British writer John Evelyn once described lemon balm as “sovereign for the brain, strengthening memory and powerfully pursuing melancholy.” And if there is something that children who suffer from hyperactivity and attention deficit need, this is the grass that is “sovereign for the brain.” This unique herb is widely recommended by herbs and homeopaths for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and now ADHD. Like an essential oil or tincture, lemon balm can alleviate common symptoms, such as headaches, allergic reactions, rashes, congestion of the respiratory tract and fever. But what makes this an effective natural cure for ADHD is its ability to stimulate relaxation and tranquility without causing drowsiness.
The therapeutic properties of this herb are due to its flavonoids, selenium, phenolic acids, geraniol, citral and tannins. Tannins and selenium, in particular, give the grass a natural antiviral capacity and support the immune system. Researchers have not yet determined the action mechanisms of lemon balm, but several studies show that it benefits children with ADHD, causing relaxation and a relaxing tension that relieves overactivity in general. Other studies indicate that lemon balm for stress can improve attention, mental performance and working memory in combination with valerian root and other calming herbs.
There are many ways to use lemon balm as a complement to other treatments for ADHD.
It can be purchased as dried leaves and turned into tea, swallowed in the form of a capsule or applied to the mouth as a tincture. The dose recommended by naturopaths as a single drug for medicinal herbs depends on weight and is based on an adult age of 70 kg. If the child weighs 25 kg, the appropriate dose for the child is 1/3 of the adult dose. For adults, the recommended dose is 2 to 3 ml of lemon balm tincture (approximately 40-90 drops) or its equivalent in the form of capsules. It can also be consumed in the form of tea, from 1.5 to 4.5 grams of lemon balm herb per serving.
Summary
Despite the absence of side effects when using lemon balm capsules for anxiety, its active ingredients may interact with other dietary supplements, medications or herbs, causing unexpected allergic reactions or side effects. Before taking this supplement or giving it to your child, contact an authorized alternative health professional and ask for professional advice about the dosage and other natural treatments for ADHD. Like all herbal remedies for ADHD, lemon balm works best when it is part of a holistic healing plan that can resolve all aspects of the disorder.