If you parent a child with autism, you may look for natural ways to support their health and well-being. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years is using herbs. Herbs for autism are often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments.
Although the research on the effectiveness of herbs for autism is limited, a few herbs have demonstrated potential in initial studies. For instance, Ginkgo biloba has shown the ability to enhance cognitive function in children with autism. Additionally, chamomile has been employed to encourage relaxation and decrease anxiety in children with autism.
It is important to note that herbs should not replace conventional treatments for autism. However, incorporating herbs into your child’s treatment plan may provide additional support for their overall health and well-being. This article will explore some of the most commonly used herbs for autism and their potential benefits.
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Specific Herbs for Autism
When treating autism, several herbs are effective in managing symptoms. Here are some of the most commonly used herbs for autism:
Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. It is also believed to be effective in managing symptoms of autism, such as hyperactivity and irritability. Chamomile is available in various forms, including tea, capsules, and essential oils.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is renowned for its soothing characteristics. Over the centuries, it has addressed issues like anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system ailments. Lemon balm is thought to be useful in alleviating autism-related symptoms such as anxiety and agitation. This herb can be found in diverse formats, including tea, capsules, and essential oils.
Passionflower
Passionflower, a lovely flowering plant from the Americas, has a historical track record in alleviating conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system issues. Some believe that passionflower can be beneficial in addressing autism-related symptoms, such as anxiety and increased activity. It can be obtained in various forms, including tea, capsules, and essential oils.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort, a flowering plant native to Europe, boasts a long history of application in alleviating conditions like depression, anxiety, and other nervous system disorders. Some believe it may be useful in addressing autism-related symptoms such as anxiety and depression. St. John’s Wort can be found in diverse formats, including tea, capsules, and essential oils.
It’s essential to emphasize that while these herbs can effectively address autism symptoms, they should not be relied upon as a replacement for professional medical guidance. Always consult with your healthcare provider before considering the use of any herbal remedies.
Scientific Research and Evidence
There has been a growing interest in herbal medicine as an alternative treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A systematic review of 23 studies found that herbal medicines may have potential efficacy and safety in managing ASD in humans and animals [1]. Another systematic review of 11 studies concluded that herbal medicine treatment could improve the symptoms of ASD, including social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors [2].
One of the most effective herbs for autism is Ginkgo biloba. A review of the recent findings, pathophysiology, and etiology of autism found that Ginkgo biloba could be a promising remedy for ASD [3]. Ginkgo biloba has an old history of applications in neuropsychological disorders and has been used for autism recently.
One more plant that has undergone research for its possible advantages in addressing ASD is Bacopa monnieri. A study, conducted with rigorous standards (randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled) revealed that Bacopa monnieri could enhance cognitive function and behavior in children with autism [4].
It’s essential to emphasize that although there is some backing for using herbal remedies for ASD, further research is necessary to comprehensively grasp their effectiveness and safety. It’s also crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare expert before considering herbal medicine as a treatment for ASD.
Best Herbs for Autism
If you or someone you know is dealing with autism, you might consider looking into natural approaches to alleviate symptoms. While autism has no known cure, certain herbs have demonstrated the ability to provide calming and soothing effects on the nervous system. Here, we present our top choices for the most effective herbs for autism.
JoySpring Organic Focus Drops for Kids
- Kids Attention Supplements - Support your kiddo's well-being with Genius Drops! Our brain vitamins for kids is a clinically proven formula of gingko biloba, hibiscus, peppermint, licorice, & more. Our drops will unleash your kiddos full potential.
- Attention Supplement for Kids That Really Works - JoySpring's drops for kids reported 85% of kiddos saw an improved ability to concentrate, 82% improved their ability to concentrate, and 73% improved their mood! That's kids can count on!
- Natural Attention Supplement for Kids - If your kiddo struggles to stay during homework time JoySpring's kids vitamins is the answer! A nootropic powerhouse you can add to their favorite juice or smoothie, take 2 drops a day for best results.
For those in search of a natural attention supplement for their child, JoySpring Organic Focus Drops for Kids is a great choice.
