How I manage my adult ADHD with herbs and TCM
I received an ADHD diagnosis when I was 37 years old, and so many things clicked into place. My extended periods of hyperfocus. My inability to finish projects. My challenges managing linear time.
After the diagnosis, I jumped into the world of nootropic herbal medicine, experimented a while, and found a stack of supplements that really work for me.
Friends and clients have been asking what I take, so I thought I’d share:
Qualia Mind, Caffeine Free
This is my gold-standard, please do not stop making this supplement. When I started taking this, I’d been struggling for three years to write a novel. I managed to finish writing it in six weeks.
It can take some experimentation to find the right dose, and I take anywhere from 2-4 pills a day (skipping the weekends, as they recommend).
Please note, it contains gingko, which might interfere with some medications. And yeah…it’s incredibly expensive, but it’s worth it to me.
Gaia Herbs Nootropic Focus
If I forget to take the Qualia in the morning, I can take this in the afternoon and still sleep at night. Sometimes I also take this on the weekends, or when I don’t want to feel as “on.”
Please note, it contains gingko, which might interfere with some medications.
A. D.itzy H.ead D.ose Mushroom Tincture from Rooted Apothecary
This is another great tincture if you’d prefer a mushroom-based supplement.
Other individual herbs that might help:
Rosemary (increases circulation to the brain)
Peppermint (regulates the liver qi)
Lemon Balm (helps find more ease and relaxation)
Gingko (also increases circulation to the brain, but needs to be used long-term to notice a difference)
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (also increases circulation to the brain)
Reishi Mushroom (calms the spirit; great for hyperactivity)
Treating the root cause
There’s multiple patterns for ADHD in TCM, including spleen + heart qi deficiency, kidney essence deficiency, and liver fire + phlegm. Understanding what your pattern is might lead to better results.
For example, for somebody with spleen + heart qi deficiency, nourishing the digestive system and ensuring proper iron levels is really important. So even though iron supplements aren’t traditionally considered for helping folks with ADHD, if the pattern fits, they can be supportive.
Custom Support
If you’d like some support for your ADHD with herbal medicine and TCM, feel free to reach out! I’d love to help.
-Lizzie