Exploring the Efficacy of Ashwagandha and Passion Flower in      ADD &ADHD Management:
 A Natural Approach

Attention Deficit Disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders that affects both children and adults, impacting their ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate energy levels.  Prescription stimulants are encouraged by many health practitioners but these treatments have SERIOUS side effects similar to other stimulates such as methamphetamine.  

For instance, Adderal is a combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine.  
Prolonged use of these powerful stimulants can cause heart disease, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations.  We spend years telling our kids to say “No” to drugs, then we pump them full of speed that has the same damaging effects.  The body doesn’t metabolize prescription amphetamine any different than street amphetamine.  I have seen this personally in my practice.  

I had a young mother whose teenage son was on Adderal for a couple years.  One day she came in with a prescription for Thorazine for him, which is used to treat schizophrenia.  About 3 months later, she presented with a prescription for Cogentin which is yet another drug that is used for involuntary tics and tremors caused by the use of the Thorazine and other anti-psychotic drugs.  I highlighted some paragraphs of the package inserts showing that Adderal can cause psychosis and she broke down crying in front of me.  She said,  “I am a nurse and I had no idea that I was doing this to my son!”  That was literally the last day that I practiced pharmacy.  For this reason, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative and complementary approaches.

Someone that I love dearly has a young child that was exhibiting protracted fits of violent rage.  The mom had been to many physicians who urged her to start the child on prescription meds but she resisted.  First she tried Ashwagandha caps but the child refused it so she began putting Ashwagandha tincture in his morning juice.  This initially worked quite well but the effects began to wane.  Once again she considered the use prescription drugs but instead added another herb called Passion flower.  This combination was the trick and the child has had an amazing change in his psyche. He’s a loving and caring boy and has had no major incidents of rage in months.  He’s still a pre-teen boy but he’s a joy to be around now.  So lets look at the this a little deeper.

In recent years, herbs such as Ashwagandha and Passion Flower have gained attention for their potential efficacy in managing ADHD symptoms. Let's delve into the therapeutic properties of these botanicals and their role in ADHD and ADD treatment.

Ashwagandha: The Adaptogenic Herb

 
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. Known for its stress-relieving properties, Ashwagandha has been traditionally used to balance the body and mind. In the context of attention disorders, stress management is crucial as stress can exacerbate symptoms and impair cognitive functions.

Studies have suggested that Ashwagandha may also have neuroprotective effects, promoting a healthy balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Dopamine, in particular, plays a key role in attention, motivation, and impulse control, making it a focal point in Attention Disorder management.

Passion Flower: Calming the Mind

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is another natural remedy that has been historically used for its calming effects. Traditionally, it has been employed to alleviate anxiety and insomnia, conditions often co-occurring with ADHD & ADD.

Passion Flower contains compounds that interact with the GABA receptors in the brain, which are involved in relaxation and stress response. By modulating these receptors, Passion Flower may contribute to a more balanced and focused mental state, potentially assisting individuals in managing their symptoms.

Combining Ashwagandha and Passion Flower:

The combination of Ashwagandha and Passion Flower can offer a comprehensive approach to ADHD & ADD management. While Ashwagandha addresses stress and neurotransmitter balance, Passion Flower provides a calming effect that may support individuals in maintaining better focus and emotional regulation.

It's important to note that the efficacy of these herbs can vary from person to person and that herbal medicines are still medicines.  They can have side effects, interactions and contraindications just like prescription drugs.  For this reason, you should have some reliable resources, whether it’s an herbalist, an alternative medicine doctor or some other holistic practitioner who can share information and recommendations to assist you in making your own decisions regarding herbal treatment regimens.

Also, please remember that herbal medicine is much different than western medicines.  In a nutshell, they don’t always act as quickly as western medicines but they do come in a “whole-istic” form.   

To explain this, I will use the example of ‘VINCA’, the periwinkle plant that grows abundantly throughout the Eastern US.  The flowering Periwinkle plant actually contains Vinca Alkaloids which have anti-mitotic properties meaning it stops cell division in rapidly growing cancer cells.  These are the same properties as the highly effective chemotherapy drugs named Vincristine and Vinblastine.  They can actually be extracted from the plant.  Here’s my point.  A major difference between the “natural” drugs and “synthetic drugs is this.  The Creator included numerous ancillary compounds in the plant which work symbiotically with the active ingredient to prevent the undesirable effects of the cancer killing Vinca Alkaloids.  In contrast, the prescription, synthetic contains none of these beneficial compounds.  

  

The use of Ashwagandha and Passion Flower in Attention Deficit management represents a holistic and natural approach that complements conventional treatments. While further research is needed to establish their effectiveness conclusively, the potential benefits of these herbs make them intriguing options for individuals seeking alternative solutions.

As with any health-related decisions, If the person is taking prescription medicine or has existing disease or illness, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the herbs align with existing treatment plans. By combining the wisdom of traditional medicine with modern research, we can explore new avenues in the treatment of many Attention Disorders.

#herbaltreatments #ADD #ADHD #ashwagandha #passionflower