Your Child Has ADHD. The Hardest Part Is Everyone Else.
The looks in the supermarket. The teacher's emails. The relative who says it's just a discipline problem. You know your child is bright and kind, and you are tired of defending him to people who see only the chaos. I am Elena, an English-speaking naturopath in Zurich and the mother of a child with ADHD. I know that exhaustion, and I know there are gentle, natural ways to support your child alongside medical care, in person or online worldwide.
Elena Cajka, Certified Naturopathic Practitioner (TEN) | EMR-registered |
⭐ 5.0 on Google (16 reviews)
And Then There Are the Days No One Else Sees
The looks outside are hard. The days at home are harder. Mornings become a battle, homework takes hours, and by evening everyone's nerves are frayed. Your child is bright, creative, and full of energy, and daily life still feels like a marathon for all of you.
Many parents who come to me describe exactly this. They have read the articles, tried the charts and the rewards, and they keep asking the same two quiet questions. Are medications the only way? Is there something we can do alongside them?
You are not alone, and you have not done anything wrong. There are gentle, natural approaches that can support your child and your family in everyday life, next to medical care. In a moment I will tell you why I am so sure of that.
"When I found out my child had ADHD and Noonan syndrome, I searched everywhere for someone who truly understood."
— Elena Cajka
I Know This Search, Because I Made It Myself
When my own child was diagnosed with ADHD and Noonan syndrome, I experienced firsthand the confusion and the search for answers that every ADHD parent knows. In the process, I discovered something that changed our daily life: alongside medical care, medicinal plants, nutrition, and targeted everyday strategies can noticeably support wellbeing.
In my naturopathic practice in Zurich-Witikon, I have been supporting families with ADHD children for years. As a certified naturopathic practitioner (TEN), I combine in-depth knowledge of phytotherapy with the experience of a mother who lives the ADHD reality herself. I know how it feels, and I know what can help.
English-Speaking ADHD Support in Zurich and Worldwide
Many parents who reach me are expats in Zurich, Zug, Basel, or Geneva, English speakers who have searched for a naturopath who truly understands ADHD and works in their language. Others write from the UK, the US, Canada, or further away, looking for a thoughtful alternative treatment for their child alongside the medical path they are already on. Whether you live around the corner from my practice in Zurich or on another continent, I am here for you in English: by video, in person, in calm conversations parent to parent.
Which Medicinal Plants Can Support Children with ADHD?
In phytotherapy, there are several medicinal plants traditionally used for restlessness, concentration difficulties, and sleep problems. Every child is different, which is why I create an individual plan in my consultations. Here is an overview of plants that have often proven helpful in my work:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Passionflower is considered one of the gentlest calming medicinal plants and is traditionally used for inner restlessness and nervousness. For children, it is particularly well suited as a tea or drops in the evening. In my consultations, I often find that parents notice an improvement in falling asleep first.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Lemon balm is known for its calming and balancing properties. It can help with concentration difficulties and nervous restlessness. Children enjoy the mild, slightly lemony taste as a tea. Lemon balm also combines well with other medicinal plants.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Valerian has been used for centuries for sleep problems and restlessness. For older children, it can be a sensible addition as drops or capsules, especially when falling asleep is difficult. Important: Valerian requires some patience, as the effect often only shows after several days of regular use.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Ginkgo is traditionally associated with concentration and mental performance. The plant is known for its circulation-promoting properties and is used in traditional herbal medicine for concentration difficulties. For children, special age-appropriate preparations are suitable.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lavender can have a calming and mood-lifting effect. It is particularly well suited for external application: a lavender bath in the evening or a scented pillow beside the bed can ease the transition into sleep. Many parents tell me that the scent alone helps their child find calm.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) Hops is valued in herbal medicine as a mild sedative and is often used together with valerian or lemon balm. It can help with evening restlessness and difficulties falling asleep. For children, I usually recommend it as part of a tea blend, as it tastes somewhat bitter on its own.
Important: All herbal recommendations are individually tailored to your child. Medicinal plants do not replace medical treatment but can complement it meaningfully. If you are unsure or symptoms persist, please consult your paediatrician.
Would You Like to Know Which Medicinal Plants Suit Your Child?
In a free 15-minute introductory call, we can discuss whether and how I can support your family.
Free introductory call: +41 79 455 28 35
Also available as a video consultation, worldwide, in 5 languages.
Who Is This Support Suitable For?
