Herbs for ASD Treatment
The Origami of Autism: Transforming 2-Dimensional Thinking about ASD into 3-Dimensional Solutions - BUY HERE!Herbal remedies can be extremely powerful when used appropriately as a treatment for autism. While the list of herbs that would benefit ASD patients is extensive, the herbs discussed below are some of the most studied, most well-known plants with medicinal benefits for autism treatment.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger may be a valuable herb to include in the diet or even in supplement form for patients with autism. This plant has natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects that may be especially helpful in treating ASD, and is also antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antinausea, and antiemetic. Ginger may also help protect the cardiovascular system. Studies done in Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, the United Kingdom, and Germany in regard to ginger’s effects on the treatment of autism all indicate that the plant may specifically reduce behavioral problems related to propionic acid in children with ASD. The same studies suggest that, in people with ASD, ginger may act as a cognitive enhancer and memory booster, and may reduce negative social behaviors and protect the brain and nervous system from degeneration.
Buy ginger powder here.Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora)
Paeonia lactiflora, more commonly known simply as peony, has been shown to support neurotransmitter function and to act as a neuroprotective agent in patients with ASD. This plant is also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and also has antimicrobial, antimutagenic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects in the body. Peony has also been used as an herbal treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain (including pain from menstrual cramps), dysmenorrhea, and hepatitis.
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Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Camellia sinensis is the tea plant, and through different production processes, produces green tea, black tea, white tea, red tea, yellow tea, and fermented tea, among others. Green tea in particular is a relatively popular herbal supplement for all kinds of mental health problems, including not only ASD, but also ADHD, depression/anxiety, addiction, and more. Outside of mental health, Camellia sinensis has also been used therapeutically to treat coronary artery disease, angina, bad breath (halitosis), and asthma.A study done in India observed that Camellia sinensis may support ASD recovery through its antioxidant properties; many children and adults with autism experience worsened symptoms due to oxidative stress, so antioxidants like green tea can make a significant difference for some people. Another Indonesia study found that L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in the tea plant, can bind to glutamic acid receptors in the brain, thus inhibiting glutamate uptake and acting to reduce overexcitability in the nervous system of the ASD individual. This action also works to protect the brain and nervous system from damage.
Finally, a Venezuela study done on mice found that Camellia sinensis extract, when given at a dose of 300mg/kg of bodyweight, successfully healed and regenerated the Purkinje cell layer in the cerebellum. The Purkinje cells are specifically responsible for releasing GABA, and are known for their ability to promote normal coordination and motor control through their inhibitory actions in the nervous system. For patients with autism, this is relevant since GABA is often deficient (which is at least partially due to Purkinje cell damage), and low GABA leads to nervous system overexcitability and issues with muscle coordination and movement.
Buy organic green tea here.Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is another powerful herbal medicine for mental health problems and neurodegenerative conditions. It has been used therapeutically as a treatment for ASD, as well as for other mental and emotional issues. Outside of nervous system health, it may also be beneficial for treating macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease and circulatory problems, asthma, tinnitus, and vertigo. Ginkgo biloba is naturally anti-neuroinflammatory, antioxidant, and antidepressant, and also possesses antimicrobial, anti-larvicidal, anticancer, and allelopathic properties.This herb is highly popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in other East Asian medicine systems. Ginkgo may help enhance nitric oxide production in the blood vessels and inhibit platelet-activating factor, thus promoting cardiovascular health and smooth blood flow. As a nootropic, Ginkgo biloba is an MAO-A inhibitor and has been found to inhibit the uptake of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and norepinephrine. Ginkgo is also a free radical scavenger and directly inhibits amyloid-beta neurotoxicity, protects against hypoxia, and prevents damage due to oxidative stress.
As a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders, Ginkgo biloba has also been researched and found the be effective in the treatment of:
- ADHD
- Dementia
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Schizophrenia
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Cognitive disorders
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Ginkgo biloba has been specifically studied as an autism treatment in Germany, India, Italy, and Egypt. In Italy, researchers found that a Ginkgo dose of 100mg/kg of bodyweight given twice daily was able to successfully eliminate autism-related behavioral problems. Various compounds found in Ginkgo biloba have also been found to benefit ASD patients through their neuroprotective effects; indeed, some studies have shown that Ginkgo can both prevent and treat neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as treat social behavior deficits in ASD individuals. Ginkgo biloba may also help support neurotransmitter balance and function.
