At last we dive into the scientific evidence for herbs that may be able to help with the range of symptoms attached to ADHD or attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
In the previous articles we covered both the conventional outlook and treatment of ADHD as well as the more holistic view and treatment. Those were meant to lay the groundwork for understanding this article.
First and foremost, it is important to note that herbs cannot treat ADHD and they certainly won’t cure anything. But it is likely that some can be useful in managing the symptoms like restlessness, lack of concentration, impulsivity, memory, etc. As such, herbs can be done in addition to any form of conventional or holistic treatment, as covered previously.
At Lost Empire Herbs we recommend that you experiment for your own health. You can safely play with these herbs to see if they may help you out.
Here we’ll be exploring the scientific evidence for mechanisms of action in how these herbs may influence ADHD symptoms, as well as look at clinical trials showing results (almost exclusively in kids). Towards the end of the article we’ll look at some lesser levels of scientific evidence for other herbs that still may be useful. This includes a data mining approach that shares the TCM perspective on ADHD.
Lastly, I’ll wrap up with some of the bigger picture that will help you to zoom out to see the “forest” not just the individual “trees”.
Bacopa
Bacopa, also known as Brahmi in India, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used for millenia. It’s known for a wide range of effects, but in recent years mostly as a nootropic. Research shows Bacopa can boost brain function and enhance focus. Its active compounds, bacosides, protect brain cells from damage and improve memory by interacting with brain receptors and reducing neuroinflammation.
A study involving 31 kids with ADHD aged 6–12 years used a Bacopa extract for six months. Results showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, except for social problems. Hyperactivity, attention, and cognitive issues saw notable improvements in a majority of the participants.
This paper states, “In 93% of the children, the hyperactivity trait scores were reduced, while consciousness improved in 89% of the individuals. The signs of the disorder were alleviated in 85% of the individuals. Similarly, for 78% 67%, and 52% of the group, trait scores for learning problems, impulsivity, and mental problems, respectively, decreased.” Those results seem fairly significant to me.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a plant with a lemony scent native to southern Europe. It’s used both in cooking for its flavor and medicinally for a variety of health benefits. For mental health, lemon balm has been shown to reduce anxiety and help with ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. Lemon balm contains compounds like citronellal and salvianolic acid, which have neuroprotective properties amongst others.
In a study involving 120 participants, lemon balm was a principle ingredient in a herbal mix tested for ADHD. Children aged 6 to 12 years were given this mix, which also included other herbs like the aforementioned Bacopa. The study found significant improvements in attention as measured by the TOVA test, with no major side effects reported except for mild ones like headaches. This suggests lemon balm could be a beneficial and safe option for enhancing focus and cognitive functions.
Valerian
Valerian is most well known for its sedative and hypnotic properties. Beyond helping with sleep, Valerian has various other benefits. It has a positive impact on the central nervous system, offering soothing and mood-enhancing effects. It’s increasingly used for conditions like ADHD, stress, and insomnia because it helps reduce restlessness.
The plant’s active ingredients, such as valerenic acid and others, interact with brain receptors to increase calmness. They work by affecting GABA receptors, which are involved in regulating nervous system activity, and influencing potassium channels in the pancreas, ultimately boosting dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and attention.
A study with 30 kids aged 5 to 11 looked at Valerian’s effects on ADHD symptoms. They compared Valerian tea and a homoeopathic version against a placebo. Results showed improvements in ADHD symptoms and cognitive function in both the Valerian groups after two weeks, with no significant benefits noted in the placebo group. Teachers also noticed better behavior and performance in subjects taking Valerian. No serious side effects were reported.
Passionflower
Passionflower is traditionally used to calm anxiety and is often used for sleep. In a study aiming to test Passionflower’s effectiveness for ADHD, 34 children diagnosed with the condition were split into two groups. One group received Passionflower at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg twice daily, while the other received the common ADHD medication methylphenidate at 1 mg/kg twice daily, over an eight-week period. The main way of measuring success was through ratings by parents and teachers.
The study found no significant difference in ADHD symptom improvement between the kids taking Passionflower and those on methylphenidate, based on the ratings. Both groups saw benefits from their treatments according to assessments. However, the study noted fewer dropouts and side effects like decreased appetite and anxiety in the Passionflower group compared to the methylphenidate group.
Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the most popular herbs in the world. And it has also been slightly investigated in the use of ADHD. One study explored the impact of a herbal blend containing American ginseng and Ginkgo biloba on ADHD symptoms. Results showed noticeable improvement. By the end of four weeks, improvements ranged from 44% in social behavior to 74% for core ADHD symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors.
Another study looked into how Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) affects kids with ADHD, aged 6 to 14. They were given 1,000 mg of the ginseng twice daily for 8 weeks. The study found noticeable improvements in attention errors, ADHD ratings, and anxiety levels.
Following up from this was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. In it kids aged 6-15 with ADHD symptoms took either Korean red ginseng or a placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. This study measured ADHD symptoms, brain activity ratios, and stress hormone levels before and after treatment. The ginseng group showed significant improvements in attention and hyperactivity scores compared to the placebo group, as well as better brain activity patterns. However, stress hormone levels didn’t change significantly. No serious side effects were reported.
