My son has ADHD and we're constantly working on better ways to manage his symptoms. We do what we can nutritionally -- limiting sugar and caffeine, increasing natural sources of omega 3 and 6, and so forth. Also, my son stays really physically active (which is probably the most effective tool in managing ADHD symptoms). Also, my son is making big efforts to control his symptoms by doing things like taking deep breaths to help him focus. Any control we can gain over his symptoms brings us one step closer to reducing or eliminating the medications he's currently on.

When you're a parent of a child with ADHD, everyone has an opinion. Some people feel it's all a myth. Others think that he just eats too much sugar (which he doesn't). I've had people recommend giving him coffee, others tout eliminating red dye, and others think he needs stricter discipline. Unless the recommendations are coming from a doctor, I usually just smile politely and continue doing what I know is best for my son. But when people recommend natural supplements, I sometimes sit up and take notice. By nature, I'm wary of supplements. After all, "natural" doesn't always equate to "healthy." But if something is proven safe, effective, and is milder than a prescription med, then I think it's worth a try. But, as I stated, it must be safe and it must be effective.

A recent study proves that, despite hopes, St. John's Wort isn't effective in managing ADHD symptoms. In the study, a group of children with ADHD started with a placebo pill for a week. Then half the group took St. John's Wort for eight weeks, while the other half continued taking the placebo. No statistical difference was noted between the placebo and the herb.