Herbal Solutions for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Written By Ellen Rowland

This article explains ADHD and outlines its various co-occurring conditions.

It explores herbal strategies for treating people who live with ADHD so they can feel and live well.

This article was written for and originally published in the herbal journal Herbal Reality.

 

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning that rather than being a disorder as its name suggests, it is a complex neurotype involving a range of behavioural traits (1).

    It can affect individuals differently, impacting their lives practically, behaviourally and psychologically. Symptoms usually appear in childhood, before 12 years of age, and up to 85% of patients experience symptoms into adulthood (2,3). 

    ADHD can present in various ways, detailed in “signs and symptoms”.

    Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment

    Today, worldwide ADHD prevalence in children is 5% and 3–4% in adults (4).

    While brain imaging scans and other neurophysical markers are associated with ADHD, it is diagnosed clinically through a case history of the patient, using the DSM 5 criteria:

    The patient displays characteristics of one of three ADHD subtypes:

    • Predominantly inattentive

    • Predominantly impulsive or hyperactive

    • Combination type

    Other criteria include:

    • The onset of symptoms is (usually) before age 12

    • Symptoms present in multiple settings: school, work, home

    • Symptoms cause significant impairment in social, occupational or academic function

    • The disorder is not explained by any other behavioural disorder.

    Primary treatment is pharmaceutical, with first-line options being central nervous system (CNS) stimulants: Methylphenidate (MPH), lisdexamfetamine or dexamphetamine, non-stimulant atomoxetine (a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or SNRI), guanfacine, a selective α2A adrenergic receptor agonist or modafinil, a non-amphetamine narcolepsy treatment (5–9).

    Non-pharmacological treatment options are limited, with patients having variable access to funding for coaching or online therapy services (10,11). Despite this lack of support, especially in resource-poor settings, the World Health Organization recommends that children and adolescents receive “psychosocial interventions” alongside first-line treatments (12). Equally, NICE recommends that people with ADHD “have a comprehensive, holistic…treatment plan that addresses psychological, behavioural and occupational or educational needs” (13).

  • Characteristics

    ADHD is characterised by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity (the most commonly associated — and researched — traits, but by no means all) and may impact multiple aspects of a person’s life (14–16). Not all symptoms will always occur in all individuals with ADHD (2,3). ADHD often co-occurs with mental health conditions including anxiety, depression or behavioural disorders (14–16). For example, 75% of adults with ADHD experience some degree of co-occurring mental health condition (2,3).

    It’s important to note that not all ADHD characteristics are inherently negative, though. Research shows that traits and characteristics such as the energy, creativity, hyperfocus, unconventional thinking styles, pursuit of new experiences, growth mindset and resilience that often accompany people with ADHD can have positive impacts on the lives of those living with the condition, although the effects may vary depending on the specific context in which it is experienced and on the individual (17). 

    Co-occurence

    There is increasing recognition of the co-occurence of other neurotypes and conditions alongside ADHD including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette’s, dyslexia, depression, dyspraxia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (1,18). Of the adults with ADHD, 75% experience a range of co-occurring mental health disorders (2,3). This intersection of multiple conditions has real implications for those living with ADHD.

    A 2025 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry (BJP) found that the life expectancy of ADHD males is 6.8 years shorter than those without, and that females’ is 8.6 years shorter. The co-occurring mental health conditions may be in part responsible for the shorter lifespan of those with ADHD, although ADHD doesn’t shorten life expectancy directly (19). 

    A 2025 research study identified that people diagnosed with ADHD who have a menstrual cycle are three times more likely to have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and two 2021 studies found evidence suggesting generalised joint hypermobility and connective tissue pathology are associated with ADHD (20–23)

    ADHD subtypes

    These findings show that through associated conditions’ pathophysiology and within its own broad range of manifestations, ADHD can and does reach far beyond the ‘classic’ symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Far more ADHD subtypes than the main recognised three (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types) may exist, and research is pointing ever more in this direction (24).

    Gender

    Women and girls with ADHD typically present differently from men and boys, which can be problematic since diagnostic criteria are designed around males, meaning females are often underdiagnosed and under supported (25). Symptom severity for hyperactive-impulsive symptoms is lower in females than males, and inattention can present more as disorganisation, overwhelm, lacking in effort or low motivation (rather than the ‘classic’ inattentive male symptoms such as trouble focusing or appearing not to listen). Common co-occurring conditions might be internalised in females, leading to fewer referrals, lower academic attainment outcomes, or misdiagnosis (25,26).

  • Causes Of ADHD

    The complexity of ADHD’s neurological picture reflects its complex symptom presentation. 

    Brain development

    ADHD traits are a result of differences in early brain development that occur during pregnancy or in infancy, and can be genetic in origin or caused by physical or birth trauma, infection, immune disorders or nutritional status (1). 

    The structure of an ADHD brain differs from neurotypical brains in several ways.

    The frontal lobe, limbic system and basal ganglia are all impacted, leading to a range of challenges in planning, memory, decision-making, attention, impulsivity and focus (27).

    Nervous system

    Nervous system regulation and neurotransmitter signalling, involving dopaminergic, noradrenergic, glutamatergic and serotonergic pathways, is disrupted in ADHD, and oxidative stress and inflammation both occur — in the central nervous system (CNS) and systemically (throughout the body) and can exacerbate symptoms (16). 

