The National Institute for Mental Health says that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, abbreviated as ADHD, is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Those characteristics sometimes are seen in people without ADHD, but in ADHD, they are severe and persistent, and often cause problems at work, school and home. Some natural herbs may be helpful for ADHD symptoms. If you suspect that you or your child has this disorder, consult a qualified health-care professional.
Ginkgo Biloba
An preliminary study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research concluded that ginkgo biloba shows promise as a useful and beneficial treatment for ADHD with little risk of side effects. In the study, measurements of immaturity, inattention and hyperactivity were taken in patients before and during a course of treatment with ginkgo biloba. Their scores rose significantly with the use of the herb. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, other small studies have indicated that ginkgo may be useful for enhancing memory. Ginkgo biloba extract is derived from the leaves of one of the oldest tree species in the world. Consult your health-care provider before using ginkgo biloba for ADHD.
Valerian
Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that valerian root can produce "dramatic results" in alleviating ADHD symptoms. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, valerian is a perennial plant that originated in Europe and Asia, but it is now also naturalized in North America. Valerian's medicinal uses were described by Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician. It was employed in the 1700s as a remedy for nervous disorders and trembling. Balch says that the amount of valerian extract recommended in package directions be mixed in juice and taken two to three times daily for ADHD symptoms. Side effects may include headaches, itchiness, dizziness and stomach upset.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a natural herbal product derived from the bark of the maritime pine, a tree found in coastal France. Pycnogenol, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, was tested as an ADHD treatment in a double-blind study described in the journal Nutrition Reviews. Researchers divided children with ADHD into two treatment groups. One group received Pycnogenol, while the other group received a placebo. Neither the children nor the researchers knew which group received each treatment. The children who were given Pycnogenol showed marked improvements in measures of attention and hyperactive behavior. The group that received the placebo did not show similar improvements. More studies are needed to ensure that this herb is safe for long-term use.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginkgo
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Ginkgo Biloba Treating Patients with Attention-Deficit Disorder; H. Niederhofer; July 2010
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Nutritional and Dietary Influences on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; N. Sinn; October 2008
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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