Exploring the Benefits of Herbs for ADHD Management

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) first appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in the 1960s. However, it is not a new disorder; Hippocrates, often called the "father of modern medicine," made the earliest report of a condition comparable to ADHD in approximately 493 BC.

ADHD is marked by patterns of hyperactivity, impulsivity, or both that interfere with functioning or development. Difficulty starting or completing tasks, like chores and homework, poor attention span, and hyperactive behavior are a few examples of common ADHD symptoms.

If left unaddressed, these symptoms can be challenging to live with and may cause problems at school, work, in social relationships, or in other parts of life. Still, it’s safe to say that the world’s a better place because of people with ADHD, and with the right tools, children and adults with ADHD can thrive.

So, how do you find the right ADHD treatment options for your child? While some people with ADHD respond best to a combination of medication and therapy, others use alternative methods, like herbal treatments. If you’re interested in this, it can be tough to know where to start. 

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of some of the most common herbal remedies for ADHD, including how to use them, their benefits, and the precautions and considerations parents must take before giving their child an herbal remedy. 

Please consult with your child’s pediatrician before implementing any herbs or natural ingredients into their treatment routine.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD manifests in different ways and can look wildly unique from person to person. Before we discuss the specific medicinal herbs that can be used to help relieve ADHD symptoms, it's important first to identify and understand the symptoms you want to target.

Definition and symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Symptoms of ADHD start in childhood and can last for the duration of one's lifespan. There are three main types of ADHD: Primarily hyperactive/impulsive, primarily inattentive, and combined-type ADHD.

Inattention symptoms include: Daydreaming, making seemingly careless mistakes, trouble with or dislike of tasks (e.g., homework) that require sustained mental focus, difficulty following through with tasks, frequently losing items (e.g., school supplies) necessary for tasks and activities, distractibility, forgetfulness, and trouble listening when spoken to directly.

Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include: Restlessness, trouble staying seated, excessive talking, interrupting others or blurting out answers, trouble waiting for one’s turn, difficulty partaking in leisure activities quietly, and acting as though one is “always on the go” or “driven by a motor" (high energy levels). 

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Current treatment options and their limitations

The fields of psychology and psychiatry are evolving rapidly. New medications, discoveries, and even changes to the diagnostic criteria for conditions like ADHD happen all of the time. For example, what used to be attention deficit disorder (ADD) is now often diagnosed as primarily inattentive ADHD.

Similarly, while we have effective treatment options that work for a large portion of people with ADHD, we haven't yet found a treatment that works for everyone. Some people are also unable to take ADHD medications due to side effects, which often means that they need to find an alternative route to ADHD treatment.

The Power of Herbs

Healing through nature is deeply instinctive; humankind has searched for remedies in plants for as long as we’ve been around. 

One of the primary benefits of using herbs for ADHD management is that, for some people, they can come with a lower side effect profile than ADHD medication does. Not everyone who takes medication for ADHD experiences negative side effects, and the side effects of ADHD medication are often nominal. 

Those who respond to medication poorly may look for natural ADHD remedies as an alternative. Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are both common supplements used in the ADHD community. Herbal remedies are also popular, including but not limited to ginseng, ginkgo biloba, bacopa monnieri, rhodiola rosea, lemon balm, and pine bark extract.

Although some combinations can be dangerous, some people do take herbal supplements alongside medication as approved by their doctors to enhance effects such as improved focus and concentration.

Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Herbal medicines may include a blend containing one of the following herbs, or you might choose to take a supplement on its own. Please note that while the following herbal treatments are often used as part of a holistic approach, none of them are approved to treat ADHD, and the scientific evidence to date leaves a lot of questions regarding their overall impact on symptoms of the disorder. With that in mind, here are some common ADHD supplements people use and the research behind them.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a tree with fan-shaped leaves. It's said that the Ginkgo Biloba tree, originating from East Asia, is one of the oldest tree species alive at this time.   

Benefits for ADHD

One study on Ginkgo Biloba and Methylphenidate (a prescription medication and central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD) found that kids who took Ginkgo Biloba alongside Methylphenidate experienced a greater reduction in inattention symptoms, as reported by parents and teachers. The study lasted for six weeks and concluded that Ginkgo Biloba is an effective complementary treatment for ADHD.

Another study — a clinical pilot study that looked at the effects of Ginkgo Biloba on 20 children with ADHD for 3-5 weeks — determined that a maximum dose of 240 mg might be a clinically useful alternative treatment for ADHD, but further evidence is required. There was a low rate of adverse effects.