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Clinically proven formula with gingko biloba, hibiscus, peppermint, licorice, and more Reported 85% of kids saw an improved ability to concentrate, 82% improved their ability to concentrate, and 73% improved their mood Organic, vegan, and allergen-free | May not work for every child Some children may not like the taste Need to use for a longer period to see significant results |
JoySpring Organic Focus Drops for Kids is a natural attention supplement that can help your child stay focused during homework time. Its clinically proven formula includes ginkgo biloba, hibiscus, peppermint, and licorice, among other ingredients.
JoySpring reports that 85% of children who used the drops experienced enhanced concentration, 82% showed improved focus, and 73% saw mood improvements. These drops are organic, vegan, and free from allergens, making them suitable for children with dietary limitations.
However, it’s important to note that JoySpring Organic Focus Drops for Kids may not work for every child. Some children may not like the taste, and it may take a longer period of use to see significant results.
MaryRuth Organics Kids Focus Attention Liquid Drops
- Calm & Focus Herbal Blend for Kids: Support your child’s ability to find focus with this herbal blend. This blend contains herbs to assist your child’s mind and body by helping the body better manage stressors, calm the nervous system, and support cognition, allowing for focus, attention, and relaxation.
- Brain Supplements for Memory and Focus: Made with Astragalus Root, Wood Betony Herb, Ginkgo Leaf, Eleuthero Root, Gotu Kola Herb, Rhodiola Root, Licorice Root, Lavender Flower, Spearmint Leaf, and Passionflower Leaf — this herbal blend is formulated for kids to support focus & attention, as well as supporting calm and relaxation.
- Kids Focus Supplement: Our alcohol-free, liquid herbal tincture is formulated with adaptogens and nervine herbs to help calm the bodies and minds of young children. Adaptogenic and nervine herbs support the body’s ability to recover from and resist stressors and support your child’s ability to focus.
If you’re looking for a natural way to help your child focus, then MaryRuth Organics Kids Focus Attention Liquid Drops might be worth considering.
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
This alcohol-free, liquid herbal tincture is formulated with adaptogens, nootropics, and nervine herbs to help calm the bodies and minds of young children. It’s easy to take, with no hard-to-swallow pills or capsules. The formula is vegan and USDA organic, with no dairy, nuts, gluten, wheat, soy, corn, or nightshades. | It may not work for everyone, as each child is unique. The taste might not be appealing to some children. As with any natural supplement, it may take some time to see results. |
MaryRuth Organics Kids Focus Attention Liquid Drops is a vegan formula that contains a proprietary blend of herbs, including Astragalus Root, Wood Betony Herb, Ginkgo Leaf, Eleuthero Root, Gotu Kola Herb, Rhodiola Root, Licorice Root, Lavender Flower, Spearmint Leaf, and Passionflower Leaf. These adaptogenic and nervine herbs support the body’s ability to recover from and resist stressors, calm the nervous system, and support your child’s focus. At the same time, nootropics help improve and enhance focus.
The liquid drops are easy to take, with no hard-to-swallow pills or capsules. Simply shake well before use and take up to 30 drops (1 mL) 1 to 3 times a day, or as a physician or healthcare professional recommends. It can be taken directly by mouth or added to water.
MaryRuth Organics Kids Focus Attention Liquid Drops is formulated for kids and is USDA organic, non-GMO, and vegan. It’s made in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility and is dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, corn-free, nightshade-free, sugar-free, and kid-friendly.
Ayush Herbs Ashwagandha Kids Drops
- HIGH-QUALITY KIDS’ ASHWAGANDHA DROPS: Ayush Herbs Ashwagandha Kids’ Drops is a doctor-formulated alcohol-free supplement created to support calm and cognitive function for your young ones. This formula contains high-quality ashwagandha root extract in an easy-to-take liquid form.
- SEED-TO-SHELF INTEGRITY: We care about where our ingredients come from. Our herbs are grown on our organic farms in the Himachal Pradesh region of India, the natural habitat of most Ayurvedic herbs. We utilize proven modern technology in extracting and testing to bring you pure, effective herbal products.
