Could These 3 Surprising Plants Help Your Child with ADHD?

ADHD is becoming increasingly common, with studies suggesting that around 10% of children between the ages of 5 and 12 are affected.

While pharmacies offer a variety of medications to help manage ADHD, these drugs often come with side effects. Many children experience fatigue or drowsiness instead of the alertness and focus the medication is intended to provide.

But medication isn’t the only solution. Nature has provided us with numerous remedies, and with careful research, we can uncover the healing properties of the plants around us.

A study published in 2007 identified three plants that may help manage ADHD symptoms: hops (Humulus lupulus), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), and American skullcap.

These plants contain natural compounds with calming effects, which can be particularly helpful for children struggling with restlessness and anxiety. Hops, in particular, have also been shown to improve sleep quality in some cases.

Further research in 2020 by the University of Pennsylvania highlighted passionflower’s ability to alleviate symptoms of depression and mental stress in both children and adults. Remarkably, individuals who took a passionflower extract before a long and demanding exam performed with greater focus and alertness compared to those who did not.

American skullcap, meanwhile, contains compounds that support neurotransmitter activity, aiding communication between different regions of the brain and potentially improving mood and cognitive function.

While more research is always needed, these natural plants offer promising support for children with ADHD and provide an alternative or complementary approach alongside conventional treatments.