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Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, affecting about 5% of children worldwide. Stimulant and non-stimulant medicines are effective, but many families seek complementary approaches, including Ayurveda. Classical Ayurveda does not describe ADHD as a single disease, but its concepts of mental constitution, Vata imbalance, Medhya Rasayana and child care (Kaumarabhritya) offer a framework for understanding and supportive management. Objective: To describe how ADHD can be understood within Ayurvedic concepts and to review the evidence for Ayurvedic and related interventions in children with attention and hyperactivity problems. Methods: Narrative review of classical texts on child health and mental function, and of systematic reviews, randomised trials and observational studies of Bacopa-based formulations, compound herbal preparations, dietary and mind–body interventions. Results: ADHD symptoms can be interpreted in Ayurveda as features of Vata and Rajas aggravation affecting Manovaha Srotas, with impairment of Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti. Systematic reviews of Bacopa monnieri and Bacopa-dominant polyherbal formulas in children report improvements in attention, impulsivity and some aspects of hyperactivity, but evidence is modest and studies are heterogeneous. A randomised trial of a compound herbal preparation containing Ayurvedic herbs reported improved attention scores in children with ADHD, but dropout was much higher in the placebo group. Evidence for dietary and meditation-based interventions is mixed. Higher digital media use has been associated with subsequent ADHD symptoms in adolescents. Conclusion: Ayurveda may contribute supportive approaches for children with ADHD, especially in routine, diet, sleep and screen-time management and possibly Medhya herbs. Current evidence does not support Ayurvedic treatment as a replacement for evidence-based care. Rigorous paediatric trials with careful safety monitoring are needed.

Keywords: ADHD; children; Ayurveda; Kaumarabhritya; Medhya Rasayana; Bacopa monnieri; Brahmi; screen time