Rhodiola
The adaptogen, Rhodiola rosea, doesn’t have a clinical trial for ADHD, but has lots of other studies backing it in various ways. In individuals with ADHD, there is often a shortage of dopamine and norepinephrine. Research on Rhodiola indicates it can activate the reticular activating system, thereby boosting levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Additionally, Rhodiola has been found to regulate the body’s stress response, inhibiting the overproduction of stress hormones such as cortisol. Salidroside, an active constituent, further offers neuroprotective benefits.
Evidence suggests that Rhodiola may enhance cognitive functions including focus, accuracy, and memory, and help alleviate mental fatigue. While these have been studied in other areas, further research is necessary to fully understand its potential in conditions like ADHD.
A TCM Perspective on ADHD
A data mining study on Chinese herbs look at what was often used for ADHD like conditions. Those used were “principally composed of tonics (nourishing liver and kidney, invigorating heart and spleen) and tranquilization, which were supplemented with herbs for calming liver, clearing heat, promoting qi-circulation, promoting blood-circulation, reducing phlegm and calming endogenous wind.”
From this the top 12 herbs used were:
- Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome
- Polygala Root
- Prepared Rehmannia Root
- Dragon’s Bone (fossilized bones)
- Licorice Root
- Poria Mushroom (or Fu Ling)
- Oyster Shell
- Tortoise Shell
- White Peony Root
- Schisandra Berry
- Cornelian Cherry
- Chinese Yam
Another study took a similar approach but was specifically looking at the differences in ADHD subtypes, predominately inattentive (ADHD-PI), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-PH), and combined type (ADHD-C). What they found was that eight of the herbs looked were used for both sub-types while others were only used for one type or the other. Those eight that worked for both included some listed above including Poria, Licorice, Polygala, and Rehmannia. This list also includes Ginseng, Angelica (Dong Quai), Lilyturf and Ziziphus.
More Herbs from Lost Empire Herbs
Two of our herbs made the lists above so a bit more mention is warrented.
Schisandra, besides being an adaptogen with various neuroprotective effects may act in some ways similar to Rhodiola.
Ziziphus is one that we are generally recommending for helping with deep sleep. But it’s effects on GABA, similar to Lemon Balm and Passionflower, could indicate it’s help in ADHD symptoms as well.
Mucuna with its rich source of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, likely plays some effect on ADHD symptoms. It has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and play a role in cognition.
The Bigger Picture
If you’re familiar with the herbs mentioned here you begin to see an interesting picture. There are those that are used as nootropics, the seem to stimulate the focus in a variety of ways. Among these Bacopa, Rhodiola, and Schisandra are some of the best.
On the flip side, we see many of the calming herbs, even sedative sleep-inducing herbs, at play. Lemon Balm, Valerian, Passionflower, Ziziphus are examples of these.
Let me take you on a look inside of the VIP-only formulas we offer as this will help to showcase these effects. (For more details on the VIP program and how to take part in it click here.)
The formula of Mental Edge utilizing Bacopa, Schisandra, Spearmint, Rhodiola and Lion’s Mane Mushroom, seems to be this direction to move the brain and mind. Heightened focus and concentration.
Essentially the yin to Edge’s yang, the formula of Mental Calm, includes Gotu Kola, Lemon Balm, Lions Mane, Chrysanthemum, Longan, Skullcap and Chamomile.
Then there is the Sleep formula. This includes Valerian, Passionflower, Albizia Bark, California Poppy, Kava, Skullcap and Mugwort. You see that the top two herbs here are ones with clinical evidence for ADHD symptoms. While this was obviously designed for sleep, could a lower dose throughout the day help people with anxiety, restlessness, allowing a more relaxed focus? Calming vs. hypnotic effects are often a matter of dose.
With all this we see that you can stimulate certain pathways, such as those involving dopamine and norepinephrine, while stimulating others that are more calming such as those involving GABA. In doing so you may be able to modulate your neurology for the desired effect.
Remember that with drugs such as Adderall, that are made up with amphetamine, they’re used to calm those with ADHD down whereas an average person would have the opposite effect. Thus, there may be similar paradoxical effects in some of these herbs for people. Valerian which is known as a cerebral stimulant makes most people sleepy. But in about 1-3% of people it can jack them up like crazy. Is this related at all?
What it boils down to is there is no specific herb for ADHD, as different people will be different with the various subtypes amongst other things. My aim is not to treat you, especially since I can’t legally do that. Instead, it is to give you this information as a starting point to experiment with and find what works for you.
If you suffer from ADHD-like symptoms, in addition to dealing with the environmental stuff mentioned in the previous article, plus whatever treatment you choose, what I would recommend is to do these four things if you’re interested in seeing what herbs can do for you:
- Play with one of those more stimulating herbs or formulas and see what that does for you.
- On different days experiment with the more relaxing pathway. How does this make you feel?
- Combine both pathways at the same time and see what it does.
- Play with bigger and smaller doses to find what works for you. (Especially if you’re aiming for a drug-level effect then I would ratchet up the doses over time.)
If you have ADHD symptoms and have experimented with herbs in this way, please share your results below. I’d love to crowdsource what works and what doesn’t for individuals to expand on what is laid out above.
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