How to use and dosage recommendations

Ginkgo Biloba can be found in capsule or tincture (liquid extract) form. The maximum dose that has been evaluated is 240 mg. At this time, it appears that Ginkgo is best used for inattention rather than hyperactive behavior.

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri, often called Bacopa, water hyssop, or brahmi, is an herb often found in Ayurvedic medicine. Often, those who use it do so for mental health concerns like anxiety and stress management or to promote cognitive functions.

Benefits for ADHD

A small study of 31 children with ADHD who were 6-12 years old found that 225 mg of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract per day for six months resulted in decreased restlessness (93%), improvements in self-control (89%), and reduction in attention-deficit symptoms (85%). It also resulted in lower symptoms of learning problems, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems for a significant portion of participants.

A meta-analysis of nine studies on Bacopa monnieri suggested that it has the potential to improve cognition, specifically speed of attention. Further research is needed, however, to determine its efficacy. For example, it should ideally be compared to ADHD medication in future studies.

How to use and dosage recommendations

Talk to your child's doctor about dosing. The FDA has not evaluated Bacopa for safety or efficacy; studies suggest that 225 mg/day is safe for children ages 6-12 for up to six months.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a root often used to promote brain function or relieve inflammation. It is sometimes suggested that Panax Ginseng, found in Asia, is more effective than American Ginseng. Often, American ginseng is more expensive because it is endangered.

Benefits for ADHD

A study on Korean red ginseng and omega-3 fatty acids found that the combination may promote better cognitive function and ADHD symptom management, citing improvements in memory, attention, and executive function. The participants in this study were 6-12 years old, and they were not allowed to take psychotropic medication for the duration of the study.

How to use and dosage recommendations

Ginseng supplements are most often found in capsule form. Currently, it appears that it’s safe for kids to take 3 mg of red ginseng with 500 mg of omega-3s for 12 weeks, but like Bacopa, it hasn’t been evaluated for safety or efficacy, so this is not a guarantee. Talk with your child's doctor about dosage and how long it is safe to take ginseng.

Precautions and Considerations

Supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so an independent review of the safety and efficacy of these as potential treatments for ADHD symptoms has not been conducted. Let your child’s healthcare provider know before they start a new herbal supplement of any kind. 

Natural supplements aren’t risk-free. They can come with side effects, and if you take certain herbs alongside some medications, even those that aren’t ADHD-specific, serious interactions can occur and currently approved treatments for ADHD may not work as well. These can also include potentially life-threatening side effects or reactions.

Potential side effects of using herbs for ADHD

Like some people won’t respond well to medication, there are people who cannot consume certain natural ingredients. Looking out for possible side effects is also essential. Here are some of the most common side effects that can come with herbs used for ADHD:

• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 
• Stomach upset 
• Stomach cramps 
• Blood pressure changes 
• Headaches 
• Dizziness
• Restlessness 
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea

Allergic reactions, including skin and other reactions, can also occur. 

Interactions with other medications

Medication interactions are one of the most essential things to look out for when considering any supplement. Serotonin syndrome is one potentially life-threatening effect of mixing certain herbs with drugs like ADHD medication or antidepressants. For example, a healthcare professional might advise against using St John wort (another common alternative remedy for ADHD and depression) or Ginseng if you take certain prescriptions.

Your child’s healthcare provider should have their full medication list. Let the provider know everything your child takes, including supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and any prescriptions. That way, they can let you know about any interaction you should look out for.

Consulting with a healthcare provider

In addition to helping you approach natural ADHD treatments and herbal medicines safely, your child's healthcare provider may be able to recommend some additional non-medication treatments. For example, parent training in behavior management. It is vital that children have support for ADHD outside of herbal medicine alone.

Conclusion

Using herbs on their own or in conjunction with other treatments, like medication and behavioral therapy, can support ADHD management. Some people use ADHD supplements as an alternative to ADHD medications; others use herbal medicine to enhance other treatments. Talking with a healthcare professional before you implement supplements into your or your child's routine is necessary.

Natural ingredients can lead to serious reactions in some cases, and supplements are not evaluated by the FDA for safety and efficacy. Providers might be able to recommend specific brands if a particular supplement sounds like a good fit for your child's treatment plan.

Many of the studies described above while suggesting some promise have not been replicated and suffer from other limitations (e.g., small sample sizes; lack of blinding; lack of a control or comparison group) that warrant further investigation. Some alternative treatments for ADHD have more research behind them than others. 

In general, further research and exploration of natural ingredients are needed to help us understand the most effective natural remedies for ADHD, how they compare to more traditional treatments, and the possible negative short and long-term effects we should be aware of.