Valerian Root and Lemon Balm Reduce ADHD Symptoms in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become an epidemic over the last three decades. Although symptoms may be challenging for both parent and child, the overuse of psychotropic drugs raises questions about standard pediatric health care protocols in this country as well how we approach learning in our schools. If there’s a child in your life who is struggling with these issues, you might want to discuss adding or beginning botanical therapies with one or more herbs mentioned below with a qualified health care practitioner.

According to a study published in Phytomedicine (Jul-Aug 2014), the herbs valerian and lemon balm help lessen ADHD symptoms in children. The study, which involved 169 children under 12 years of age who demonstrate symptoms of ADHD (poor sleep, impulsiveness, etc.), showed that a daily supplement of 640 mg valerian root extract and 320 mg lemon balm extract for 7 weeks induced significant improvements in concentration and quality of sleep. Using standardized questionnaires at baseline (week 1) and weeks 2 and 7, pediatrician and parent ratings showed a decline in poor concentration ad focus from 75% to 14%, hyperactivity from 61% to 13% and impulsive behavior from 59% to 22%.

Some Considerations

It should be noted that this study lacked a control group and the children participating didn’t meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD or qualify for conventional treatment. However, the results of this study are still promising.

Other Helpful Herbs

Several herbs have been studied for their therapeutic value in improving focus and reducing ADHD symptoms in both children and in adults. These include Gotu kola, skullcap, German chamomile, milky oats, Ginkgo biloba and nettle. If you are interested in learning more about an herbal formula formulated with these ingredients to help balance mood and improve concentration and focus, see below.

Focus Formula™ Herbal remedy to relieve symptoms of ADD/ADHD, including poor mental focus, trouble concentrating and decreased attention span. Safe For Adults & Children 6+