Ashwagandha for ADHD Child: Does It Work?

If your child has been recently diagnosed with ADHD, you are probably researching the various treatment options available, which may include a variety of medications or herbal remedies. 

Perhaps you have already tried ADHD medications and haven't noticed any benefit in your child's ADHD symptoms, so you are beginning to research a more natural and treatment route. If so, keep reading because this article is for you!

This article will explore Ashwagandha, its impact on brain function, how Ashwagandha can help children with ADHD, as well as some important information regarding this herbal supplement. Keep reading to find out more!

Struggling to motivate your ADHD child?

 

Download the Joon App and start your free 7-day trial.  

Download App

   

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic medicine or herb sometimes known as "winter cherry" and it has been used in the herbal medicine realm for centuries to improve overall health and treat countless conditions. 

Ashwagandha is purported to help with mental conditions, as well as increasing mental focus, reducing anxiety and depression, reducing stress, improving mental clarity, lowering blood pressure, treating inflammatory conditions, and supporting the immune system. 

The Ashwagandha plant, originally cultivated and found naturally in the Middle East and India, is used in traditional medicine by taking the leaves and the root to form powders, capsules, and extracts. However, the entire Ashwagandha plant can be used in some medicinal capacity. 

Ashwagandha and Its Impact on Brain Function and the Nervous System

According to research, Ashwagandha is known to enhance the functioning of the brain and nervous system. It is also thought to enhance the body's ability to fight stress.

Ashwagandha works by enhancing the body's defense against diseases by ultimately, improving the cell-mediated immunity. It also has properties that are antioxidants, which protects the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals. 

Evidence suggests that Ashwagandha helps improve total sleep time and sleep quality in children and adults. While Ashwagandha appears to have many added benefits, it still requires more long-term research to evaluate its safety, effectiveness, and adverse effects. 

Does Ashwagandha Work for ADHD Symptoms?

While Ashwagandha is a natural dietary supplement, it has also been proven to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. This herb works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and central nervous system. 

Its Impact on Dopamine and Norepinephrine

These neurotransmitters are vital, and that is because dopamine and norepinephrine levels are thought to be reduced in children with ADHD. 

By increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as and reducing inflammation in the brain, Ashwagandha is effective in reducing symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, as well as managing impulse control. 

In addition, Ashwagandha is believed to have a calming effect, which in turn improves cognitive function, improves memory, enhances mood, and sharpens mental focus. It is a natural way of helping individual's bodies tolerate stress, considering it is an adaptogen.

Before beginning an herbal supplement or other herbs, be sure to consult with your child's doctor or a healthcare professional to discuss the pros and cons, as well as any drug interactions that this herb might have with another medication. 

Side Effects

Ashwagandha is considered a safe option for children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, or anxiety-related issues, however it is not FDA approved for the diagnosis or for use in children. The side effects associated with taking Ashwagandha are typically mild, however they are important to consider. 

The most common side effects reported when taking Ashwagandha include:

• headache
• upset stomach (and other gastrointestinal issues)
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• the potential for liver problems.

If you begin to notice any serious side effects in your child after taking Ashwagandha, consult with a healthcare professional immediately.

Experts advise against individuals with the following medical conditions to use Ashwagandha with caution or simply, avoid its use entirely. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, and cancer.

Dosages

According to the research, the recommended daily dose of Ashwagandha is 300-500mg per day for adults and 100mg-200mg per day for children. When beginning Ashwagandha, it is best to start with the lowest dose and slowly increase it over time, as needed.

When it comes to the right dose of Ashwagandha, this will typically vary from person to person. In addition, it is important to talk with your child's doctor about dosage. It is also imperative to discuss the side effects your child is experiencing or any irregular behavior you notice with your child before starting any new medications or herbs. A healthcare professional can provide you with the most accurate information. 

Ashwagandha Forms

Ashwagandha is available in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, and tinctures. You can take it in 1-6 grams of divided doses, each day. 

Ashwagandha can also be taken in tea form by boiling one teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder in water for about ten minutes before consuming.

Ashwagandha is a supplement that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate. Therefore, it is possible for the herb to contain contaminants like heavy metals and other unwanted ingredients. 

Is Ashwagandha Good for ADHD Kids?

While Ashwagandha can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, you might be wondering if it is a safe and effective herbal natural remedy for children with ADHD. Ashwagandha could potentially not only manage symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but it also has an added benefit of reducing anxiety and stress. However, caution is advised when using herbal supplements for children as they are not FDA regulated and have not been well studied in pediatric populations. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against the use of herbals and supplements without consulting your child’s pediatrician first. There are not currently any systematic reviews (the gold standard in research) supporting the use and safety of Ashwagandha in children. This isn’t to say there won’t someday be, but you should always talk to your child’s healthcare provider before purchasing these types of products. 

Alternatives to Ashwagandha for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

There are a variety of alternatives to Ashwagandha for the management of ADHD symptoms, such as vitamins, herbs, and lifestyle changes.

Read this article to learn more about vitamins for children with ADHD. 

Additionally, different supplements will work differently for each individual, so it is imperative to consult your child’s pediatrician to find what works best for you or your child. 

Other Supplements

The following supplements could also be considered for some relief of ADHD symptoms. As always, consult your child’s pediatrician as herbs and supplements are not well studied in children and their use is not FDA regulated.

• L Theanine. This powerful amino acid can be found in green tea, and is known to make green tea have a calming effect. It has been used to help anxiety and improve mood in individuals, but has been backed by research in improving attention span in individuals with ADHD. 
• Rhodiola Rosea. This is an adaptogen, which is known to help the body adapt to stress. It is known to help the body return to its natural state. Additionally, it has been used to increase focus and concentration, so it is a great herbal supplement for individuals with ADHD. 
• 5-HTP & L-Tryptophan. These amino acids are known for increasing serotonin and can be a natural alternative to help combat depression. 
• Lemon balm or Melissa Officinalis. This herb has been associated with alleviating symptoms of insomnia and hyperactivity.

Talking to Your Child's Doctor

There are a variety of different medications and supplements available that can help with a multitude of ailments or mental health problems. It is important to discuss the benefits and side effects of taking a herbal supplement with your child's health care provider, as they will be able to provide you with the most updated and helpful information to ensure proper use and safety. 

If you are considering implementing a herbal supplement, such as Ashwagandha into your child's daily regimen, it is important to ask your child's doctor the following questions before making any changes:

• What are the pros and cons of herbal medications?
• Are there any side effects associated with herbs, such as Ashwadandha?
• What are the appropriate dosages for my child?
• Are there any drug interactions?
• What other ADHD medications are available to manage symptoms of ADHD?
• What vitamins would be helpful for my child to supplement?
• What should my child with ADHD avoid?

Takeaway

As a parent, you may be searching for alternatives to medications to help with ADHD symptoms. Perhaps your child isn't adapting well to taking stimulant medication and you are curious about the other options available. While Ashwagandha might be able to help individuals with ADHD manage symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, it should not be used as the sole treatment for ADHD. In addition, Ashwagandha has the added benefit of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Be sure to discuss with your child's doctor before you make any changes to their treatment plan.

Overall, considering all the treatment options that are available and taking a trial and error approach has been considered the most effective in treating ADHD. With that said, what works for one child may not necessarily work for another. Experts recommend incorporating a combination of medication, cognitive therapy, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes to not only manage symptoms of ADHD, but to also improve your child's overall health and help them lead a successful more fulfilling life.