discovered that brahmi has significant abilities to improve brain function and memory, even in those with Alzheimer’s Disease. ¹⁴ ¹⁵

Unfortunately, there are no studies concerning Brahmi and ADHD. However, considering it’s been found to help people retain new information, it’s granted it may help with the mental health condition. ¹⁶

7.) Green Oats

Commonly sold under the name Avena sativa, green oats are well known for their calming, stress-reducing, and anxiety-relieving effects. Unfortunately, there currently is no research concerning green oats and it effects on ADHD.

However, early studies suggest that it can help with attention and concentration. In a 2011 study, it was discovered that the extract helped people make fewer errors on a test which measured how well they’d be able to focus on a single task. ¹⁷

Combining Herbal Remedies for ADHD

As mentioned, you’ll have to experiment around with these herbs before seeing significant results. It’s important to understand that these alternatives rarely work immediately and require at least a week before effects are shown.

Furthermore, it may benefit you to use more than one herb at a time. In fact, some studies suggest that taking multiple herbs to improve ADHD symptoms is often better than just taking one at a time.

In Canada, there was a small study concerning children with ADHD who took ginseng and ginkgo. After taking the herbs twice a day for four weeks, it was discovered that they experienced improvements in social issues, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ¹⁸

If you struggle with another mental illness, it may be worth looking into whether or not other herbal treatments can help you. For example, there are herbal protocols for anxiety and depression that may prove beneficial.

It’s also worth mentioning that some studies have found that these alternative treatments are often best when done alongside traditional treatment. ¹⁹ For this reason, it may be worth consulting your healthcare provider before diving into these herbal remedies.

Other Therapeutic Remedies for ADHD

When it comes to alternative treatments for ADHD, these herbal remedies will work best alongside other holistic therapies. These often incorporate lifestyle changes and can include:

• Promoting a Better Diet – Research has found that children with ADHD tend to struggle with allergies and food sensitivities. More simply, certain foods can cause ADHD symptoms to spiral out of control. By identifying which foods worsen symptoms, you can help eliminate these from your child’s diet. Most doctors suggest you cut out refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, food with dyes, and other processed foods. ²⁰ ²¹

• Exercise and Outdoor Activity – This tool is useful for anyone who wants to promote attention. Exercise can release hormones that will increase mood, boost concentration, and help regulate key brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. ²² This is ideal for children with ADHD as they tend to have low levels of these chemicals. ²³ ²⁴ Furthermore, going outside and into areas of nature can promote better mindfulness. ²⁵

• Omega Supplements – Some children who struggle with ADHD have lower levels of omega fatty acids within their blood. Fatty acids are essential for neurons in our brain to communicate properly with one another. ²⁶ Without omega fatty acids, children may act on impulses and have difficulty focusing. It may be worth looking into certain diets high in omega fatty acids or purchasing over-the-counter supplements. Some research suggests that omega fatty acids can have minor improvements in ADHD symptoms. ²⁷ ²⁸

If you’re an adult with ADHD, you may also find it beneficial to participate in habits that practice mindfulness, such as meditation and yoga.

Final Word

It’s important to treat ADHD early on in a child’s life as it can cause further issues later on in their adolescent and adult life. While ADHD is a lifelong condition for many, it can be managed with the right medication and therapy.

We hope our list of the best herbal remedies for ADHD helps take you one step closer to your recovery path. We guarantee that the right treatment plan is out there and with a bit of research, you’re already one step closer to discovering yours.

References

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