Herbs for ADHD, Cognition, and Focus Intensive by the Herbal Academy with Maria Noël Groves

Last week I finished Herbal Academy’s Herbs for ADHD, Cognition, and Focus Intensive with Maria Noël Groves. This course was part of the amazing Herbs and Essential Oils Ultimate Bundle that yours truly was also included in a few months back.

So here’s what I thought about this course. As expected, Herbal Academy did not disappoint! The lessons were presented by Maria Noël Groves who is a knowledgeable herbalist. The information was well-referenced and easy to understand, even for those of us that are not herbalists by profession.

The course was divided into three sections.

INTRODUCTION TO ADHD AND COGNITIVE HERBS
In lesson one, the focus was on ascertaining what ADHD is including causes, symptoms, brain function, and common medications. But that wasn’t all. The text and video component (which have downloadable PDFs and transcripts) highlight non-herbal lifestyle changes that have been shown to help those with concentration deficiency as well as an introduction to herbs used for cognitive support.

This was a fascinating section. While the focus was on ADHD, the material presented was also useful for brain fog, focus issues, memory and dementia prevention. Epigenetics was briefly mentioned which, coincidentally enough, is the subject of the book I’m currently reading The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton.

The herbs that have been found to be useful in treating cognitive issues were broken down into:

• Nootropics, which are herbs that support cognition, memory, and the brain’s nervous system like rosemary.
• Adaptogens that help the body adapt to stress such as Gotu Kola.
• Nervine herbs support and nourish a healthy nervous system like lemon balm.
• Circulation Enhancers support circulation to the brain such as Ginkgo.
• Stimulants which increase brain and dopamine activity including coffee, chocolate and cacao, and green tea.
• Calming Herbs that promote a calm-alert state like chamomile.

HERBAL MATERIA MEDICA FOR ADHD AND COGNITIVE WELLBEING
The second session was the meat and potatoes of the course. Here Maria discussed a number of herbs that can be used to shore up cognitive wellbeing, even with children. While many of these herbs are unavailable in Mexico, there were some that are already used in traditional herbal remedies here.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is limoncillo. This herb is used for coraje (emotional upset, anger) and the resulting gastrointestinal and hepatic problems. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is romero. In addition to treating gastrointestinal issues, rosemary is an excellent addition to any diet to prevent Alzheimer’s. Spearmint (Mentha spp.) otherwise known as yerba buena has been in use as a medicinal herb in Mexico since its introduction by the Spanish friars. Who can argue that any tea made from the mint family doesn’t make you more alert?

PUTTING IT TOGETHER – PROTOCOLS AND CASE STUDIES
The third lesson was a review of the material and included a chart with the uses and actions of herbs covered in the course. This lesson was designed more for herbalists or those looking to help people with tinctures, teas, and infusions made from the herbs discussed. There were even several case studies and Maria’s recommendations for each.

If you or someone you love has issues such as the lack of cognitive focus found in those diagnosed with ADHD or suffer from brain fog like I do at times with hypothyroidism, this is an excellent class for you to take.

Right now, Herbal Academy is having their Back to School sale and all courses, including this one, are up to 25% off until September 16th making NOW an excellent time to enroll.

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