Has your child or family member been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? Maybe it’s you that suffers from this disorder. If so, it’s important to know that medication is not the only answer.
Many people live very normal and healthy lives with ADHD without the use of conventional meds. These people have made lifestyle changes, found supplements that alleviate symptoms, and have found certain methods to help them stay attentive and calm when they need it.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a question about natural treatments for ADHD on our facebook page. Lots of readers who are also dealing with ADHD in their families spoke up about their experiences and methods for treating ADHD naturally.
Click here to read the discussion on natural treatment for ADHD symptoms.
Here I’ve gathered information from various sources to give you a feel for what options are available to you.
ADHD Diet and Lifestyle
At least a portion of those living with ADHD find some relief in diet and lifestyle changes. What do those changes look like?
Positive Routines
For one, it should be seen if a regular bedtime, 7 days a week, helps to alleviate symptoms. Regular and moderate exercise can also be helpful. There is no harm in trying these lifestyle changes, and you can go back to previous routines if they don’t make a difference.
Gut Health
Something else to try is diet changes. This includes finding out what foods the person may be sensitive to. Some people with ADHD react negatively to additives and preservatives in foods. Some have a sensitivity to wheat or gluten. A trial elimination of these foods could prove beneficial.
There is said to be a large connection between ADHD behaviors and gut and digestive health. Gut healing protocols can help with this. One of the most popular diets for healing disorders such as ADHD is the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet.
Learn more about the GAPS diet.
At the very least, a probiotic supplement or digestive enzymes can be taken to help the body absorb more essential vitamins and minerals.
Caffeine for ADHD
The evidence may be a bit anectodal, but many people with ADHD have reported that instead of making them hyper and stimulated, caffeine induces a “calming effect” on them.
The claim has merit. A 2005 study found that rats with similar symptoms to that of ADHD did better on tests when they were given caffeine beforehand.
This theory also makes sense because children and adults are often given prescription stimulant medications to treat their ADHD. These medications work similarly to caffeine but on an extended release.
My conclusion: It may not last as long, but caffeine can be used as needed when times of focus are more necessary. And without the nasty side effects of extended release stimulant medications.
Source: Caffeine’s effect on ADHD symptoms
Calming Remedies for ADHD
Many natural remedies and herbs have a calming effect on those with ADHD and can be used as needed. Some companies have even developed products specifically to help with inattentiveness and hyperactivity symptoms.
Natural Remedies and Treatments for ADHD Symptoms:
- Attend by VAXA – a homeopathic remedy for attention difficulties.
- Bright Spark and Focus by Native Remedies – for ADHD and concentration support.
- Chamomile Calm – a chamomile tincture for kids.
In addition to homeopathic remedies and herbs, there is also essential oils which can be applied as needed to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Before using essential oils, please read How to use essential oils safely and What are essential oils?
Essential Oils Commonly Used for ADHD
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
- Ylang Ylang
- Basil
- Marjoram
- Chamomile
You may wish to create your own blend of essential oils with coconut oil as a base. The individual can sniff the oil or apply it as needed for symptoms. I really like to carry oils with me so that they are available to us anywhere. I use this handy essential oils roll-on applicator.
An essential oil diffuser may also be used to disperse the oils.
Supplements for ADHD
Being deficient in certain vitamins and minerals can make ADHD symptoms worse. Because of this, many people with the disorder find relief from treating these deficiencies through supplementation.
The two most common deficiencies found in people with ADHD are vitamin D and magnesium deficiency. Omega 3 deficiency is also common.
Smarty Pants makes a great vitamin D and omega 3 supplement for kids and adults. Natural Calm and Kids Calm are great magnesium supplements.
Managing ADHD Behavior
The last and final step to naturally treating ADHD is to manage behaviors on a daily basis. This can be done through a variety of means, including through cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, or just various life skills to cope with how the ADHD brain may react differently.
Parents often say that consistent positive discipline and gentle parenting approaches help tremendously. I recommend reading Parenting Your Child With ADHD, which is an alternative approach to raising a child with ADHD without medication.
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Click here to read the facebook discussion on natural treatment for ADHD symptoms.
What natural methods of treating ADHD have you encountered?
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Vanessa integrates EMDR, sandtray, and attachment-focused approaches in her work and is completing credentials toward Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certification. With a background as a certified birth doula and a passion for making healing accessible, she writes and teaches on the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and story-based therapy.
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