Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Vatika Unmada)
उन्मादोनाममनसोदुष्टैरुन्मार्ग्गगैर्म्मद: l
शारीरमानसैर्द्दोषै:....................................ll
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Treatment in Ayurveda
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a long-lasting condition that starts from childhood and may continue to adulthood. It constitutes various symptoms like lack of concentration, impulsivity, lack of self-esteem, etc. It may affect the academic, career, and family life of the affected individual. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment will help to resolve the embarrassing manifestations of ADHD.
Ayurveda explains the disorder Vatika Unmada which is closely related to the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Ayurveda has an effective and exclusive treatment protocol to reduce the intensity of ADHD symptoms.
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has aimed at executing the treatment advised by Ayurveda for ADHD through a well-equipped infrastructure. IAFA aims at safeguarding the health of every individual through Ayurveda.
Causes of ADHD
The exact reason for the occurrence of ADHD is still not clear. The central nervous system involving the brain is supposed to be affected. Genetic factors, environmental aspects, ill effects of food or medicine during the pregnancy period, etc. are considered as some of the probable reasons.
Ayurveda details the reasons for occurrence of ADHD as follows;
- Unfavorable, improperly prepared food and water
- Improper timing of food intake
- Mental depression
- Over fatigued
- Mental factors like anger, grief, etc.
- Poisoning
These factors if affect a person with low mental power, and symptoms of ADHD may be observed.
Ayurvedic Reference of ADHD (Vatika Unmada)

Symptoms of ADHD (Vatika Unmada)
The symptoms of ADHD may be obvious before the age of 12 years. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. There will be behavioral changes in girls and boys and are more usually found to affect boys than girls. Major symptoms include:
- Inattention
- Increased activity
- Inability to concentrate on things
- Restlessness
- Impulsive actions
- Lack of self-esteem
- Inability to keep relations
- Inability to follow instructions
- Lack of interest in focus requiring games and plays
- Talkative
- Interrupt other’s talk
Many of these symptoms developed in childhood may continue over adulthood also. This may result in non-acceptance by friends, colleagues and relatives.
Ayurveda explains symptoms similar to ADHD as listed below:
- Emaciated body
- Inappropriate emotional expressions like crying, anger, laughing, etc.
- Imitate the sound of musical instruments
- Over talking
- Hyperactive
- Constantly changing concentration

“Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is ensuring effective management of ADHD through the essence of Ayurveda. Dr. Gupta IAFA provides genuine Ayurvedic treatment to reduce the intensity of ADHD symptoms and uplift the child’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Choose, IAFA for an Ayurvedicmental rejuvenation!!!
– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ
Diet in Food Poisoning
Do’s (Pathya)
- Bath 2 times / day
- Sweet food
- Adequate amount of food
- Ghee
- Light, digestible, and timely food
- Good sleep
- Give accurate instructions to child
- Assign a good tasks for a child
- Be supportive to child
- Encourage doing exercise through games.
Don’ts (Apathya)
- Spicy food
- Fasting
- Junk food
- Non vegetarian food especially meat
- Chocolate
- Soy
Yoga and Pranayama for ADHD
Regular practice of yoga is very beneficial to attain concentration, stability and calmness. Children can train Yoga asanas (postures) slowly and should be continued as a part of life. Following postures will be effective:
- Suryanamaskar
- Savasana
- Sukhasana
- Padmasana
- Pavanamuktasana
Pranayama helps to attain balance of body movements and to achieve concentration. Simple breathing exercises can be practised and this will enhance self-confidence as well as controlled behavioural patterns.

Ayurvedic Treatment of ADHD
Ayurveda incorporates treatment protocol combining internal medicines, external medicines and treatment procedures involving purification therapies.
Internal Medicines
- Drakshadi Kashaya
- Chandanadi Kashaya
- Kalyanakam Kashaya
- Ashwagandha Gulika
- Manasamitra Vatakam
- Ashvagandha Choorna
- Avipatty Choorna
- Saraswatarishtam
- Kalyanagrita
- Ashvagandhadigrita
- Brahmigrita
- Kooshmandarasayana
External Application
- Himasagara Taila
- Lakshadi Taila
- Brihatchandanadi Taila
- Ksheerabala Taila
Treatment Procedure
- Siroabhyanga (Oil massage on the head)
- Sirodhara (Pouring medicated oil/ liquids on forehead)
- Kheeradhara (Pouring medicated milk on the whole body)
- Siropichu (Retaining cotton soaked in medicated oil on head)
- Nasya (Nasal installation of medicine)
- Vasti (Enema)
- Snehapana (Administration of ghee)
Single Herbs Used in Ayurveda
References
- Shloka No. 1, Unmadaprathishedha, Ashtanga Hrudaya by Vagabhata, Utharsthana.
- Charak Samhita, edited by P.V. Sharma, Chaukhambha Oriented Publication. Varanasi, reprint edition, 2008, Sutra Sthana Chapter 1/55, p.7.
- Kashyap Samhita (2013), edited by Prof. P.V. Tewari. English translation and commentary, Chaukhambha Vishvbharti Publication, Kalpasthana Chapter 6/32-40, p. 347.
- Sharma P.V. Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, p. 253. Reprint: 2006.
- Child Health and Ayurveda, Edition 2021, by Sahil Gupta, ADHD Chapter No. 15, Page No.67-70.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)