- VEGETARIAN FORMULA & KID-FRIENDLY TASTE: These ashwagandha liquid drops come in a fun kid-friendly lemon flavor that is easy for busy parents to give to children! This glycerin-based vegetarian blend is free from common allergens, including milk, soy, and egg, making it compatible with diverse diets.
When aiming to support your child’s calm and focus naturally and organically, Ayush Herbs Ashwagandha Kids Drops may be a worthwhile option to explore.
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
The drops are made from organically grown ashwagandha extract, a traditional herb used for centuries to support the brain, immune system, energy levels, sleep, and stress response. The alcohol-free liquid dropper is easy to use and simple to give to kids. The lemon flavor is kid-friendly and fun, making convincing your child to take it easier. | Some customers have reported that the taste isn’t very pleasant, which might make it difficult to convince some kids to take it. The product’s effectiveness might vary depending on the child’s needs and circumstances. The product is relatively expensive compared to other similar supplements on the market. |
If you’re looking for a natural way to help your child stay calm and focused, Ayush Herbs Ashwagandha Kids Drops might be worth trying. Made from organically grown ashwagandha extract, these drops support the brain, immune system, energy levels, sleep, and stress response. The alcohol-free liquid dropper is easy to use, and the lemon flavor makes it more appealing to kids.
Nonetheless, a few customers have mentioned that the taste might not be very appealing, potentially making it challenging to persuade some kids to consume it. Furthermore, the product’s performance could fluctuate depending on the specific requirements and situation of the child. Lastly, it’s important to highlight that this product is relatively costly compared to similar supplements available in the market.
Peak Performance Kids Vitamins
- Don’t Be Fooled! Not all Kids Vitamins are created equal! Many supplements use sugary syrup to enhance the taste or are just bitter and awful, making it hard for kids to consume regularly. At Peak Performance, our Liquid Multivitamin for kids is all natural and sugar free without the bitter taste. We specifically picked 14 ingredients to help replenish vital nutrients the body needs. Great for kids, children, teenagers.
- Unflavored, Tasteless, High Potency & Maximum Absorption - Your child can now get access to many of the vital nutrients they need without the bitter taste. Simply mix these drops in juice, milk, or even water and your child won’t even taste it! Peak Performance Kids liquid Vitamins is a naturally made supplement with 14 ingredients, including: Alfalfa Leaf, Elderberry Fruit, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Bilberry Fruit, Dandelion Root, Raspberry Leaf, Burdock Root, Marshmallow Leaf, and more!
- Natural vs Synthetic: Synthetic vitamins and supplements are not as bioavailable, not absorbable / usable and not recognizable to the body as naturally derived supplements. Mounting studies show adaptogenic benefits with antioxidant properties when using natural herbal supplements. All of our ingredients are carefully chosen and 3rd party tested for purity.
For parents seeking a natural and allergy-free supplement for their child, Peak Performance Kids Vitamins is a product worth considering.
What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
The liquid form makes mixing with juice, milk, or water easy without affecting the taste. The 14 natural ingredients are carefully chosen and 3rd party tested for purity. The supplement is vegan, gluten-free, and free of soy, milk, egg, shellfish, corn, wheat, and peanuts. | Some customers have reported a detectable smell or taste, although it’s generally well-tolerated. The supplement doesn’t provide a breakdown of vitamins or their values, which may concern some parents. The supplement may not be suitable for children who are allergic to any of the ingredients. |
Peak Performance Kids Vitamins is a liquid multivitamin that is specifically designed for children. It contains 14 natural ingredients, including Alfalfa Leaf, Elderberry Fruit, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Bilberry Fruit, Dandelion Root, Raspberry Leaf, Burdock Root, and Marshmallow Leaf, among others. These ingredients are carefully chosen to help replenish vital nutrients that the body needs.
The liquid version is convenient for blending with juice, milk, or water without altering the flavor. This is especially advantageous for parents with choosy eaters. Furthermore, the supplement is suitable for vegans. It doesn’t contain gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, corn, wheat, or peanuts, ensuring it’s a secure option for children with allergies or specific dietary needs.
