Rhodiola Rosea for ADHD

Using rhodiola rosea for mental focus with ADHD is not new. It’s an herb with a long history in traditional medicine, and it is one of the most extensively studied herbs. If you have not heard of rhodiola, maybe you’ve heard of its other common names – Arctic root or golden root or Siberian ginseng. It is actually a very popular herb used in Europe and Russia.

Rhodiola is not a stimulant. It’s an adaptogenic herb, just like ginseng. As an adaptogen, it helps the body resists stress both physically and emotionally while maintaining normal biological functions.

Rhodiola is used to reduce stress, combat fatigue, increase mental performance, and improve physical and mental fitness and resilience. In China and Russia, this herb is used to counter fatigue and help athletes recover from extreme physical activities.

Rosavins and salidrosides, the two main categories of compounds in rhodiola rosea, are responsible for the adaptogenic effects that regulate the stress hormone production, cortisol.

In milder ADHD cases, rhodiola rosea has been used as a solo treatment. It can be mentally stimulating while also emotionally calming. When used in conjunction with stimulants, rhodiola rosea is generally well tolerated.

3 Benefits of Rhodiola for ADHD 
 


  1. Rhodiola has been shown to improve concentration, focus and memory, and reducing symptoms of fatigue. In vitro studies of rhodiola rosea extract suggest that rhodiola rosea stimulates the reticular activating system and raise the levels of brain-calming chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that makes you feel calm and happy. And dopamine is the one usually depleted in the prefrontal cortex of children with ADHD.

2. Rhodiola also helps with moderate depression and generalized anxiety. The active compounds, Rasavins and salidrosides are responsible for the antidepressant and anxiety-calming effects. Rosavins and salidrosides also stimulate epinephrine and norepinephrine production. These hormones promote a feeling of happiness and a sense of well-being.

3. Rhodiola rosea protects brain cells against oxidative injury; helps balance the stress-response system by preventing the excessive release of stress hormones like cortisol

HOW IS RHODIOLA TAKEN?

Be sure to let your physician know you plan to take rhodiola as it may interact with some of your prescription medication as it does influence the monoamine oxidase. This is especially true if you take any MAO inhibitors.

Rhodiola is most useful for junior high, high school, and college students who have to complete long papers and spend hours reading. It can be too stimulating for young children and is occasionally beneficial in children ages eight to 12.

Always start on a small amount and slowly increase to a dose that is controlling your symptoms and comfortable with you, even if it means you are not at the recommended dosage.

Doses above 600mg per day are not recommended as these dosages have not yet been adequately studied, nor have they proven clinically useful.

Just like ginseng, rhodiola should not be taken for a prolonged period as it may lose its effect with prolonged use. Take a break every 1-2 months.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below.

Remember, ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

I helped my crazy wild child who could not read or write when she was little with the four pillars I laid out in the Eat to Focus book. She’s now a merit scholarship student studying premed at Loyola Chicago University.

So stay strong and keep believing in your child.

Check out the Eat to Focus book to learn about my story and how to use the four simple steps that I used to transform my daughter and help her reach her full potential. This information may change your child’s future.

Download your free gift “15 Quick and Simple School Day Breakfast Ideas for Kids with ADHD” before you leave.

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Anna

Clean Eating Officer (CEO) at Malama Wellness + Hypnotherapy
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.

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