5 Herbs to Help an ADHD Child Focus and Concentrate

Many individuals who have ADHD find medication beneficial to treat their symptoms. However, not all parents want their children to take prescription medication for ADHD. Or, their child may experience side effects from prescription medication, and herbal remedies can offer relief of symptoms like nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, and sleep issues.

Many herbs fall in the category of Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient method of medicine that uses natural herbs to improve physical and mental health. However, the FDA warns that there is a risk of heavy metal toxicity when using Ayurvedic medicine. Therefore, discussing any risks or potential adverse effects is essential before starting any herbal supplement.

Whether you're looking for supplements to help your child with mental clarity and cognitive function or herbs to help with side effects from ADHD medications, we've compiled a list of the most beneficial herbs that may help children with ADHD.

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Herbs to Help an ADHD Child Focus and Concentrate

There are currently no FDA-approved herbal supplements to treat ADHD, but that does not mean that alternative therapies don't offer some potential benefits.

Before starting any alternative treatments or natural remedies for ADHD, you must speak with your child's prescribing doctor. It is also critical to note that while herbal medicine may improve ADHD symptoms or medication side effects, very few scientific studies support these claims.

However, if you find an herbal treatment that improves your child's ADHD symptoms, it will likely improve their confidence and self-esteem and increase social functioning at school and among peers.

You can view a complete list of FDA-approved medications for ADHD here.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is believed to be calming on the nervous system and is an anti-stress, anti-anxiety supplement to support mental health. It has also been shown to improve fatigue and increase memory. In addition, studies have shown that gotu kola is specifically effective when combined with lemon balm.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is recommended for improving memory and increasing mental clarity. A 2014 study showed that children with ADHD who took 240 mg of Ginkgo Biloba for three to five weeks showed improved symptoms and mental function.

Brahmi

Brahmi, or water hyssop, is a marsh plant from India. It is one of the best natural remedies known to improve brain function and memory. One study focused on younger children with ADHD.

The study showed that 85% of kids ages 6 to 12 years who took 225 mg for six months showed a significant reduction in their ADHD symptoms—specifically, a reduction in restlessness, impulsivity, poor self-control, and inattention.

Rosemary

Rosemary is used frequently in cooking and has a pleasant aromatic scent known to have a calming effect on stress hormones. The scent of rosemary is also known to improve cognitive performance. One study done with teens showed that using rosemary essential oil improved memory and mental sharpness.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most common herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used much longer than many other herbs on this list, at least 3,000 years!

Ashwagandha is an excellent ADHD therapy choice because of its positive effects on the nervous system. Like other adaptogenic herbs, it is known to reduce symptoms of depression, increase memory and brain function, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Pine Bark Extract

In a 2006 study that used children with ADHD and a control group, researchers discovered that the children who received 1 mg of Pycnogenol or pine bark extract for four weeks had reduced ADHD symptoms. Primarily reduced hyperactivity and improved attention and concentration.

Another study from 2007 showed that the supplement affect dopamine levels by decreasing it by close to 11 percent. Most recently, a 2021 study showed that taking pine bark extract improved attention and decreased impulsivity and hyperactivity in kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Pine bark extract is one of the most researched alternative treatment options for attention deficit disorder.

Ginseng

Ginseng supplements are well known to increase energy and increase brain activity. A specific type of ginseng, Korean red ginseng, has been used in recent studies with positive results for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

A recent 2020 study showed that when children with ADHD between 6 and 12 were given Korean red ginseng combined with Omega-3 fatty oils worked together to improve memory and attention span.

Korean ginseng differs from American ginseng, so when looking for supplements, always read labels carefully.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri, or Brahmi, is a traditional herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease and ADHD is thought to improve brain function and memory and reduce anxiety.

Brahmi has some adverse side effects associated with long-term use, such as decreased heart rate, gastrointestinal blockage, urinary tract blockage, ulcers, and thyroid issues.

Gotu Kola is also sometimes called Brahmi, so read labels carefully to distinguish the two when considering supplements.

Green Oat Extract

Green oats are unripe oats and are also known as Avena sativa. Green oats are thought to calm nerves and help with stress and anxiety. A 2011 study with adults showed that green oat supplements improved cognitive performance and reduced brain fog.

Avena sativa is also known to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. However, people with food allergies like gluten intolerance or celiac should use caution if using green oats.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that may improve brain function, decrease stress and anxiety, and help reduce fatigue, making it a beneficial herb for children with ADHD.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, or melissa officinalis, is known to treat headaches and decrease hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. It also decreases stress and anxiety and reduces signs of aging in the brain.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are an excellent alternative to herbal medicine. Many herbal teas have antioxidant properties and calming effects that help people calm and relax. Teas such as peppermint, lemongrass, and chamomile can calm stomach upset and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Teas that are considered safe for children and teens are spearmint, chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and fruit tea.

Try Joon as an Alternative

Joon is an excellent alternative to herbs to help your child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Joon is designed to build healthy habits in kids with ADHD through gamification and rewarding children for task completion.

Joon can be used in conjunction with stimulant medication and herbs to help develop the brain! Parents set tasks they want their children to complete, and through task completion, children gain independence and confidence!

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Conclusion

Deciding to use herbs for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may seem daunting. Still, parents may be interested in using herbs with stimulant medications to improve brain health, attention span, and memory and reduce impulsivity and stress.

Before adding herbs to your child's treatment plan, discuss it with their pediatrician, as further research is needed on the clinical effects of all herbs recommended as a treatment for ADHD.

Herbs may not be suitable for every child with ADHD, but the therapeutic potential should be considered and discussed by parents seeking complementary medicines to their child's ADHD treatment plan.