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It might seem as though Western medicine knows all the answers to the baffling conditions that plague the body’s most sophisticated organ - the brain. Yet even doctors have yet to uncover the potential of the human mind and treat the many disorders that afflict the brain. While medical traditions outside the West do not use the same procedures and clinical standards, they are also older and may contain the key to natural treatments for common conditions.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing tradition from India that uses herbs to regulate the energies responsible for the functions of our body. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, conditions like ADHD are caused by an imbalance in vata energy, the energy that controls movement and electrical impulses in the body. We all need healthy amounts of vata for our bodies to function properly. However, too much vata can cause hyperactivity, because it affects the movement of other energies in the body. The Ayurvedic herbs used to treat ADHD are herbs that calm down the vata. While clinical trials have yet to determine the efficacy of these herbs, they seem to be a promising natural remedy for ADHD.

Brahmi

Brahmi is one of the most important herbs of Ayurvedic medicine. Brahmi is native to the marshy areas of India, and its therapeutic properties come from the bacosides and saponins on its leaves. When purified bacopa extracts and bacosides were given to animals, researchers noted that they improved their mental functions and learning ability. Brain scans on humans also revealed that brahmi enhances the effects of the neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, and acetylocholine. This can explain why brahmi is recommended to treat depression and anxiety. Brahmi is also used as a natural antioxidant to protect brain cells and nutrients from free radical damage. Traditional Ayurvedic texts recommend taking 5-10 mg of powdered brahmi daily, but double-blind modern-day studies on humans show that 300-450 mg of brahmi with 55% bacosides is most effective.

Ashwagandha

Asghwagandha is plant from the pepper family, but Ayurvedic medicine uses its roots, not the fruits. Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it has multiple, non-specific actions that counteract the effects of stress and promote overall well-being. The roots also contain compounds called withanolides, which are the main active ingredients of ashwagandha. Studies show that the molecular structure of withanolides is similar to that of Asian ginseng, another potent natural remedy for ADHD.

Mandukaparni

The roots and leaves of the mandukaparni plant are important Ayurvedic herbs used as a brain tonic. This powerful herb is known for its ability to enhance memory (dhriti), recollection (smriti), and comprehension (dhi). Ayurvedic practitioners believe these three abilities must be fully developed to reach the mind’s fullest potential. Aside from that, mandukaparni is known to boost the production of collagen, enhance the body’s psychoneuroimmunological response, and nourish the mind-body connection.

These three herbs are the primary ingredients of a commercial herbal preparation called Mentat, which is especially designed as an ADHD herbal remedy. A number of placebo-controlled, double-blind studies in India show that Mentat has helped children overcome ADHD and learning disabilities. Mentat and other Ayurvedic herbs are generally safe and non-toxic, but it is always best to ask the advice of a homeopath before taking ADHD herbal remedies or giving them to your child.

Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about ADHD herbal remedies.