Natural and Herbal ADHD Support

As an adoptive mom to a child with complex trauma and associated focus concerns, I am always on the lookout for natural solutions that will preserve her unique gifts and personality while helping her brain. It is sad to me to see a child lose their “spark” to pharmaceutical medication and while I know it makes sense for many families, we wanted that to be a last resort for ours. Complex trauma, or nervous system sensitivities, in combination with ADHD is also hard to treat with stimulant medication because the dysregulation in the nervous system is not always needing of a stimulant. Spacey thoughts and dissociation with inattentiveness is one side, but hyper vigilance, anxiety, and irritability can get worse with a stimulant. Natural remedies can be easily tailored to the state of the nervous system day to day.
​
In my Integrative Medicine provider certification, I learned of combination of the amino acid L-theanine and caffeine to improve focus and neocortex function. This is the exact combination that is naturally in green tea! However, in most green tea, the caffeine content is generally higher than the amino acid which can create impulsivity in children with ADHD. Some interesting research with these supplements was done supporting children with ADHD age 8-17 years in a study by Texas Tech University Health Center in 2019 (Kahathuduwa et.al). The aim was an alternative to traditional stimulant medication to support focus and cognitive skills without dampening a child’s gifts or introducing unwanted side effects.

Caffeine alone will increase impulsivity, however including the natural combination found in green tea gives the alertness of caffeine and the calming effects of l-theanine, which is a powerful modulator in the brain boosting alpha brain waves and balancing chemicals like dopamine, GABA, and serotonin, promoting a smooth, focused mental state. In the study the ratios were 2.5 mg per kg (L-Theanine) to 2.0 mg per kg (Caffeine). The "per pound" ratio is L-Theanine: 0.0113 mL per lb and Caffeine: 0.907 mg per lb, multiplying the pounds weighed by those numbers.

The fMRI scans and cognitive tests revealed several amazing benefits for the children who received the combination. Children who received both L-theanine and caffeine showed a statistically significant improvement in memory, processing speed, and mental flexibility compared to those who received a placebo or either substance alone. The children were also able to stay on task longer. Though this study was with children, this would work with all  ages who struggle with these concerns. 

An herbal addition that I think brings balance to the stimulating effect of caffeine and calming effect of l-theanine, is Rhodiola rosea. This herb has so many benefits for energy and vitality. It is classified as an adaptogen herb, helping the body to adapt to stress. In this use for ADHD, it works as a dopamine preserver. Rhodiola contains compounds that inhibit an enzyme called COMT, which is responsible for breaking down dopamine. Dopamine is very limited in the ADHD brain and it tends toward overactive "transporters" that remove dopamine from the brain cells too quickly. This leads to less motivation, less feeling of reward in routine task, and more seeking of impulsive stimulation. By slowing down the removal of dopamine, Rhodiola allows dopamine to stay in the synapse longer, supporting sustained motivation and attention.

How I have been using it:
This is based on my own herbal research and anecdotal use. This is not advice, just an example of something that works well for my daughter. Please research this further and consult with pediatrician before trying. See other considerations below.

This is not a combination that I give her every day. In children with complex trauma, the body has trouble with regulation. Certain days the body is keyed up and on high alert with hypervigilance. Those days the body does not need a stimulant and can make things worse. However, on other days, the body is dysregulated with lower energy and dissociation. I find on these days this combination works amazing for focus and regulation! This should just be given in the morning, as sleep can be disrupted with these supplements later in the day.

I found using something like MaryRuth’s L-Theanine drops allows for accurate measurement for the ratios that the study recommends. The syringe has 100mg per 1mL. Multiply the child’s weight by the number from the research for the total mg needed (0.0113 mL times #lb for caffeine and 0.907 mg times #lb for l-theanine). We like to mix this in Bubbl’r brand drinks for the caffeine without added sugars, chemicals, or food dyes (which should be avoided for all children with ADHD). I add Rhodiola extract from Herb Pharm at 3 single drops to this blend. I am a low dose herbalist and it’s amazing what a little can do. I have found using less caffeine than the study recommends works better for my daughter. Play with this combination for yourself!

For a 50lb child the study recommends about 0.5mL of l-theanine, 1 cup of Bubbl’r and then the Rhodiola drops. I however use 1/3 cup of Bubbl’r and the rest of the glass water for what works best for her. For children 100lbs and over, I would not go above the FDA’s 100mg limit of caffeine per day for children 12 and up. One can of Bubbl’r with 1 mL of l-theanine would be beneficial to try along with 3 drops of Rhodiola.

For a simpler and more whole-food approach try using a tea with higher l-theanine than caffeine. Most varieties of green tea have a bit too much caffeine per l-theanine ratio. However, a Japanese tea called Gyokuro has a similar ratio to the study with 85mg of l-theanine and about 35mg of caffeine in a cup, about the amount needed for a 50 lb child. Some children do not like the taste of green tea, including my child, or I would be trying this.

I have been doing this approach for focus and motivation in my home for over three months with great results! Doing math is easier, mornings are smoother, and routines are easier to remember. Other helpful things for focus and attention is adequate exercise in the morning and diet low in processed foods and dyes. Holistic treatment is the most effective for all systems to work together!
​
If you have questions on implementing this or what herbal supports can be added to address other concerns such as irritability, anxiety, depression and others, contact me for mental health herbal services!

Considerations:

• The study was only done in children ages eight and up. Younger children should not be given caffeine.
• Do not use natural stimulants if pharmaceutical stimulants are already being prescribed.
• Every child is unique. Some children are exceptionally sensitive to stimulants (even natural ones like caffeine) and may still experience sleep disruption. Use early in the morning for best results.
• Consultation is Key: consult your pediatrician or mental health professional before starting this regimen. They can monitor for heart rate changes, ensure it doesn't interact with other medications, and help fine-tune the dosing.