13/05/2026
ADHD from an Ayurvedic Viewpoint
Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder is characterised by symptoms including inattention, hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. These symptoms are associated with learning, behavioural and emotional problems. According to Ayurveda, ADHD is a result of aggravated Vata intelligence (governed by air and ether, responsible for all movement in the body), in particular, the nervous system.
While Ayurveda offers herbal medicines and body treatments to calm and balance the nervous system, there are many routines and dietary choices that will help balance the ADHD child or adult.
1. Wake early, say 5.30 – 6am. ADHD people are often light sleepers, rather than toss and turn in bed, get up. This time of day provides more oxygen which will bring more vitality and clarity to the mind making it easier to process emotions and thoughts that can be the cause of anxiety.
2. As soon as you wake, clean teeth and scrape tongue to remove toxins that accumulate overnight.
3. Drink a warm glass of water with ½ tsn grated ginger, ½ tsn lemon juice and ½ tsn honey. This also helps flush out toxins and prevent constipation.
4. Avoid hot showers as the excess heat will impact on the pineal and pituitary glands and make them more hyperactive.
5. Food- avoid stimulating foods such as coffee, carbonated drinks, chocolate, heavy foods such as cheese, peanut butter, fish & chips, smoothies and bread.
6. A warm milk drink at night with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, saffron,ghee and jaggery (raw sugar). This helps induce sleep and helps repair damaged and fatigued tissue and cells. Saffron is known for its rejuvenating quality and is the best antioxidant.
There are many more things that help. ADHD children are very intelligent, they have lots of questions. As a parent you should try to answer them. Computer games should be avoided as they over stimulate and lead to more Vata aggravation.
www.tulaayurveda.com.au Contact Jane on 0411 864 041