According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, as many as 9.4 percent of children and adolescents ages 2 to 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Treatment choices are difficult when facing an ADHD diagnosis. People with ADHD are being prescribed — and getting positive results from — methylphenidate (Ritalin) at an increasing rate.

Others are coping with side effects from the medication, such as dizziness, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and digestive issues. And some don’t get relief at all from the use of Ritalin.

There are alternative therapies for ADHD, but there is limited scientific evidence proving their effectiveness.

Proponents of special diets say you should eliminate sugary foods, artificial food colorings, and additives and eat more sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Yoga and meditation may be helpful, and neurofeedback training is yet another option.

All of these therapeutic options can work together to have some effect on ADHD symptoms.

What about herbs? Read on to learn whether they could help improve symptoms.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $11–$20
  • $$$ = over $20
Twinnings Herbal Tea
  • Price: $$$
  • Dosage: N/A

A 2015 cross-sectional case-control study looked at the sleep structure of 28 children with ADHD who had not received drug treatment. Fifteen healthy children were also involved in the study, serving as participants in the case-control group.

Results showed that children with ADHD had more problems falling asleep, sleeping soundly, and getting up in the morning. Researchers suggested that additional treatments might be helpful further evaluate the study findings.

Herbal teas that contain chamomile, spearmint, lemon grass, and other herbs and flowers are generally considered safe options for children and adults who want to relax.

They’re often recommended as a way to encourage rest and sleep. Having a nighttime ritual at bedtime (for adults too) helps your body better prepare for sleep. These teas may be best used before bedtime.

Nutricost Ginkgo Biloba
  • Price: $$
  • Dosage: 120 mg per serving

Ginkgo biloba has long been recommended for improving memory and increasing mental sharpness. Study results on the use of ginkgo in ADHD are mixed.

A 2014 studyTrusted Source, for example, found that symptoms improved for people with ADHD who took a ginkgo extract. Children who took 240 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract daily for 3 to 5 weeks showed a reduction in ADHD symptoms with few negative side effects.

Another study from 2010Trusted Source found slightly different results. Participants took either a dose of ginkgo or methylphenidate (Ritalin) for 6 weeks. Both groups experienced improvements, but Ritalin was more effective. Still, this study also showed potential benefits from ginkgo.

It’s important to note that Ginkgo biloba interacts with many medications, such as blood thinners, and would not be a good option for those with bowel diseases.

  • Price: $$
  • Dosage: 750 mg per serving

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is also known as water hyssop. It’s a marsh plant that grows wild in India. The herb is made from the leaves and stems of the plant. It has been used for centuries to improve brain function and memory.

Studies on humans are mixed, but some have been positive. The herb is often recommended as an alternative treatment for ADHD today. Research is increasing because of earlier studies.

One studyTrusted Source involving 31 children ages 6 to 12 years found that taking 225 mg of brahmi extract daily for 6 months significantly reduced ADHD symptoms, such as restlessness, poor self-control, inattention, and impulsivity in 85 percent of the children.

A 2013 studyTrusted Source found that 24 healthy adults taking 320 mg of a specific abstract of brahmi showed improvements in their ability to retain new information following six repetitions of the Cognitive Demand Battery.

Another study conducted in India also found benefits. Participants taking another specific brahmi extract showed significantly improved performance in their memory and brain function.

  • Price: $$
  • Dosage: 1,150 mg

Green oats are unripe oats. The product, also known as “wild oat extract,” comes from the crop before it matures. Green oats are sold under the name Avena sativa. They have long been thought to help calm nerves and treat stress and anxiety.

Early studies show that green oat extract may boost attention and concentration.

A 2011 studyTrusted Source involved measuring the performance level of a group of older adults diagnosed with a cognitive impairment while they worked on the Stroop Color-Word test after they were given three specific dosages — 0 mg, 1,600 mg, and 2,400 mg — of Avena sativa on a weekly basis.

Results showed that participants taking the 1,600-mg extract made fewer errors on the color-naming component of the test.

