ADHD Herbal Remedies - Lemon Balm

ADHD Herbal Remedies - Lemon Balm

The British writer John Evelyn once described lemon balm as “soothing for the brain, strengthening memory and powerfully dispelling melancholy”. And if there's anything kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder need, it's a "brain-sovereign" herb. This unique herb is recommended by herbalists and homeopaths for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and now ADHD. As an essential oil or tincture, lemon balm can relieve common symptoms such as headaches, allergic reactions, skin rashes, respiratory congestion, and fever. But what makes this an effective natural treatment for ADHD is its ability to induce relaxation and calm without causing drowsiness.

The therapeutic properties of this herb are due to its flavonoids, selenium, phenolic acids, geraniol, citral and tannins. The tannins and selenium in particular give the herb its natural antiviral abilities and support the immune system. Researchers have yet to determine lemon balm's mechanisms of action, but several studies suggest that it benefits children with ADHD by causing relaxation and calming tension that generally alleviates hyperactivity. Other studies observe that lemon calm combined with valerian root and other calming herbs can improve attention span, mental performance, and working memory.

There are many ways to administer lemon balm as a supplement to other natural ADHD treatments. It can be purchased as dried leaves and made into a tea, swallowed in capsule form, or applied to the mouth as a tincture. As a single herbal preparation, the dosage recommended by alternative practitioners varies depending on weight and refers to an adult weighing 70 kg. If the child weighs 25 kg, the appropriate dosage for the child is 1/3 of the adult dose. For adults, the recommended dosage is 2 to 3 ml of lemon balm tincture (approximately 40-90 drops) or the equivalent in capsule form. It can also be consumed as a tea, with 1.5 to 4.5 grams of lemon balm herb per serving.

Although no side effects have been reported from using lemon balm, its active ingredients may interact with other supplements, medications, or herbs and cause unexpected allergic reactions or side effects. Before taking this supplement or giving it to your child, consult a licensed health care practitioner for professional advice on dosage and other natural treatments for ADHD. As with all herbal remedies for ADHD, lemon balm works best when it is part of a holistic healing plan that can address all facets of the condition.