Natural Remedy for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Nearly eight million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it appears to run in families. While drugs are often the first line of treatment, they can have unpleasant side effects, including a risk of addiction. For some people who do take medicines, the drugs may not be enough to manage their symptoms. Others seek natural remedies to reduce the dose of medications required. Adults have several natural alternatives to help control their symptoms.

Stress Management

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that daily massage therapy helps adults with mild ADHD symptoms be less hyperactive, less fidgety, more focused and happier. Meditation, relaxation training or music therapy can also help. You're never too old--learning a musical instrument stimulates parts of your brain, which can lead to a long-term reduction in symptoms.

Herbal Remedies

Several herbs have gained support in the medical profession as helpful with ADHD. The UMMC reports that panax ginseng, pine bark extract, ginko biloba and oral flower essence have clinical support from small studies but stops short of recommending them. Physician Anthony Kane recommends ginko biloba for adults with ADHD, and to improve intellectual performance generally.

While there are no large studies showing they work, herbalists have used a number of different herbs to treat ADHD. Some people report improvements from taking German chamomile, gotu kola, hawthorn, lobelia, lemon balm, rooibos, valerian, scuttelaria (skullcap), or avena sativa (oat straw). Many of these herbs are rich in antioxidants or minerals.

Diet and Supplements

Dr. Marty Hines at NeuroResearch Clinics has found that combinations of tyrosine, levodopa, cysteine, tryptophan, and 5-HTP can relieve ADHD symptoms by managing the balance of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. While these supplements are available in health food stores, balancing them is a delicate business and requires a caregiver trained in this approach. Omega 3 supplements, melatonin and zinc have also had good results for some people and are simpler to use.

What you take out of your diet may be as important as what you add. Some people are allergic or sensitive to artificial colorings, food additives, or any of a number of foods. Milk, eggs, wheat, and chocolate are all common culprits, as are foods, such as berries, apples, peaches and oranges, that contain salicylates. The Feingold diet, while quite restrictive, weeds out the foods most likely to be troublesome. It also prohibits aspirin.

Herbs and supplements carry risks and can interact with medications your doctor may prescribe. If you take herbs or supplements, be sure to tell your doctor what you are taking and how much.