Parents of children with an ADHD diagnosis: You are looking for naturopathic approaches that can help your child in everyday life, alongside medical treatment.
Families facing a decision: You want to be comprehensively informed before making treatment decisions and are looking for a second perspective.
Parents of school-age children and teenagers: Concentration difficulties, sleep problems, or school-related stress are weighing on family life.
Families with complex situations: Your child has additional diagnoses alongside ADHD (e.g. Noonan syndrome, allergies, eczema) and you are looking for a holistic approach.
Families worldwide: Through online consultations, I support families internationally, in 5 languages.
More Than Medicinal Plants: My Holistic Approach
Phytotherapy is an important building block, but ADHD affects the entire family routine. That is why I look at these areas together with you:
Nutrition: Certain foods can increase or reduce restlessness. I discuss with you which adjustments might make sense for your child, without turning the family table upside down.
Sleep: Many ADHD children have trouble falling asleep. Together we develop evening routines and discuss which medicinal plants can support sleep.
Movement and daily life: Exercise can work wonders with ADHD. I share strategies from my own experience as an ADHD mother that have proven effective in everyday life.
Working alongside conventional medicine: My approach is always complementary, never a replacement. If your child is taking medication, I respect that. Herbal support and medical treatment are not mutually exclusive.
How a Consultation with Me Works
Free introductory call (15 minutes) We get to know each other, parent to parent, person to person. You tell me about your situation, and together we see if we are a good fit. By phone or video.
Initial consultation (approx. 60 minutes) I take the time you need. We discuss your child's history, existing medical documents, daily routines, and your goals. From this, an individual support plan with herbal recommendations and everyday strategies emerges.
Follow-up consultations (as needed) Medicinal plants need time. In follow-up consultations, we adjust the plan and monitor your child's development. Here too: approx. 60 minutes, with no time pressure.
Also available online I offer video consultations via Zoom, WhatsApp, or Skype, worldwide, in 5 languages: 🇩🇪 Deutsch • 🇬🇧 English • 🇫🇷 Français • 🇮🇹 Italiano • 🇬🇷 Ελληνικά
EMR-registered: Many Swiss supplementary insurance plans cover the costs of my consultations. For international families, I provide detailed invoices for potential reimbursement through your local insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD and Phytotherapy
Can phytotherapy cure ADHD? No, and I do not promise that either. ADHD is not a disease that can be "cured" but a characteristic that can be supported. Medicinal plants can help ease certain accompanying symptoms such as restlessness, sleep problems, and concentration difficulties. They do not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment.
From what age is phytotherapy suitable for ADHD? In principle, medicinal plants can be used for young children, with the selection and dosage adjusted to be age-appropriate. Mild herbs such as lemon balm or chamomile are already suitable for toddlers. For stronger preparations, I discuss suitability individually and in consultation with your paediatrician.
Can I use phytotherapy if my child is already taking medication? Yes, this is actually a common approach. Many families combine medical treatment with herbal support. It is important that your paediatrician is informed. I pay attention to possible interactions and align my plan accordingly.
How long does it take for medicinal plants to work? This varies greatly. Some children show initial changes after just a few days, especially with sleep. Others need a few weeks. Patience is key here, not quick promises. I accompany you on this path and adjust the plan regularly.
Do you also offer online consultations? Yes, I offer worldwide online consultations via video. Especially for ADHD families who do not have a naturopathic practitioner with personal ADHD experience nearby, this is a valuable option. I consult in 5 languages.
Special Situations: ADHD and More
Many children who come to me face additional challenges alongside ADHD: allergies, eczema, sleep disorders, or like my own child, Noonan syndrome. Especially with multiple diagnoses, a holistic perspective is particularly worthwhile. In my consultations, I always look at your child as a whole, with all their individual needs.
I am also an experienced contact for children with syndromal conditions who would benefit from complementary naturopathic support.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars - What Parents Say About the Support
Based on Google reviews:
"Elena Cajka is a wonderful naturopathic practitioner with extensive knowledge and a holistic perspective..." Familie V., Switzerland
Would You Like to Support Your Child with ADHD Through Medicinal Plants?
I know your situation because I live it myself.
In a free 15-minute introductory call, we can calmly discuss whether and how I can support your family. No pressure, no sales pitch, just an honest conversation from parent to parent.
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Elena Cajka
Certified Naturopathic Practitioner (TEN)
Phytotherapy for Children & Adults Zurich and Online