Has anyone ever heard of this naturopathic remedy for ADHD, called Focus? Here's the info on it. Let me know what you think.

What is Focus?
Too often, doctors and psychiatrists quickly prescribe powerful psychiatric drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall to treat the symptoms of ADHD, subjecting ADHD sufferers to unnecessary risk and possibly devastating side effects.

Focus ADHD Formula is a 100% safe, non-addictive alternative treatment for ADHD, without the risks and side effects of prescription psychiatric drugs.

Focus is a proven, complex herbal remedy, specially formulated by a practicing Clinical Psychologist to safely and effectively treat the symptoms of ADHD.

In combination with a healthy lifestyle and diet which excludes excess sugar, stimulants, artificial preservatives and colorants, Focus acts as a calmative remedy which can focus the mind and improve concentration.

Focus is formulated for children and adults with ADHD. Adults with ADD (no hyperactivity) refer to Focus ADDult


Focus contains:

[qb] Ginkgo Biloba, is a powerful herb from the Far East and has been grown in temple gardens for millions of years. Its medicinal properties have only been discovered by the West during the last 20 years, where clinical studies have indicated its effectiveness in restoring the functioning of the circulatory system and improving blood flow to the brain. Active ingredients include flavone glycosides (including ginkgolide), bioflavins, sitosterol, lactones and anthocyanin.

Scuttellaria Laterifolia (also known as Skullcap), is a relaxing nerve tonic and anti-spasmodic, which reduces excitability and relieves depression. Active ingredients are flavonoids, tannins, bitter, volatile oil and minerals.

Matricaria Recutita (also known as German Chamomile), is traditionally used to promote calm and to soothe nervous tension. Its active ingredients include volatile oil, flavonoids, valerianic acid, coumarins, tannins, salicylates and cyanogenic glycosides.

Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Cola), is found wild in moist areas throughout Africa and Asia. Centella Asiatica is used to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration and combat ageing.

Avina Sativa (Green Oats), also called Hawer, is a remedy traditionally used in folk medicine as well as in modern herbalism to treat nervous exhaustion and as a general nerve tonic. Active ingredients are saponins, flavonoids, minerals, alkaloids, steroidal compounds, Vitamins B1, B2, D, E, carotene and wheat protein.

Urtica Urens, called Umbabazane in Africa is used traditionally and in modern herbalism as a circulatory stimulant and to lower blood sugar levels. Active ingredients are histamine, formic acid, acetylcholine, glucoquinones, minerals, Vitamins A, B and C and tannins.

Aspalathus linearis (also know as Rooibos) Many children with ADHD symptoms suffer from hypoglaecemia or they are hypoglaecemia due to incorrect diet. This means that their blood sugar levels will fluctuate a lot, leading to mood swings, irritability and restlessness as well as lack of concentration. Rooibos contains Magnesium, zinc and iron which are all essential to a healthy nervous system. Zinc and iron in particular are important for brain functioning and concentration. Deficiencies in these elements will cause problems in concentration, memory and mood. Rooibos also has calmative properties and is known to soothe and decrease nervous tension (although this effect is not as strong as the two above ingredients. Many children with ADHD symptoms also suffer from various allergies and food intolerances. Rooibos is of great benefit in the management of allergies and to build up the immune system. Rooibos improves overall liver functioning, which helps the body to eliminate toxins and improves overall body functioning thereby increasing the efficiency of all organs of the body. Rooibos is endemic to the Cedarberg Mountains of the Cape and is not found anywhere else in the world. [/qb]

Ok, I realize I'm obsessing over this topic so I apologize for that. If anyone has any other suggestions (besides diet), please reply to this post. Thank you!

I used it for six months with my son and didn't notice any real change with him. You also have to be just are careful with herbal supplements as with drugs. Because they are not closely regulated long term studies are not as widely available. People can have negative side-effects just as easily from those as well.

Any other suggestions scoutmom? You sound like you're speaking with experience so I'd be interested in anything you have to offer that's worked for you. I'm working on diet with my son and that's helped tremendously but it wouldn't hurt if I tapped into other options as well.