Natural Supplements May Support Children’s Focus and Calmness During School Transition
As children return to school after extended breaks, many face challenges such as fatigue, restlessness, stress, and difficulty concentrating. While some adjust easily, others struggle with the sudden shift to early mornings, long classroom hours, homework, and social pressures. Alongside established strategies like sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and physical activity, there is growing parental interest in complementary medicine, including herbal and medicinal mushrooms, to aid concentration and reduce stress.
Orly Talmor, head of herbal medicine at Maccabi Natural, emphasizes that there is no universal remedy or substitute for proper diagnosis and medical treatment when necessary. However, in suitable cases, personalized use of herbal and mushroom supplements as part of a broader therapeutic approach may support cognitive function and daily performance at school and home. She notes that concentration difficulties do not always indicate ADHD; fatigue, stress, or adjustment issues can mimic attention problems.
Among the supplements discussed, the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus, known as "Lion’s Mane," is used in complementary medicine to support cognitive function by potentially enhancing nerve cell communication. Another mushroom, Reishi, may help children experiencing restlessness, hyperactivity, stress, or poor sleep by promoting internal calm. Nonetheless, clinical evidence remains limited, and these supplements are not proven treatments for ADHD.
Research also highlights the gut-brain axis, where gut health influences mental function. Saffron (Crocus sativus) extracts have been studied in small clinical trials for ADHD symptoms, but evidence is insufficient to recommend it as a standard treatment. Herbal formulas from Chinese medicine, such as Gui Pi Tang and Xiao Yao San, are tailored to symptom patterns like mental fatigue or emotional stress, while Western herbal approaches also customize treatments based on the child’s specific traits.
Talmor advises that treatment should be individualized, with dosage and administration carefully determined by professionals. Initial improvements may appear after two to six weeks. She warns parents against choosing supplements based on online videos or peer recommendations alone, stressing that concentration is influenced by multiple factors including sleep, diet, exercise, stress, and learning habits. A comprehensive, monitored approach is essential for effective support.
