Treating ADHD with herbs and nutritional supplements is controversial. As more clinical research studies examine the advantages of traditional herbs in treating ailments like the memory reduction in Alzheimer’s disease some interesting questions are raised concerning the benefits of the herbs and supplements in treating their inattention problems in ADHD.
The analysis of complementary medicine has only begun. As native remedies are studied more broadly, we are surprised to discover cures for ADHD growing right in our gardens.
Herbs for ADHD
Some herbalists recommend herbal teas for ADHD. Many teas are advocated but Peony, Bacopa, lemon balm, and ginseng are a few that have demonstrated, in clinical studies, to maybe provide some benefits. Adults with ADHD may happily try some of those teas but getting kids to try these can be a challenge as some of these taste awful.
Ginseng
The studies linking the majority of these teas to progress in focus are limited but there are lots of positive studies linking Ginseng to positive health outcomes. Positive studies also exist for other goods which are known as Ginseng but which are other adoptogens for example Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha) and Asiatic Ginseng (Rhodiola). All that the ‘Ginsengs’ are adoptogens which appears to help with stress. Stress appears to worsen all brain associated issues so Ginseng can’t hurt with the treatment of ADHD.
Rhodiola
Doctors urges Rhodiola for patients with symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and you will find, in actuality, many studies in the literature indicating that Rhodiola might be useful for symptoms of sluggishness. More compared to Chinese Ginseng, Rhodiola appears to have some stimulating results.
Amino acids, minerals and vitamins
The amino acids (Tyrosine, L-Carnitine, and phosphatidylserine) have been studied extensively as remedies for Attention Deficit Disorder in children and adults. They appear to, in most people with ADHD, work for the first couple of weeks and then quit working. Some scientists believe that you need to have the specific amount and mixtures of certain vitamins on board for the amino acids to make a difference and if these mixtures are missing, the amino acids will have no effect.
Pycnogenol has been studied and seems to help somewhat with memory although not always with ADHD. The Omega-3 fatty acids should help with brain function and zinc and folate may help with symptoms of ADHD also. Zinc is a vitamin that’s helpful for maintaining our enzymes in working order which supports our immune system works, nerve function and that’s also great for our perceptions and our hair health.
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin which belongs in the B vitamin class. It is important as it plays a role in the processing of the amino acids, and also plays roles in many cellular functions in the body. Researchers also feel it is necessary to keep healthy levels of calcium, magnesium, iron and choline and that these vitamins and minerals may play a part in managing the symptoms of attention deficit.
Conclusion
Many old herbal remedies have helped with attention and memory. The Ginsengs that I mention above are herbs which have been used for many years to boost memory but there are many others such as Rosemary odor, grape seed oil, garlic and onion which may help also. The analysis of complementary medicine is in its infancy and I feel that as a number of these native remedies have been studied more broadly, we might discover surprising cures growing directly in our gardens.
