Herbs for dopamine. Maintaining balanced dopamine levels can significantly impact cognitive function and well-being. This can be especially important for neurodivergent kids and families (ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia, for example). So, today, we’re exploring the best supplements and herbs to support the production of dopamine.
Seek Professional Medical Advice
I am not a doctor. This is NOT medical advice. I’m an educator with a passion for learning, health, and supporting the neurodivergent community.
As such, this is for educational purposes only. I encourage you to learn as much as you can by researching, reading, and seeking the insight of trusted experts.
Always discuss healthcare decisions with your trusted healthcare provider.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a nominal fee from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. See my disclosure policy for more info.
What’s Dopamine?
Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, plays an essential role in our mental health and everyday functionality. Often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, dopamine plays a major role in mental health.
- Motivation
- Drive
- Reward
- Attention
- Focus
For neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia, for example), maintaining balanced dopamine levels can significantly impact cognitive function and overall well-being.
Natural Dopamine Boosters
Exploring natural avenues to support dopamine levels has garnered interest, especially among families avoiding prescription medications. Herbs and dietary supplements have stood the test of time.
For example, ancient practices from traditional Chinese medicine have supported their benefits for thousands of years. These natural substances can offer a gentle approach to enhancing brain health and dopamine production.
Fortunately, there are many dopamine supplements derived from herbs and natural compounds used to support dopamine regulation.
Herbs for Dopamine
The following herbal supplements hold promise for boosting dopamine levels. Further, they invite a realm of beneficial effects that support brain cells, mood, and cognitive function.
So, as we explore the world of natural dopamine supplements, we’ll discuss their potential benefits. Additionally, we’ll highlight how they can complement a holistic approach to thriving.
1. Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean)
Mucuna Pruriens, often known as Velvet Bean, may benefit dopamine regulation. Its potential seems particularly promising for neurodivergent families venturing into natural dopamine supplements.
Overview
Originating from Africa and tropical parts of Asia, Mucuna Pruriens is a tropical legume with a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine. The seeds are its magic spot, housing a significant amount of L-DOPA, a direct precursor to dopamine.
Unlike dopamine, L-DOPA can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a notable candidate for boosting dopamine levels naturally.
Benefits
The L-DOPA content in Mucuna Pruriens paves the way for potentially increased dopamine levels in the brain. This may translate to improved mood and cognitive function.
For neurodivergent individuals, this natural supplement may offer a supportive role in managing symptoms associated with low dopamine levels. Further, some clinical trials have hinted at its potential benefits in managing Parkinson’s disease, a serious medical condition rooted in low levels of dopamine.
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs out there. One reason for this is that it holds promise for memory enhancement and its potential influence on dopamine levels.
Its ancient roots in traditional Chinese medicine blend with modern curiosity, making it a captivating choice for neurodivergent families exploring natural dopamine supplements.
Overview
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. Its leaves are rich in compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb is known for its potential to promote blood flow in various parts of the body, including the brain. This may have an influence on neurotransmitter regulation, including dopamine.
Benefits
The potential of Ginkgo Biloba extends to enhancing cognitive function. By promoting blood flow to the brain, it may support the function of dopamine receptors and dopamine regulation.
Oxidative stress is a factor that often accompanies autism which can impact dopamine production adversely. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of Ginkgo Biloba may help in combating such oxidative stress.
3. Green Tea Extract
Green Tea Extract comes from the leaves of the green tea plant and is green tea in a concentrated form. It’s known for many health perks, and one exciting part is its potential to help with dopamine levels.
For neurodivergent families, it might offer a gentle nudge towards better mood and brain function.
Overview
Green Tea Extract is loaded with antioxidants, tiny warriors that fight off harmful invaders in the body. Additionally, it contains a powerful amino acid called L-Theanine. L-Theanine is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier and have neuroprotective effects.
Benefits
L-Theanine in Green Tea Extract can help increase dopamine, making you feel calmer and more focused. This could be a big deal for individuals with ADHD or Autistic people who struggle with ADHD symptoms.
Plus, it can also help fight off stress. It’s like having a calm buddy in a bottle, ready to help when things get tough!
4. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a herb that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Its roots are considered adaptogenic, which means they can help your body adapt to stress.
For neurodivergent families, finding natural ways to manage stress and boost mood is often a priority, and Rhodiola Rosea might be a worthy companion on this journey.
