If your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, she may have problems functioning in school and at home due to her symptoms. For example, the inattention symptoms of ADHD may affect how well she can complete her school work, and the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD may result in disruptive behavior. While traditional treatments for ADHD include medications and psychotherapy, you may consider alternative treatments, such as herbs, which can relax your child. If considering herbal treatment, consult a naturopathic doctor.
Valerian
One herb that may help your ADHD child is valerian, also called Valerian officinalis. Valerian works as a sedative, helping your child relax. The herb may work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutryic acid, or GABA. Since GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it decreases excitatory signals in your brain, causing you to feel calmer. While you can use valerian for ADHD, the Office of Dietary Supplements notes that not enough scientific evidence exists to support the effectiveness of this herb for ADHD. Side effects of valerian include headaches, gastrointestinal upset and dizziness. If you have a child under the age of 3, do not give him valerian as clinical trials have not evaluated risks that may occur. Consult a naturopathic doctor about the appropriate dose for your child.
Chamomile
One type of chamomile, Roman chamomile or Chamaemelum nobile, may help with your child's ADHD symptoms. This type of chamomile grows in Northern Ireland and northwestern Europe. Roman chamomile can reduce anxiety and also has a sedative effect. In experiments involving rats, this type of chamomile was shown to affect GABA levels in the brain, as well as reduce the level of ACTH, a hormone linked to stress, according to Campbell University. Since studies have not determined the proper dose of Roman chamomile for children, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a dosage similar to German chamomile: 1 to 2 oz of tea made from the herb each day, which you make with 1 tsp. of the herb with a cup of hot water. Talk to a naturopathic doctor before you give your child Roman chamomile for ADHD.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is another herb that has sedative effects, which may calm your child. The supplement comes from the leaves of the plant. How lemon balm causes your child to relax is not fully known, though it may result from binding to two types of acetylcholine receptors: muscarinic receptors and nicotinic receptors, notes David O. Kennedy and colleagues, authors of "Anxiolytic Effects of a Combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis During Laboratory Induced Stress." To determine the dose for your child, you use change the adult dosage for your child's weight. For example, if your child weighs 50 lb., the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends one-third an adult dosage. Before giving your child lemon balm, talk to a naturopathic doctor.
Passionflower
Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, is another herb that can help your child's ADHD by affecting GABA levels. This type of herb increases levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain, resulting in the sedative effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that you should talk to a doctor before giving your child passionflower for ADHD. Calculating the dose of passionflower for a child is based off a dose for an adult weighing 150 lb. If your child weights 50 lb., the dose is one-third of that of an adult's.
Other Herbs
Other types of herbs may help with your child's ADHD symptoms. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine lists rosemary, skullcap, gotu kolu, oat straw, catnip and hawthorn berry as other herbs that may relax your child, which can help with ADHD. Consult a naturopathic doctor about the appropriate herb for your child.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine: ADD/ADHD
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Roman Chamomile
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
- Campbell University: Herbal Pharmacy: Chamomile
