Ashwagandha for ADHD: Can it really help?

Ashwagandha is a plant that grows in parts of India, the Middle East, and Africa. Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In some cases, people use Ashwagandha for ADHD in addition to prescribed ADHD medications. Ashwagandha is frequently described as a good nootropic for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often appearing on lists of the msot effctive supplements for treating the symptoms of the disorder.

However, some are unsure if Ashwagandha works for ADHD or if this is another case of people gettin a placebo effect from traditional medicines.

There is good reason to question Ashwagandha’s efficacy as a treatment for ADHD, or any other learning difficulties in fact. Ashwagandha is known as a good nootropic because it reduces anxiety and eliminates brain fog. A substance with primarily calming effects doesn’t intuitively sound like a great alternative to Adderall.

This article will look at how Ashwagandha works and how it may help with ADHD. If you have used Ashwagandha to help manage your ADHD symptoms, please let us know how it worked for you in the comments below.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a plant that is a member of the nightshade family. It can help improve cognition and mood in some ADHD patients. It can be taken in doses up to 500 mg per day at bedtime. This herbal remedy can help relieve symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness, and is a great alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for ADHD.

Some studies show that ashwagandha can improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD. However, the exact effects are still unclear. It may also help improve brain function in bipolar disorder and improve balance in cerebellar ataxia. Other studies have shown that ashwagandha may also help patients with other mental conditions.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is one of most common neurodevelopmental childhood disorders. ADHD is often diagnosed early in life and can last into adulthood. ADHD can cause problems with attention and control of impulsive behavior. Children may act without thinking or being aware of the consequences.

A child with ADHD might:

• daydream
  
• be forgetful
• fidget and struggle to sit still
  
• be disruptive in class
• struggle to not talk
• make careless mistakes
• take unnecessary risks
• have a hard time resisting temptation
• have trouble taking turns
• have difficulty getting along with others

As you can see, the signs and symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents are vague and certainly not conclusive as symptoms are with other disorders.

An ADHD diagnosis can be seen as circular, where the diagnosis describes symptoms which in turn define the condition. As it stands, not accepted consensus exists on the underlying causes of ADHD or its neurochemical status.

Can Ashwagandha help with ADHD?

ADHD is a behavioural disorder characterized by irregular behavior and disturbances in the mind. ADHD is often the result of an imbalance of Vata dosha, which affects the Manovaha strotas, a system that regulates the mind and its ability to distinguish between good and bad. Vata-damaging diets, poor nutrition, and stress are all suspected causes of ADHD.

The ashwagandha plant helps balance the Vata and Kapha dosha. The herb also aids in digestion by balancing the two doshas. It also promotes mental clarity and helps relieve jitteriness caused by caffeine. It is therefore an effective treatment for ADHD.

Can you take Ashwagandha with ADHD medications?

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an herb used to treat a variety of ailments. It improves general health and promotes youth and energy. In addition, it has been shown to increase reaction times in children with ADHD. Its use in traditional medicine also extends to curing other ailments, such as male impotence and inflammatory and wasting diseases.

There are a few cautions, however. Some adaptogens may cause paradoxical stimulation, such as lowering blood sugar or lowering blood pressure too low. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps your body relax and fight off anxiety. Ashwagandha also helps reduce depression.

Dosage: How much Ashwagandha for ADHD?

Ashwagandha is a plant that has been used to treat countless conditions, including ADHD and ADD. It is an adaptogen that improves the nervous system and promotes overall health, energy, and youthfulness. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammatory conditions and wasting diseases.

Ashwagandha works by improving the functioning of various brain channels, including the vata dosha. It helps with focus, attention, and memory, which are all impacted in ADHD. It also helps in digestion of ama, which is important in restoring normal brain function. In addition, it complements Vata dosha, allowing the mind to work more effectively.

As with any herb, the recommended dosage for ashwagandha varies. Some people recommend 450 milligrams per day, while others recommend as much as six grams per day. However, ashwagandha should be taken under the supervision of a trained naturopathic practitioner. It is important to understand that these doses are based on research and may vary from person to person.

Brian Johnson, PhD

Brian Johnson is current Editor of Vagarights.com and a long-time writer for VAGA. A former psychologist, Brian is passionate about improving mental health and finding ways to stave off cognitive decline. He is an expert on nootropics, cognitive enhancement and biohacking more broadly. You can see his work on Google scholar.