5 Herbs You Could Use As An ADHD Herbal Remedy

ADHD, which means attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is commonly treated with medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, which are both stimulating drugs. The problem with these treatments and drugs is that they can cause many negative side effects like insomnia and appetite issues. There can also be issues of abuse.

Thus, it is beneficial to look at ADHD herbal remedies as an alternative option for treating the condition. Herbal remedies can provide the same benefits without causing the same risks of addiction and negative side effects.

Caffeine and Green Tea

An interesting ADHD herbal remedy is to use caffeine to combat the symptoms of the condition. A Natural News article from 2009 reports that caffeine has been widely studied and found to be very effective in helping with ADHD. This is mainly thought to be because of its stimulant properties.

Homeopath Beth Landau-Halpern recommends in her article in 2012 that, for instance, green tea with moderate caffeine content can be very effective when consumed in the morning before going to school or work. Green tea can calm the brain and improve concentration levels. Caffeine can of course cause mild addictive symptoms, but they are less pronounced than the addictive effects of common medications for ADHD.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a good ADHD herbal remedy because it can help boost brain function and has been found to be beneficial in slowing down nerve degeneration in the brain. Landau-Halpern suggests that ginkgo biloba’s positive effect may come from the way it enhances blood flow to the brain. She also reports that it has rich antioxidant benefits, which can decrease the oxidative stress in the brain.

ADHD often causes irritability and even frustration, and ginkgo biloba can help relieve these symptoms. It is easily found in many herbal stores and there are various different ways to enjoy this herb, from teas to extracts and capsules.

Ginseng

Another great ADHD herbal remedy to consume is ginseng, whether in supplement form or fresh ginseng as part of the daily diet. Cathy Wong reported in 2009 that a study looking at 14 to 17 year old males with ADHD found ginseng helpful in treating their symptoms. Ginseng is also very good in boosting your mood and can be effective in stimulating energy levels in the body.

Landau-Halpern also suggests that ginseng is beneficial because of the way it affects dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is important in helping to “regulate attention span, impulse control, and the ability to filter stimuli”. Thus, ginseng can improve all of these by balancing dopamine levels in the brain. It is an especially great ADHD herbal remedy when you use it together with ginkgo biloba.

Valerian

Valerian is used in many common treatments of ADHD and it is very effective because of its calming properties. It is mildly sedative and it can thus remove restlessness and also improve quality of sleep, which is important in controlling ADHD symptoms. Valerian is a great ADHD herbal remedy especially when used in combination with other herbs. For instance, Landau-Halpern recommends combining valerian with lemon balm, which can enhance memory and improve the ability to focus.

ADHD herbal tea remedy

Laundau-Halpern also recommends making a tea that is an especially beneficial ADHD herbal remedy when used before sleep. The tea includes:

* 30% passionflower
* 30% lemon balm
* 30% lavender
* 10% St John’s wort

Combine the herbs and mix them with boiling water. You need to drink this ADHD herbal tea for several weeks before it will provide you benefits. If it causes any negative side effects, refrain from further use.