Another studyTrusted Source, also conducted in 2011, involved reviewing the brain activity of healthy study participants who received two specific dosages — 1,250 mg and 2,500 mg — of a special oat preparation of Avena sativa herba. Results showed improvement in the region of the brain responsible for cognitive performance.

  • Price: $
  • Dosage: 400 mg

Ginseng, an herbal remedy used for centuries in China, has a reputation for stimulating brain function and increasing energy. The “red ginseng” variety also has shown some potential to help calm symptoms of ADHD.

A 2011 studyTrusted Source involved 18 children between 6 and 14 years old who were diagnosed with ADHD. Researchers gave 1,000 mg of ginseng to each child for 8 weeks. Researchers reported improvements in anxiety, personality, and social functioning.

In one more recent 2020 studyTrusted Source, 40 children with ADHD between ages 6 and 12 years were given daily supplements containing omega-3 and Korean red ginseng. Results of the study suggest that the combination of the two ingredients may help improve memory and attention in children with ADHD.

  • Price: $$
  • Dosage: 6,000 mg

Pine bark extract contains natural compounds called proanthocyanidins. The extract made from these compounds is commonly sold under the registered trademark brand name Pycnogenol.

Researchers gave 61 children with ADHD either 1 mg of Pycnogenol or a placebo once a day for 4 weeks in a study conducted in 2006Trusted Source. Results showed that the Pycnogenol reduced hyperactivity and improved attention and concentration. The placebo showed no benefits.

Another studyTrusted Source found that giving the extract over a 1-month period helped normalize antioxidant levels in children with ADHD.

One study published in 2007Trusted Source showed that Pycnogenol lowered stress hormones by 26 percent. It also decreased the amount of the neurostimulant dopamine by nearly 11 percent in people with ADHD.

Finally, a recent 2021 studyTrusted Source involving 20 children with ADHD found that supplementing with pine bark extract significantly decreased inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Some studies have indicated that combining some of these herbs may produce better results than using one alone.

In a small study in CanadaTrusted Source, children with ADHD took both American ginseng and Ginkgo biloba twice a day for 4 weeks. The results showed that participants experienced improvements in socializing problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

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Price
Dosage (per serving)
Considerations
Herbal teas
$$$
N/A
If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor before using any herbal supplements, including herbal teas.
Gingko biloba
$$
120 mg
interacts with many medications, including blood thinners
Brahmi
$$
750 mg
may cause digestive side effects in some people
Green oats
$$
1,150 mg
may cause digestive issues in some people
Ginseng
$
400 mg
• may cause side effects such as insomnia, blood pressure changes, and diarrhea
• can interact with certain medications
Pine bark extract
$$
6,000 mg
may cause side effects such as headache and stomach upset

While herbal supplements may help with some ADHD symptoms, you might also want to consider other treatment options, such as medication and therapy.

Medications for ADHD include:

  • central nervous system stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall
  • non-stimulants such as antidepressants and atomoxetine

Potential options for ADHD therapy include:

Can you treat ADHD naturally?

Natural treatment options for ADHD exist, but they may not work for everyone. It’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about your treatment options and which one might work best for you.

How does valerian help with ADHD?

Valerian is an herbal supplement that may help with certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, according to some researchTrusted Source.

Which herbs should those with ADHD avoid?

To prevent dangerous interactions, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about any supplements or herbs you’re taking. You may also want to stop taking herbal supplements that cause unwanted side effects.

Can kids use herbal ADHD treatments?

If you’re considering trying herbal remedies for your child, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional first. Not all herbal supplements are safe for children, and some supplements may interact with medications your child is taking.

There are not many completed studies of the effectiveness of herbal ADHD remedies.

A 2011 reviewTrusted Source of complementary treatments for ADHD found that pine bark and a Chinese herbal blend may be effective and brahmi shows promise, but further research is required.

With so many options available, it’s best to talk with your doctor, an herbal specialist, or naturopath for more information.

Also, seek advice about reputable companies from which you can make your herbal purchases. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate or monitor the use of herbs, and in some cases, products may be tainted, incorrectly labeled, and unsafe.