Stimulants are traditionally used as a standard treatment in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADD is a condition first diagnosed in childhood that involves restlessness and inability to concentrate. As of 1994, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders officially termed Attention Deficit Disorder as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but the term ADD is still in common parlance. Medications prescribed for ADD like Ritalin, Adderall and Focalin all contain stimulants that are designed to help people focus and concentrate. Japanese tea is also used as a stimulant. All varieties of Japanese teas contain a crucial nutrient believed to help treat ADD.
Matcha Tea Extract
L-theanine, a nutrient found in many varieties of black and green tea, is used in Japan to treat ADD. L-theanine promotes a calm feeling along with increasing alertness. Matcha tea, a green tea variety found in Japan, contains the highest level of theaninie. According to Dr. Michael Lyon from the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine, teas in America are diluted and are not as rich in theanine as teas in Japan. Matcha tea extracts contain the same amount of theanine as the Japanese tea.
Suntheanine
Suntheanine is a supplement containing the pure form of the amino acid L-theanine, found exclusively in teas. This extract has been found to have calming effects on people with ADD. A clinical study conducted at the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine suggested that Suntheanine can help to significantly improve symptoms of ADD. Out of the 100 children involved in the study, those that took Suntheanine supplements were found to have better sleep, less hyperactive behaviors and better cognitive performances than their peers.
Green Tea Extracts
Basic green tea has been studied for its health benefits for decades. Green tea is purported to help improve a number of conditions, including ADD. Like matcha and other tea supplements, basic green tea contains theanine. The caffeine in green tea also acts a stimulant and helps individuals with ADD improve their focus. Green tea extracts also contain catechin and polyphenols, nutrients that are as beneficial as vitamin A and C. Although not as effective as pure Suntheanine or Matcha tea, green tea supplements are usually easier to find and are cheaper alternatives.
Precautions
Like other herbal remedies, Japanese tea extracts are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety. Most Japanese tea supplements contain a large amount of caffeine and may cause restlessness or other sleep disorders. Consult your physician before taking tea supplements, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney disorder, overactive thyroid or an anxiety disorder. Some side effects of tea extracts include heartburn, headache, nausea or irritability. According to MayoClinic.com, standard treatment for ADD includes medication and therapy.
References
- CBN; Feeling a Little Unfocused? Try a Cup of Tea; Gailon Totheroh; Janaury 2009
- Suntheanine: New Clinical Study Shows the Active Ingredient in Green Tea Helps Calm ADHD Symptoms
- Health Guidance; Benefits of Green Tea for ADHD; Christopher Jacoby
- Drugs: Green Tea
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children Treatment and Drugs