    Dopamine and norepinephrine

    Primary neurotransmitters involved in ADHD are dopamine and norepinephrine, although glutamate and serotonin are also involved. Dopamine regulates our mood, memory, motivation and attention, and supports emotional regulation, but reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) expression in people with ADHD means lower levels of dopamine in cells, and therefore increased dysregulation of the functions it usually supports (28,29).

    Dopamine is a precursor to norepinephrine, and dysregulated norepinephrine reuptake by cells is understood to contribute to executive dysfunction, inattention and impulsivity in ADHD (30).

    Other neurotransmitters

    Higher glutamate levels, serotonin and altered GABA levels are also associated with exacerbated symptoms (28,31–34).

  • ADHD can present with any combination of the following signs and symptoms, and may vary on a daily or even hourly basis, and not all symptoms occur in all people with ADHD (2,3).

    Practical (2,3,20,35–39)

    • Difficulty managing daily tasks such as washing up, cooking, cleaning

    • Difficulty focusing on work or tasks for sustained periods

    • Hyperfocus for sustained periods, sometimes forgetting to eat and/or drink or use the bathroom

    • Time ‘blindness’, e.g. difficulty being on time and keeping or making appointments

    Psychological (2,3,20,35–39)

    • Poor mental health or co-existing mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, stress)

    • Sleep disturbances

    • Poor memory and executive function

    • Impaired learning

    • Emotional dysregulation

    • Low confidence

    • Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD)

    Behavioural (2,3,20,35–39)

    • A lack of inhibition

    • Inattentiveness

    • Interrupting

    • Hyperactivity

    • Substance dependency

    • Novelty-motivated

    • Ideas-driven

    • Creativity

    Physiological (2,3,20,35–39)

    • Fluctuations in energy levels

    • Headaches

    • Gastrointestinal disturbances

    • Cardiovascular health issues

    • Fluctuations in weight and appetite

    • Connective tissue disorders

  • A broad range of herbs have been reviewed for their effects on various aspects of ADHD including hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention, mood and other co-occurring symptoms.

    Neurocomplexity is a key feature in ADHD, so it is important not to be reductive when considering herbal treatments — one herb is unlikely to treat most or all ADHD presentations, and research suggests this is the case (31,34,40,41).

    Herbs work via a variety of different molecular pathways and could be used in combination or singly for ADHD subtypes and/or co-occurring conditions (31,42,43).

    Here are some herbs for ADHD treatment based on randomised clinical trial (RCT) evidence:

    Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

    Bacosides found in brahmi are able to cross the blood brain barrier, and can modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) glutamate receptors, making this herb supportive for memory improvement and reducing inflammation (43).

    Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

    Valerenic acid found in valerian causes increased dopamine production and a calming effect (43).

    Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

    Passionflower acts as a GABA receptor agonist and exerts a calming effect on the nervous system (44,45).

    Saffron (Crocus sativus)

    Saffron has been shown to increase tryptophan availability in the brain (44,45).

    Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

    Ginseng shows moderate improvements in attention and impulsivity, and strong improvements in cognitive function in ADHD patients (43).

    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

    Rosemary has high antioxidant levels which also stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity, which work to improve memory, so could be a useful factor in ADHD treatment (31,46).

    Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

    A powerful anti-inflammatory herb, turmeric could play a role in reducing CNS and systemic inflammatory biomarkers in ADHD patients due to its high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds like curcumin (47–49). It is also a neurotrophorestorative, which is helpful in ADHD where neurological oxidation is implicated (50).

  • Diet

    Inflammatory foods are linked with exacerbation of ADHD symptoms, as are altered nutrient levels, and whilst dietary research on ADHD is still emerging, it appears healthy eating is associated with fewer symptoms (51). Research shows gut microbiome disruption correlates with symptoms, so management of gut microbiota could also support symptom reduction (52).

    Exercise

    Evidence supports aerobic, strength-based and mind-body exercise for reducing neuroinflammation and brain health (53).

    Supplements

    Whilst there are limited studies on supplementation for ADHD, a range of vitamins and minerals aid short-term memory, slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients, with antioxidant supplementation showing most promising results (53). Since ADHD involves neuroinflammation, there is a case for further research into antioxidant supplementation for ADHD.

    Behavioural therapies

    There is limited access to behavioural therapy, but studies suggest combined cognitive and pharmaceutical treatment increases efficacy (54).

    Practical support

    Practical measures can be of enormous help in symptom management. Apps, reminders, daily self check-ins, body doubling for task management and digital planners are some technologies now at our disposal (55).

    Many people (adults and children alike) with ADHD benefit from combination support alongside flexibility in work, home or school environments to allow them to flourish (56,57).

    Individuals may benefit from formal diagnosis or not, and many people explore and find a mix of treatments that works for them and their unique neurotype as they work to understand their needs (58).

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Ellen Rowland

Ellen is the founder of AmberLuna Apothecary, a social enterprise aiming to make natural wellbeing accessible to all through aromatherapy and herbalism talks, books, workshops, products, digital content and holistic therapies. She is a Clinical Aromatherapist, Massage Therapist, Facialist and Writer. She is also a course tutor for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a keen gardener, plant lover and training Medial Herbalist in her final year.

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