Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is most common in children, as many as two-thirds of all children who suffer from ADHD may still have the disorder when they are adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Conventional treatment includes drugs and behavior modification. Some herbs may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in adults. Because herbs may contain ingredients that can cause side effects, use herbal remedies only under the direction of a medical professional.
Flaxseed
Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, lists flaxseed and flaxseed oil as potentially beneficial in the treatment of ADHD. Flaxseed contains alpha linolenic acid, which may reduce ADHD symptoms, but taking it may interfere with the absorption of some medications, so consult your doctor before using it to treat your ADHD.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil may reduce ADHD symptoms in adults, according to UMCC, and it is good for the heart. Evening primrose oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and is available in liquid or capsule form from health food stores. Talk to your doctor about supplementing your ADHD therapy with evening primrose oil.
Herbal Teas
Herbal tea is a convenient way to use herbs to treat the symptoms of adult ADHD. UMCC suggests steeping one tsp. of the chosen herb in one cup of hot water and drinking up to four cups of herbal tea per day. Potentially beneficial herbal teas include passionflower, lemon balm, valerian, gingko, American ginseng and Roman chamomile.
Use herbal remedies only under a doctor's supervision. The FDA does not oversee the production of herbs and does not guarantee their safety or their benefits in treating medical disorders.
Clinical studies that confirm the benefits of herbal remedies in treating adult ADHD are lacking.
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