Attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADD/ADHD, are both characterized by difficulty staying focused, impulsive behavior, and poor work or school performance. The conventional medical approach includes prescription medication and counseling. In addition, certain herbs and natural supplements may help control symptoms. Always consult your health care provider before trying herbal remedies.
Ginseng and Ginkgo
American ginseng, or panax ginseng, and ginkgo biloba are both medicinal plants that have a long history of use in herbal medicine. Ginseng is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and recover from illness. Herbalists recommend it to boost the immune system and enhance mental performance. Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species, living up to 1,000 years. The leaves of the ginkgo tree are used to treat dementia and memory loss and help improve mental clarity. In a study published in the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience," in 2001 researchers found that a combination of American ginseng and ginkgo biloba was effective in treating symptoms of ADHD, and recommended further research. Talk to your doctor before taking ginseng and ginkgo to ensure your safety.
Evening Primrose Oil and EFAs
Evening primrose oil is a natural source of essential fatty acids, or EFAs. EFAs such as omega-3 and omega-6 are essential because they cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from the diet. EFAs are responsible for normal growth and development, and brain function. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" from 2000 reported that children with ADD/ADHD have been shown to have EFA deficiency. EFA supplementation is being studied as a possible treatment for this disorder. Evening primrose oil is available over the counter in capsule form. Check with your health care practitioner for proper use of this supplement.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, also known as pennywort, is native to China, India and Indonesia. It has been used for centuries by herbalists to treat fatigue and epilepsy and help improve mental function. It is sometimes confused with kola nut, but gotu kola does not contain caffeine, theobromine or other stimulants. It is mildly sedating and is sometimes used to treat anxiety and insomnia. In her book "How Can I Use Herbs in My Daily Life?" herbalist and author Isabell Shipard describes its actions as sedative; antispasmodic; antioxidant; adaptogenic; tonic; and alterative, meaning healing or therapeutic. She notes that in Ayurvedic medicine gotu kola is used to revitalize brain cells, and promote calmness and mental clarity. As further studies are still needed to determine the herb's safety and efficacy, check with your doctor before trying gotu kola for medicinal purposes.
Valerian
Valerian root is an herbal remedy commonly used by herbalists throughout Europe and the United States. Germany's Commission E, the governing body that regulates herbal supplements, has approved it. Valerian is used to treat insomnia, anxiety and general restlessness. Its calming effects may be especially beneficial to those suffering from attention deficit with hyperactivity. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some individuals may experience the opposite effect with valerian, feeling anxious and restless after taking the herb, instead of calm and relaxed. Although the Food and Drug Administration recognizes the herb as generally safe, check with your medical doctor before trying valerian.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"; Effect of the Herbal Extract Combination Panax Quinquefolium and Ginkgo Biloba on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; M. Lyon et al.; May 2001
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Children With Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; J. Burgess et al.; 2000
- HerbsAreSpecial.com: Gotu Kola
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