However, some customers have reported a detectable smell or taste, although it’s generally well-tolerated. Additionally, the supplement doesn’t provide a breakdown of vitamins or their values, which may concern some parents. Finally, the supplement may not be suitable for children who are allergic to any of the ingredients.
JoySpring Kids Multivitamin Liquid Drops
- Liquid Multivitamin for Picky Eaters - Have a hard time getting your toddler to eat veggies? We got it! Our liquid vitamins for toddlers are a blend of elderberry, vitamins A,B,C,E and minerals. It's a natural toddler vitamins 2 year old and up formula
- All Good Stuff Inside - This herbal kids liquid multivitamin formula is packed with powerful nutrients for keeping your toddler's immune-defending cells in perfect shape. Daily green liquid kids multivitamin drops help boost your kiddo's overall health and growing processes
- Super Hero Toddler Multivitamin Components! - Nettle, alfalfa leaf, elderberry extract, raspberry, dandelion, burdock root, horsetail, chamomile, licorice, spirulina, fennel - complete toddler liquid multivitamin for kids formulated to support energy, heart & immune health
When seeking a convenient and effective method to enhance your child’s diet with essential vitamins and minerals, JoySpring Kids Multivitamin Liquid Drops is an excellent choice.
Pros | Cons |
The liquid formula is easy to administer and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for picky eaters. The blend of elderberry, vitamins A,B,C,E, and minerals helps support immune function and overall health. The formula is free of GMOs, gluten, and other harmful ingredients, making it safe and effective for children of all ages. | The taste of the drops may not be appealing to all children, and some parents may need to mix it with juice or other beverages to mask the flavor. The dropper provided may not fill up completely, making it difficult to measure the correct dosage. Some customers have reported issues with the packaging or shipping, such as damaged bottles or delays in delivery. |
JoySpring Kids Multivitamin Liquid Drops is a high-quality and reliable supplement that can help support your child’s health and wellness. Its natural ingredients and easy-to-use formula make it a great choice for parents looking to provide their children with the nutrients they need to thrive.
Conclusion
In summary, herbal remedies may offer an alternative for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their effectiveness remains uncertain due to limited research quality, diverse herbal choices, and small study samples.
Certain plants have been examined for their possible advantages in addressing ASD, such as ginger, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, and sweet flag. These plants have demonstrated antioxidative properties, which may impact brain signal chemicals and potentially offer protection to the nervous system.
Seek guidance from a medical expert before using herbal remedies, as they might clash with other drugs or lead to unfavorable outcomes. Furthermore, while a few herbs may aid specific individuals with ASD, they might not prove effective for all and should not be counted on as the sole treatment method.
In general, though the investigation of herbal treatments for ASD is at an initial phase, it holds promise as an area of study that could introduce fresh treatment possibilities for those with ASD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can certain supplements or vitamins be beneficial for individuals with autism?
me supplements and vitamins that may be beneficial for individuals with autism include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids may help with brain development and cognitive function.
- Vitamin D may help with bone health and immune function.
- Probiotics may help with gut health and digestion.
- Magnesium: may help with relaxation and sleep.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or vitamin regimen. (Source)
What is the current research on using herbs to manage symptoms of autism?
Studies investigating the use of herbs to alleviate autism symptoms remain scarce. Nevertheless, a few studies have displayed encouraging outcomes. For instance, a 2017 study in the Journal of Herbal Medicine demonstrated that an herbal mixture effectively enhanced communication and social interaction in children with autism.
Are there any potential risks or side effects of using herbs for autism?
While herbs are generally considered safe, there are possible associated risks or side effects when employing them in autism treatment. It is vital to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before commencing any herbal regimen, particularly if you are taking medications or have pre-existing medical conditions.
How can I incorporate herbs into a holistic approach to treating autism?
Incorporating herbs into a holistic approach to treating autism may involve working with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include a combination of herbs, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes. (Source)
What is the recommended dosage and frequency of using herbs for autism?
The recommended dosage and frequency of herbs for autism may vary depending on the herb and the individual. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and frequency before starting any herbal regimen. (Source)
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