Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral condition found in children. To treat ADHD, most doctors recommend an assortment of medications that most parents aren’t keen on. As a result, some parents seek alternatives, such as ayurvedic herbs for ADHD.

What is ADHD Under the Ayurvedic Concept?

As defined by Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Ayurveda is a system of medicine based on the idea that disease is caused by an imbalance or stress in a person’s consciousness.”

As a 3,000-year-old concept, it comes as no surprise that ADHD isn’t an entity of Ayurveda. However, there are three key irregular behaviors recorded in Ayurveda that hold similarities to ADHD symptoms: ¹

1. Dhee’s vitiation – rational thinking
2. Smriti’s – memory
3. Dhriti – the retaining/intellect force of the mind

The combination of these irregularities causes a lack of connection between the senses and their goals. In turn, this creates symptoms commonly associated with ADHD, including: ²

• Forgetfulness
• Impulsivity
• Inattention
• Overactivity
• Reluctance

To overcome these symptoms, Ayurveda seeks to monitor emotions (and how they affect the heart) and develop better control of the mind, brain, and sensory perception.

To accomplish this, Ayurveda also points to specific herbs to help relieve these symptoms. More specifically, non-tropical herbs that promote mental balance (Medhya) and herbs that calm blood flow, breathing, and thoughts within the brain (Vatya).

How to Treat ADHD Under Ayurveda

To implement Ayurveda herbs for ADHD, it’s important to also incorporate therapies and diet. This combination allows optimal balance within the brain, body, and spirit.

However, before we discuss this treatment, it should be noted that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it. In other words, there’s no way to determine the safety and efficiency of this treatment. Therefore, if a parent decides to use Ayurveda herbs for ADHD, we highly recommend speaking to a medical professional first.

Top 5 Ayurveda Herbs for ADHD

1.) Ashwagandha

Ayurveda recommends ashwagandha as it is a powerful herb for the nervous system. Naturally, it works on the brain as an adaptogen and helps fight against stress response. ³

With a lack of stress, the brain will likely see improvements in cognitive function and comprehension. However, research also pinpoints that ashwagandha may help ease anxiety, promote sleep, and improve overall wellness. ⁴

2.) Brahmi

Since Brahmi has memory-enhancing properties, it may be beneficial for ADHD and other health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. ⁵ Not to mention, its antioxidant properties may also improve cognitive abilities.

3.) Guduchi

As one of the most significant herbs in Ayurvedic, Guduchi helps to improve gut health and the immune system. This process may relieve anxiety and stress and promote cognition and memory. ⁶

4.) Shankapushpi

Also known as “morning glory,” Shankapushpi is a memory booster and brain tonic that can improve intelligence and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, people have used this herb to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. ⁷

5.) Ghee

Ghee is a synonym for clarified butter and is made by separating milk solids from butterfat in processed water. This allows for a unique taste while also providing some health benefits. Under Ayurveda, we should incorporate Ghee into our regular diet.

While there’s only so much research, Ghee may help improve digestion, intelligence, and memory. It also allows for smoother performance of the sense organs. As a dietary supplement, it may rejuvenate the body which can help to clarify the mind. ⁸

Other Ayurveda Therapies for ADHD

To garner the most from herbs, Ayurveda recommends other therapies that help in voice, memory, and intelligence development. These include:

• Abyanga – Better known in the West as a “body oil massage,” this therapy helps to alleviate muscles in the body and soothe the mind.

• Shirodhara – While typically used for heat-related illnesses, this therapy involves pouring medicinal liquids over the head. It may calm your mind, increase concentration, promote sleep, and relieve anxiety. Not to mention, it may help to improve reaction time.

While these therapies may not be as beneficial as traditional therapies (such as psychotherapy), you may find them useful when implemented alongside conventional treatments.

Final Word

Since there’s only so much evidence to suggest Ayurvedic herbs for ADHD are effective, it’s difficult for us to promote these supplements as an answer. However, Ayurvedic therapy may be useful in some patients and therefore, may be optimal for your child.

Still, since the herbs discussed here aren’t approved by the FDA, parents should cautiously proceed. Even more so, you should consult your doctor before promoting Ayurvedic to your child.

References

¹ Singhal HK, Neetu, Kumar A, Rai M. Ayurvedic approach for improving reaction time of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affected children. Ayu. 2010 Jul;31(3):338-42. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.77169. PMID: 22131736; PMCID: PMC3221068.

² Magnus W, Nazir S, Anilkumar AC, Shaban K. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28722868.

³ Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019 Dec 25;11(12):e6466. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6466. PMID: 32021735; PMCID: PMC6979308.

⁴ Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022. PMID: 23439798; PMCID: PMC3573577.

⁵ Bhalerao S, Munshi R, Nesari T, Shah H. Evaluation of Brāhmī ghṛtam in children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Anc Sci Life. 2013 Oct;33(2):123-30. doi: 10.4103/0257-7941.139057. PMID: 25284947; PMCID: PMC4171854.

⁶ Sharma A, Kaur G. Tinospora cordifolia as a potential neuroregenerative candidate against glutamate induced excitotoxicity: an in vitro perspective. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Oct 1;18(1):268. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2330-6. PMID: 30285727; PMCID: PMC6167833.

⁷ Sethiya NK, Nahata A, Singh PK, Mishra SH. Neuropharmacological evaluation on four traditional herbs used as nervine tonic and commonly available as Shankhpushpi in India. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):25-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.08.012. Epub 2018 Mar 9. PMID: 29530454; PMCID: PMC6470306.

⁸ Sharma H, Zhang X, Dwivedi C. The effect of ghee (clarified butter) on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation. Ayu. 2010 Apr;31(2):134-40. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.72361. PMID: 22131700; PMCID: PMC3215354.