Over the years many attempts have been made to find natural therapies for ADHD in order to avoid the use of stimulants. Very little research has been done in this area since the medical profession has focused their attention almost exclusively on the use of stimulant drugs. It does seem probable that some nutrients or herbs could eventually be found to be helpful.

Diet and ADHD
Artificial food colorings and benzoate preservatives increase hyperactive behavior in preschool children.
One recent study indicated that highly unsaturated fatty acids could well be helpful. Perhaps fish oil supplements can be tried for three or four months to see if there is an improvement. The dose of fish oils would be three to five capsules a day.
  
Milk proteins and ADHD
Some children may have a metabolic disorder making it difficult to break down certain proteins, including casein (the protein in milk that makes it possible to make cheese). This may cause mental problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD alternative treatment
We do not have any first hand experience treating ADHD, but based on my general knowledge of herbs and nutrients, there are several ADHD alternative treatment options that are worthwhile for researchers to study. These include acetyl-l-carnitine (see the study below), DMAE, carnosine, and flaxseed oil.  You can purchase Acetyl-l-Carnitine here.
   We will update this page as we come across information about herbs or supplements helpful in as alternative treatment for ADHD.

Practical steps for ADD ADHD treatment
ADHD can be controlled with medication and behavioral therapy, including lifestyle changes. Here are a few things you can do to help your child cope with ADHD:
Keep your child on a regular schedule for activities like waking up, going to bed, play time, homework and meal times. Allow you child plenty of space to use up extra energy.
Make sure your child understands house rules, and the consequences for not following them.
Reinforce good behavior with rewards and praise.
When giving your child directions, speak slowly, clearly and keep it simple. Also ask the child to repeat the directions back to you.
Supervise your child at all times, particularly when with friends. Social skills may be more difficult for children with ADHD to master, so it's important to give positive feedback for good behavior.

Adult ADHD treatment
ADHD affects 30 to 40 percent of adults who had ADHD in childhood. Accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is challenging and requires attention to early development and symptoms of inattention, distractibility, impulsivity and emotional instability. Adult ADHD diagnosis is sometimes difficult since there can be an overlap between the symptoms of adult ADHD and the symptoms of other common psychiatric conditions such as depression and substance abuse. Adult ADHD treatment could include stimulants, but antidepressants may also be effective. Other adult ADHD treatment options include cognitive behavioral skills training and psychotherapy.

Compared to what they would be expected to achieve based on intelligence, adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD have lower educational and occupational attainments.

Childhood behavior in genes
In a study of adult twins and their children, researchers found that genes, rather than parents' own argumentative behavior, seemed key in the children's odds of serious conduct problems -- like bullying, skipping school and shoplifting. In the case of child behavior, research has linked parents' marital conflicts to long-term, serious conduct problems in their children. However, it has been unclear whether that means that marital woes themselves cause the behavioral problems. New findings suggest it's more a matter of genes. That is, parents who are naturally argumentative pass on these traits to their kids. Marital conflict is influenced by parents' own characteristics -- including their genes -- and these genes are passed on to children. it's possible that genes involved in risk-taking, sensation-seeking and other aspects of antisocial behavior may make parents more likely to clash, and, when passed on to their kids, make conduct problems more likely. Child Development, February 2007.

Emails regarding ADHD alternative treatment
Q. Hi, i have a 14 year old daughter that has most of the symptoms of add / adhd. I have tried a product called the smart pill by only natural which has a good combination. It has helped in the behavior department tremendously and some in focusing. She is calmer and less angry and less liable to trigger at things. This above combo enables me to relate to a calmer and happier child. Even i as a possible adder, i have felt much better, less anxious and less obsessing on anything and everything. I have had my daughter diagnosed with learning disabilities but not yet add. I have researched this and all the problems areas for the last year and never seem to get enough information. Thanks for your site, it is easy to look for information and is easy to understand.

Q. I have miraculously stumbled onto your website, how wonderful and educational. I have recently taken my 8yr old son off of Ritalin due to ADHD combined type and after long research i have put him on natural supplements. He is taking a combination of DMAE and Leci-PS , also a combination in one, of omega 3 fatty acids and a multivitamin high in magnesium and natural food minerals. This has worked tremendously.

Q. i read everything on your site and wanted to add that i have 6 children 3 from first marriage and the last 3 from second marriage and i believe ADHD ADD is genetics. all 6 of my kids display a form of adhd add from mild to severe. both males and female. i know i have it now after all the reading but for 48 yrs i have lived with it and dont plan on doping myself up now unless its a natural form..... i just wanted to say thanks for info.

Q. In my 40's I fell into a pattern of heavy drinking in the evenings (no interest during the day). Supplements based on the book "Mood Cure" did seem to help, but not completely. I finally discovered that the small amount of Adderall I was taking (prescribed for extreme fatigue) was causing most of the craving. My sense is that the Adderall would boost me during the day, and drop me in the evening (time-released). By evening, I was exhausted, emotionally frail, and had a strong craving for alcohol. Quitting Adderall basically solved this (although I am still battling the fatigue). I've historically had some tendency towards depression/anxiety, so maybe I'm more susceptible than most.

Home - alternative healing discussed scientifically

Q. Would acetyl l carntine offer a natural adhd add treatment option for an adult that has failed prescription adhd treatment ?
   A. We have not come across good studies with the use of acetyl l carnitine as an alternative treatment for adhd in adults, but it is certainly worth a try.

My former wife has 3 of our kids on amphetamines for ADD, or ADHD without hyperactivity, as the doctors call it. You have posted info on ADHD but what about ADD?
   The supplements used would be similar.