Herbal remedies for ADHD have become a popular topic of conversation as more families look for complementary options alongside conventional treatment.

In 2016, an estimated 9.4% of children and adolescents ages 4–17 were diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and diagnoses have continued to rise alongside increased use of medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall). ¹

While these medications are effective for many people, they can come with side effects, including appetite loss, weight fluctuations, sleep disruption, mood changes, and tics. ² As a result, some individuals look into herbal alternatives to use alongside or, under medical guidance, in place of pharmaceutical treatment.

Herbal remedies have grown in popularity for offering a gentler side-effect profile and lower risk of dependency. In this article, we’ll explore seven of the most researched herbal remedies for ADHD (including ginkgo, ginseng, and pine bark extract), and what the current evidence says about each.

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Key Highlights

• Herbal options may ease symptoms, not cure them – Herbs like ginkgo, ginseng, and pine bark extract aren’t FDA-approved ADHD treatments, but research suggests some can help with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity when used alongside professional guidance.

• Results vary by herb and by person – Evidence ranges from promising (pine bark extract, ginseng) to preliminary or untested (brahmi, green oats), and effects often take a week or more and some experimentation to appear.

• Herbs work best as part of a bigger picture – Combining multiple herbs, improving diet, increasing exercise, and adding omega supplements tend to be more effective than any single remedy alone, especially alongside traditional treatment.

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Table of Contents

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Best Herbal Remedies for ADHD

These herbs aren’t cures for ADHD, and none are FDA-approved for treating it, but they may help ease specific symptoms. Because some can interact with ADHD medications or other conditions, talk to your doctor before trying any of them.

Everyone’s experience with ADHD is different, so what works well for one person may not work for another. Some experimentation may be needed to find the right fit.

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.

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 participants’ 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.

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

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.

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

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

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 is currently no research concerning green oats and its 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

These herbs typically take at least a week to show effects, and combining multiple herbs may work better than using just one. A small Canadian study found that children with ADHD who took ginseng and ginkgo twice daily for four weeks saw improvements in social issues, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ¹⁸

If you struggle with co-occurring conditions, herbal protocols for anxiety and depression may also be worth exploring. Research suggests these alternatives work best alongside traditional treatment, so consult your healthcare provider before starting. ¹⁹

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 – Children with ADHD often have food sensitivities that can worsen symptoms. Identifying and cutting trigger foods (typically refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial dyes) may help. ²⁰ ²¹

• Exercise and Outdoor Activity – Exercise boosts mood and concentration by regulating brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA — chemicals often low in children with ADHD. ²² ²³ ²⁴ Time outdoors can also promote better mindfulness. ²⁵

• Omega Supplements – Children with ADHD often have lower blood levels of omega fatty acids, which are essential for neuron communication. ²⁶ Dietary changes or supplements may offer minor symptom improvements. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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