5-HTP (Griffonia) for ADHD and ADD

The usual treatment for ADHD or ADD involves medication, but there are also natural ways to manage ADHD or ADD, such as using supplements. One of the supplements gaining popularity is 5-HTP, derived from the Griffonia plant. In this article, you'll find more information about 5-HTP for ADD and ADHD. 5-HTP is also used for sleep problems, depression, anxiety, migraines, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, binge eating (PMDD), ataxia, Down syndrome, Ramsey-Hunt syndrome, and as supplementary therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Natural treatment of ADHD and ADD with griffonia (5-HTP)

More and more people are searching for natural ways to treat ADHD or ADD, both for themselves and for children with ADHD or ADD. The goal of these natural treatments is often to better regulate neurotransmitters like Serotonin and Dopamine. One of the substances that can assist with this is Griffonia extract, also known as 5-HTP.

What is 5-HTP (Griffonia)?

The natural supplement 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of the African Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. 5-HTP is also a compound produced by the body from Tryptophan, which can be obtained through your diet, found in foods like eggs, cheese, turkey, nuts, and seeds. Tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, which is then further transformed into serotonin.

What Does 5-HTP Do for People with AD(H)D?

This plant naturally contains high levels of 5-HTP. There is growing knowledge about 5-HTP, and one thing that's clear is that it naturally increases serotonin levels. It stimulates serotonin receptors to produce and metabolize serotonin correctly. The increase in serotonin levels can reduce symptoms associated with ADHD, such as sleep disorders and anxiety (source: Oxford Vitality).

5-HTP for Sleep and More

5-HTP for sleep is beneficial when there's a shortage of the essential amino acid tryptophan in the body (the precursor to 5-HTP). Symptoms of a tryptophan deficiency can include insomnia, depression, hallucinations, mood swings, nervousness, abnormal appetite, hair loss, skin issues, diarrhea, poor vision, ataxia, and polyneuropathy.

5-HTP is also used for depression, bipolar disorder, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, aggression, teeth grinding, OCD, addiction withdrawal, PMS, insomnia, nightmares, eating disorders, overweight/obesity, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, migraines, chronic pain, jet lag, and obstructive sleep apnea (Orthokennis).

5-HTP Dosage

There isn't a specific dosage mentioned for ADHD, but an accepted safe dosage for 5-HTP ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg, depending on your needs.

Where to Buy 5-HTP

Purchasing a 5-HTP supplement is straightforward. You can buy supplements containing Griffonia extract, such as via Amazone.com. Choose your favorite supplement brand and pay attention to the supplement's ingredients, as well as whether any fillers have been used. A supplement I've had positive experiences with is the Dutch Serobooster, which combines 5-HTP with vitamin B6 to help your body produce more serotonin. Nachtrust & Stemming also works well for me, especially when I'm feeling restless or down. Want to learn more? Keep reading…

Improving Sleep with 5-HTP

If you're a poor sleeper or even suffer from insomnia, 5-HTP can be a solution. My current favorite supplement containing 5-HTP is the earlier mentioned Dutch Nachtrust en Stemming. This supplement was formulated by a biochemist with a passion for healthy and natural dietary supplements. Nachtrust & Stemming not only contains 5-HTP but also other vitamins and minerals serving as co-factors, such as vitamin B1, B3, B6, B12, zinc, and magnesium.

Nachtrust en Stemming with 5-HTP not only helps me fall asleep soundly, but also ensures I sleep through the night and wake up feeling completely refreshed!

Experiences with 5-HTP Griffonia

In various Facebook groups for people with ADHD, including the Wandering Minds Community, I see questions about Griffonia, or 5-HTP, and people seeking others' experiences with it.

The following experiences with 5-HTP come from Healthy Place:

About 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I'm 33 years old. … I was, however, very surprised not to see 5-HTP (tryptophan) or DL-phenylalanine on the list. These are two of what I call catalysts of my natural remedy pills that I take every day. I know within a day or two if I don't take these two. Especially 5-HTP was fantastic! I take about 100 mg every night before bed. It helps me sleep very well, and I wake up very refreshed.

– Ty

Another Experience with 5-HTP

One of the main expressions of my ADHD is paranoia. I'm entirely convinced that nobody likes me and that, if there's a debate, I'll accept that everyone will think I'm wrong. This can make me very defensive, and I sometimes appear more aggressive than I intend to be. It was an incredible feeling after taking 100mg of 5-HTP for the first time! I literally felt this feeling disappear from my head! I know I sound crazy, but that's exactly how it felt. At the moment, I have the issue that I'm not involved in a project that had taken on huge proportions. Suddenly, this wasn't a problem anymore! I've also certainly slept better. I've stopped craving carbohydrates, and the world just seems like a calmer place. Since I've only been using it for a week, I hesitate to tell everyone to buy it, but I'll keep you updated on how it goes. It's not intended to be used with antidepressants of any kind, so if someone is using these, they should talk to their doctor.

– Stacey

More Experiences with 5-HTP

I've done a lot of research on natural remedies. My son is a gifted child with ADHD, 9 years old. … From 1st to 3rd grade, he cried when he got into trouble, things weren't fair, and he quickly became frustrated. He cried during entire soccer practices. Once I had him on this (10 mg at breakfast and before bed), he was a completely different person – a normal child. He can handle daily frustrations, kids teasing him, problems at school or elsewhere. Better yet, he had a positive outlook, seemed to enjoy things more, had a much better sense of humor, and continues to improve social skills that were completely lacking in previous years. He spent recess alone or reading and sat alone in the lunchroom. Now, he hangs out with the other boys. He also sleeps much

– Catherine

Share your 5-HTP journey

We hope this article has shed some light on the potential benefits of 5-HTP in managing ADHD and ADD symptoms naturally. Remember, everyone's experience can be unique, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your routine. If you've tried 5-HTP or other natural treatments for ADHD or ADD, we'd love to hear about your journey. Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments below. Together, we can continue exploring alternative approaches to support those dealing with ADHD and ADD.

Please note: I am not a medical doctor, nutritionist, or specialist. This article is based on personal experience and external sources. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions, always consult a medical doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.