Overview
Rhodiola Rosea has been used for centuries to tackle fatigue and enhance endurance. It may help balance the chemicals in your brain, including dopamine, making you feel more upbeat and less stressed.
Benefits
The herb is known for its potential to fight tiredness and make you feel more energetic. For folks with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions, feeling more alert and less tired can be a big help.
Rhodiola Rosea might also help you think clearer and perform better at tasks. This is a plus for those with any one of the 7 types of ADHD who find concentrating difficult.
I’ve used Rhodiola to support mental energy levels and when weaning off of ADHD stimulant medication.
5. Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, is one of my favorite herbs for dopamine and much more. It has several brain health benefits including:
- Supports lower levels of stress hormones
- Specifically, reducing cortisol levels,
- Improving insulin resistance,
- Improves processing speed in children with ADHD,
- Discuss with your child’s pediatrician*
- Supporting healthy hormone levels,
Research suggests that this adaptogenic herb may influence dopamine levels. This is promising for those with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) who have naturally low levels of dopamine.
For those who would like to minimize prescription ADHD medications, Ashwagandha may be a natural dopamine supplement to consider.
6. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a plant with yellow flowers that has been used for ages to brighten moods. It’s like a sunny companion for our brains. This herb might offer a glimpse of hope in managing mood and brain function naturally.
Overview
St. John’s Wort is found in meadows and its active ingredient, hypericin, is believed to have mood-lifting effects.
Benefits
The herb might help increase levels of dopamine. For individuals facing depressive symptoms or major depressive disorder, St. John’s Wort could offer natural support. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can have antidepressant effects, helping to brighten the mood on gloomy days.
While St. John’s Wort can be taken as a dietary supplement, speak with your physician when using other medications, as it can interact with them.
Other Dopamine Supplements
The following includes other supplements and nutritional supports believed to help healthy dopamine regulation. They include amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.
1. L-Theanine
As mentioned earlier, the amino acid L-theanine is found predominantly in green tea. It’s celebrated for its calming effects, which are believed to be connected to dopamine regulation. Exploring dietary supplements like L-theanine could unveil a gentle approach to supporting mental health and cognitive function.
Overview
As mentioned earlier, L-theanine is predominantly found in green tea and is known for its calming mood-enhancing properties. Unlike other amino acids, L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier, a key attribute for its potential to affect brain function.
Its presence in everyday dietary supplements has made it a popular choice for individuals keen on natural ways to support brain health and neurotransmitter balance.
Benefits
The calming effect of L-Theanine is often attributed to its ability to boost levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. For neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD, the potential increase in dopamine levels could translate to improved attention and reduced anxiety.
A natural avenue for mood enhancement, L-Theanine holds promise for neurodivergent families navigating the complex landscape of mental health and cognitive support. In our ADHD home, we take Nature’s Trove L-Theanine, 200 mg.
2. Vitamin B6
Some experts believe that Vitamin B6 can benefit our brain health. It’s key in making sure our brain’s messaging system works well. Ensuring a good supply of Vitamin B6 could be a step towards better mental health.
Overview
Vitamin B6 helps make chemical messengers including dopamine. Further, it helps the brain talk to different parts of our body properly. Vitamin B6, along with other B Vitamins such as Thiamine (B1) all support the central nervous system.
Benefits
Having the right amount of Vitamin B6 can help increase dopamine levels, which can help you feel upbeat and think clearly. When facing medical conditions like major depressive disorder or dopamine deficiency, having enough Vitamin B6 may be more crucial.
While Vitamin B6 is available in many foods, sometimes a dietary supplement might be needed to get the right amount, especially under a healthcare professional’s guidance. So, Vitamin B6 is not just a vitamin.
3. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is another brain-friendly Vitamin B helper that’s important for our bodies.
Overview
Vitamin B12 plays a cool part in ensuring our nerve cells are in good shape and doing their job well. It’s also a pal to other vitamins, helping them do their jobs better. This teamwork is crucial for a well-working central nervous system, making sure messages in our body are passed along smoothly.
Benefits
The right amount of Vitamin B12 can help the brain manage chemical messengers like dopamine and serotonin levels. Some folks with medical conditions might find that Vitamin B12 helps in easing depressive symptoms, making the days feel a bit brighter.
