Rating Herbs I've Taken for ADHD

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal experience with herbal remedies for ADHD, having not taken pharmaceutical medication for four to five months. They discuss various herbs, including lion's mane, mukuna pruriens (velvet bean), ginseng, and stinging nettle, detailing their potential benefits and personal effects. The speaker emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment and shares their journey towards becoming a clinical herbalist.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The speaker has been exploring herbal remedies for ADHD instead of pharmaceutical medication due to personal health and financial reasons.
• 🍄 Lion's mane, a mushroom used in herbalism, is anecdotally suggested to help with focus and may promote neurogenesis, but the speaker experienced mixed results.
• 🌱 Mukuna pruriens, or velvet bean, is a strong herb that can increase dopamine levels but caused headaches and migraines for the speaker, leading to a negative experience.
• 🌼 Panax ginseng has been beneficial for the speaker's ADHD symptoms and hormonal issues, showing significant improvement in focus and energy.
• 🌿 Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has provided the speaker with a remarkable increase in energy and overall well-being, despite not being a specific ADHD herb.
• ☕ The speaker initially tried a coffee blend with lion's mane but later experienced stomach issues, suggesting individual reactions to herbs can vary.
• 🚫 The speaker emphasizes that their experiences are not medical advice and urges viewers to consult with healthcare professionals before trying any herbal remedies.
• 🔄 The speaker recommends taking breaks from certain herbs like ginseng to avoid potential overuse or dependency, highlighting the importance of moderation.
• 🌱 The benefits of herbs like ginseng and stinging nettle for the speaker seem to extend beyond ADHD, addressing broader health and well-being.
• 🌿 The speaker's experience with herbal remedies is highly personal and suggests that what works for one person may not work for another, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches.

Q & A

Why did the speaker stop taking pharmaceutical ADHD medication?

The speaker stopped taking pharmaceutical ADHD medication due to personal hormonal issues and financial constraints, leading them to explore herbal alternatives.

What is the speaker's current profession or goal related to herbs?

The speaker is working towards becoming a clinical or registered herbalist, showing a deep interest in herbalism and its applications.

What is the first herb discussed in the script, and what is its common use?

The first herb discussed is lion's mane, which is commonly used for its potential focus-enhancing properties, despite the lack of extensive research.

What is the significance of neurogenesis in the context of lion's mane?

Neurogenesis refers to the growth and rebuilding of brain cells, and the speaker mentions a study suggesting lion's mane might promote this process, which could be beneficial for cognitive functions like focus.

Why did the speaker decide to try lion's mane despite the anecdotal evidence?

The speaker tried lion's mane because they were open to herbal options after experiencing some relief with ashwagandha for chronic fatigue and saw potential benefits for ADHD.

What was the speaker's personal experience with lion's mane, and how did they rate it?

The speaker initially experienced improved focus with lion's mane but later faced diminishing returns and gastrointestinal issues, resulting in a personal rating of 5 out of 10.

What is mukuna pruriens, and why is it potentially dangerous in high doses?

Mukuna pruriens, or velvet bean, is an herb rich in L-dopa, a direct precursor to dopamine. High doses can lead to dopamine receptor downregulation and is not recommended for long-term use without breaks.

What was the speaker's experience with mukuna pruriens, and how did it affect them?

The speaker experienced increased energy but also developed migraines and sleep issues with mukuna pruriens, leading to a personal rating of 2 out of 10 due to its side effects.

What is ginseng, and how has it helped the speaker with ADHD symptoms?

Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that has shown potential in improving focus and ADHD symptoms. The speaker found it particularly beneficial, rating it 9 out of 10 for its positive impact on their ADHD.

What is stinging nettle, and how did it affect the speaker's overall health and ADHD symptoms?

Stinging nettle is a nutrient-rich herb that the speaker used in a cold infusion, reporting significant improvements in energy, health, and focus, leading to a personal rating of 10 out of 10.

Why does the speaker recommend consulting a medical professional before trying any herbal remedies for ADHD?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of consulting a medical professional to ensure safety and appropriateness of herbal remedies, as they are not a doctor and the information provided is based on personal experiences and not medical advice.