One 10-week long study observed the effects of Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of autistic children between 4-12 years old who were also taking risperidone. Children weighing 10-30kg were given 40mg of Ginkgo, twice daily, while children weighing over 30kg were given 60mg twice daily. The ASD children who received risperidone and Ginkgo (rather than only risperidone with placebo) had notably improved scores on autism tests in terms of irritability, stereotypic behavior, lethargy/social withdrawal, hyperactivity/noncompliance, and inappropriate behaviors. This study also noted that Ginkgo was well-tolerated and the children who received this herb exhibited no side effects.
Studies indicate that Ginkgo biloba is a safe and well-tolerated herbal medicine for people of all ages, including children and the elderly.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is a popular nootropic herb with a wide range of benefits. Bacopa monnieri is known to be antioxidant, antidepressant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and analgesic (pain-relieving). In the treatment of ASD, Brahmi has been shown to improve communication and cognition in autistic people, and may also increase normal behavior, balance serotonin levels, and relieve oxidative stress. This herbal remedy for autism specifically works to heal and restructure the cerebellum.
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb that also can act as an antioxidant, antiproliferative, antidepressant, and antimicrobial. Curcuma longa also boasts anticancer, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase properties. Luteolin, an antioxidant compound found in turmeric, may be partially responsible for this herb’s positive effects in the treatment of ASD, along with other curcuminoids. These compounds protect against and heal neurodegeneration, improve cell signaling throughout the nervous system, and have neuroprotective effects.In an animal study, a dose of 200mg/kg of bodyweight of turmeric in rats with autistic phenotypes was found to reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce tumor necrosis factor release, and reduce the presence of matrix degradation metalloproteinases.
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Cannabis spp.
The Cannabis species plants include not only marijuana, but also hemp. Both marijuana and hemp, as members of the Cannabis plant family, share some compounds in common. Hemp specifically has been used as a treatment for a wide array of health problems, ranging from more general issues like respiratory disease, muscle disorders, and digestive system problems to more specific health situations such as postpartum difficulties and some types of poisoning. Cannabis plants are antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase.Various countries around the world have conducted research into the benefits of Cannabis as an autism treatment. Studies indicate that certain compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabigerol, among others, may help improve sleep, communication, and behavioral deficits in ASD individuals. These Cannabis compounds also have cognitive and neurological benefits, and may improve general gastrointestinal health.
One study in Israel found that cannabidiol (CBD) in particular had substantial benefits for ASD children. The study involved a group of 60 children who received treatment with CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in Cannabis. The researchers found that CBD administration reduced irritability, improved sleep, and increased appetite by 61% in the children who participated in the study.
Buy hemp oil with CBD here.Sage (Salvia spp.)
Common sage, otherwise known as Salvia officinalis, is the most popular Salvia used medicinally. That being said, there are other types of Salvia that are used throughout the world. For the treatment of autism, Salvia officinalis is the plant that has been most studied and the plant we’ll discuss here. Salvia officinalis is an antioxidant herb, and possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antidiabetic properties. It’s also known to reduce anxiety and cholinesterase levels in the brain.Research suggests that Salvia officinalis may benefit autistic individuals by reducing anxiety and depression levels. It may also help improve overall neurological health and reduce social behavior deficits seen in ASD patients.
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Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower is a safe yet powerful herbal remedy that can be used in people of all ages, including in pregnant women and young infants. It has been studied in regard to its use in the treatment of autism, as well as in the treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse, convulsions, sexual dysfunction, sleep, pain, mental illness, and more. Passionflower is a known anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anticancer, and aphrodisiac herb.One Iranian study found that the administration of passionflower to rats with autistic behaviors successfully improved behavioral disorders and significantly reduced oxidative stress. In this study, passionflower was administered at a dose of 30mg/kg, 100mg/kg, or 300mg/kg of bodyweight for 35 days immediately following birth.
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Other Herbal Medicines with Benefits for Autism Patients
Some other scientifically studied herbal treatments for ASD include:- Black cohosh root (Actaea racemosa)
- Astragalus / Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus mongholicus)
- Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
- Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
- Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum)
- Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
- Soybean (Glycine max)
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Resources:
• Rezapour, Sadegh, et. al. (2016). Herbal medicines: A new hope in autism therapy. Retrieved June 25, 2024 from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322366108_Herbal_medicines_A_new_hope_for_autism_therapy
• Sevindik, Mustafa, et. al. (2023). Autism: Plants with Neuro-Psychopharmacotherapeutic Potential. Retrieved June 27, 2024 from: https://prospects.wum.edu.pl/index.php/pps/article/view/143/126
• Hasanzadeh, Elmira, et. al. (2012). A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Ginkgo biloba Added to Risperidone in Patients with Autistic Disorders. Retrieved June 27, 2024 from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10578-012-0292-3