While you can find Vitamin B12 in certain foods, some might need a dietary supplement, especially if advised by a healthcare professional. Vitamin B12 supports a better mood and focused mind, making for a smoother daily routine.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often known as the sunshine vitamin because our bodies can make it when we soak up some sun. Having enough Vitamin D could mean more sunny days ahead, mentally speaking.
Overview
Vitamin D supports strong bones but also supports the work of chemical messengers, including dopamine. It’s like a postman for our brain, ensuring the mail gets to where it needs to go.
Benefits
Having the right amount of Vitamin D can help increase dopamine levels, which is a big deal for feeling good and thinking clearly. It could be a helpful buddy for tackling depressive symptoms, especially in individuals with conditions like major depressive disorder.
Though we can get Vitamin D from the sun, taking a dietary supplement may be a good idea to ensure you’re getting enough. This is especially true for those living in less sunny places.
Please note it’s important to take Vitamin D3 with vitamin K2. In our home, we take Upnourish Vitamin D3 with K2 daily.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is a global problem as more than 50% of the world is believed deficient. This critical mineral is a multi-tasking hero making sure our hearts, muscles, and brains work right.
For autistic children and adults, magnesium has many benefits including supporting:
- Emotional regulation
- Focus
- Digestion
- Sleep
Overview
Magnesium is known for helping nerves and muscles communicate, acting like a mediator in a conversation. It’s crucial for many reactions in our body, and some suggest it might also play a part in how our brain manages chemical messengers like dopamine.
Benefits
The right amount of magnesium can help with the release of dopamine, which can make us feel more relaxed and happy. It could also support folks experiencing antidepressant effects, especially when facing challenging days.
Although magnesium is found in many foods, sometimes a dietary supplement, even in powder form, might be a handy way to ensure we get enough.
6. Zinc
Zinc is a tiny but mighty mineral that’s important for our health. It helps our immune system fight off bad guys like viruses and bacteria, and it also has a cool role in our brain. Ensuring a good supply of zinc could be part of a strategy for better mental health.
Overview
Zinc is involved in many processes in our body helping in more than 100 enzyme reactions! One of its special jobs is in the brain, where it helps with the communication of neurons.
Benefits
Zinc may play a part in the management of dopamine. This can be a big deal for individuals experiencing depressive symptoms, ADHD symptoms, and feeding challenges.
While zinc is found in many foods, in cases where it’s hard to get enough, a dietary supplement might be helpful. Because zinc works in partnership with other minerals, speak with a trusted healthcare practitioner before supplementing with zinc.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Omega-3 fatty acids, called essential fatty acids, are good fats that our brains and bodies need to work well. There are two primary Omega-3 fatty acids to consider.
- DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid
- EPA- Eicosapentaenoic acid
Both have properties that support brain health and inflammation levels.
Overview
Omega-3s are active ingredients in the recipe for a healthy brain. They help build cell membranes in the brain and also facilitate communication between brain cells. It’s like they help build the roads and also manage the traffic in our brain town!
Benefits
DHA may help increase levels of dopamine, making us feel more focused and in a better mood. Some people find that Omega-3s, like DHA, can have antidepressant effects and support those with mood disorders.
Omega-3 fatty acids may also help in conditions where serotonin levels need a boost. These fatty acids may support the work of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a type of medicine for mood support.
While we can get Omega-3s from foods like fish, a dietary supplement might be a good way to ensure we’re getting enough, especially for those who aren’t fish fans.
In our home, we take high-quality fish oil in supplement form each day. With Omega-3s, it’s like having a friendly traffic manager in our brain. It helps things flow smoothly and keeps our mood on the sunny side.
Recap: Herbs for Dopamine
Navigating the realm of cognitive wellness can be a complex journey, especially for neurodivergent families.
Exploring these natural supplements opens up avenues for gentle yet potentially effective support in managing dopamine levels. In turn, they foster a better mood and improved cognitive function.
As we’ve explored, each herb or supplement holds its unique benefits, and while some are backed by clinical studies, others carry the weight of traditional use through centuries.
So, Friend. What do you think? Did I miss your favorite supplement or herb for dopamine?
Up Next:
19 Ways to Increase Dopamine & Improve ADHD Symptoms
Lions Mane for ADHD: Why I Use It for My ADHD Family
How to Fix ADHD Without Medication: Natural Treatment Tips
17 Best ADHD Supplements to Improve Symptoms Naturally
About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
