Herbal Remedies for Autism: What the Evidence Says

Herbal remedies for autism, such as saffron, ginkgo, curcumin, chamomile and broccoli sprout extract, are widely sold, but none has been proven to treat autism. Most studies are small, short or done only in animals. Herbs can also cause side effects, interact with medicines, or be contaminated. Always talk to your child’s doctor before trying any herbal product.

Why families look at herbal remedies for autism

Many parents want gentle, natural options, and herbal remedies for autism are easy to buy online. Some families also come from cultures where herbal or traditional medicine is part of everyday care. These are understandable reasons to ask questions.

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists vitamin and supplement treatments among approaches that have not shown effectiveness for autism [13]. Being open with your doctor about what you are considering helps keep your child safe.

What the research says about herbal remedies for autism

Overall reviews

A 2017 systematic review searched 13 databases and found 10 randomized trials of herbal medicine in 567 autistic children. Most combined herbal formulas with other therapies. Some reported better autism rating scores, but the authors said the studies had low methodological quality and small samples, and called the results “encouraging but inconclusive” [1].

Ginkgo biloba

In a double-blind trial, 47 autistic children aged 4 to 12 took risperidone plus either ginkgo extract or placebo. Ginkgo made no significant difference on any behavior subscale [2]. Doses used in that study were 80 to 120 mg a day of extract, based on weight [2]. This is an older, single study, but it is the clearest controlled test of ginkgo in autism we found.

Saffron

Saffron has been tested in children with ADHD. A small six-week pilot trial in 54 children compared saffron with methylphenidate (a stimulant) and found no significant difference between groups. The authors said larger, longer studies are needed [4]. We did not find published controlled trials of saffron in autistic children at the time of writing, so any claims that saffron treats autism go beyond the evidence.

Curcumin (turmeric)

Curcumin, from turmeric, is often promoted for “inflammation” in autism. Interest comes mainly from laboratory and animal research. We did not find completed, published controlled trials in autistic children when we checked. NCCIH warns that some highly absorbable curcumin products have been linked to liver injury [6].

Chamomile

Chamomile is popular for calm and sleep. NCCIH reports very little evidence for insomnia, with one study showing no benefit, and only preliminary evidence for anxiety in adults [7]. We found no controlled trials in autistic children.

Sulforaphane (broccoli sprout extract)

In a randomized trial of 57 autistic children aged 3 to 12, sulforaphane did not significantly improve the main outcome compared with placebo. One behavior checklist showed improvement at 15 weeks, but other analyses did not agree, and social responsiveness did not change. Reported side effects included sleep problems, irritability and dislike of the taste or smell [3].

How to read claims about herbal remedies for autism

When you see a claim online, ask a few questions. Was the study done in autistic children, or only in cells, animals or adults? Was there a placebo group, and did families and raters know who got the herb? How many children took part, and for how long? Was the product a single herb or a mix of many? A positive result from a small, unblinded study of a multi-herb formula tells us very little about a single herb bought online.

How strong is the evidence?

For herbal remedies for autism, the evidence is very weak. There are few trials, they are small and short, products vary, and results often do not repeat. That means we cannot say any herb works, and we also know little about long-term safety in children.

Safety: side effects, interactions and contamination

Side effects

• Ginkgo: dizziness, stomach upset and headache are the most common. It may increase bleeding risk in people on blood thinners. Raw ginkgo seeds are toxic [5].
• Turmeric and curcumin: nausea, reflux, diarrhea or constipation. Liver damage has been reported with some high-absorption products [6].
• Chamomile: allergic reactions, including rare severe reactions, are more likely in people allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds or chrysanthemums [7].

Interactions with medicines

NCCIH warns that many herbs can interact with medicines. St. John’s wort and goldenseal carry a high risk of interactions, and ginkgo with warfarin is linked to major bleeding [8]. Chamomile may interact with warfarin and some medicines broken down by the liver, and in theory with sedatives [7]. Many herbs have never been studied alongside medicines often used by autistic children, such as risperidone, aripiprazole or ADHD medicines. Learn more in our guide to autism medication.

Contamination and quality

A study of Ayurvedic medicines bought online found that 20.7% contained lead, mercury or arsenic, including products made in the US. All of the metal-containing products exceeded at least one safety limit [9]. The CDC warns that lead has been found in some traditional medicines and imported products, and that only lab testing can tell for sure [10].

In the US, the FDA does not approve or test dietary supplements before they are sold [11]. The FDA also warns that unproven products claiming to cure or treat autism are misleading and can cause serious harm [12]. For more, see unproven autism treatments to avoid.

What you can do at home

• Make a full list. Write down every herb, tea, supplement and traditional remedy your child takes, including ones from relatives or other countries.
• Be wary of big promises. Words like “cure”, “detox” or “reverses autism” are red flags.
• Do not stop prescribed medicine to try a herbal product without your doctor’s advice.
• Try one change at a time and set a clear goal, such as falling asleep faster, so you can judge honestly.
• Use proven supports for sleep and anxiety. Our guide to autism sleep problems has practical ideas.

Questions to ask your doctor about herbal remedies for autism

• Is this herb safe for a child of my child’s age and weight?
• Could it interact with my child’s current medicines or affect bleeding or the liver?
• Is there any good research in autistic children, or only in adults or animals?
• If we try it, what should we watch for, and when should we stop?
• Should my child have a blood lead test if they have used imported or traditional remedies?

When to talk to a professional

Talk to your child’s doctor and pharmacist before giving any herbal remedies for autism or for related concerns like sleep or anxiety, and tell them about anything your child already takes. Stop the product and seek medical advice if your child develops a rash, swelling, unusual bruising, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or new behavior changes. Call emergency services for trouble breathing or a seizure. See our medical disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any herbal remedies proven to help autism?

No herbal remedy has been proven to treat autism. A systematic review of herbal medicine trials described the results as encouraging but inconclusive because the studies were small and of low quality. Single herbs such as ginkgo have not shown clear benefits in controlled trials. Products marketed as autism treatments are not FDA-approved and may be unsafe.

Is chamomile tea safe for my autistic child?

Chamomile is likely safe in the amounts found in teas, according to NCCIH, but it can cause allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to ragweed, daisies or marigolds. It may interact with some medicines, including warfarin and sedatives. There is very little evidence that it helps sleep. Check with your child’s doctor, especially if your child takes other medicines.

Can herbal supplements interact with my child’s autism medicines?

Yes, some can. Herbs can change how the body handles certain medicines or add to their effects. St. John’s wort and goldenseal carry a high interaction risk, and ginkgo can raise bleeding risk with blood thinners. Many herbs have never been tested alongside medicines children with autism commonly take, so always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every product.

Are traditional or imported remedies safe?

Not always. A study of Ayurvedic medicines sold online found that about one in five contained lead, mercury or arsenic. The CDC warns that some traditional medicines and imported products contain lead, which you cannot see or taste. If your child has taken such a remedy, tell your doctor, who may check a blood lead level.

References

1. Bang M, Lee SH, Cho SH, et al. Herbal Medicine Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;2017:8614680. Link
2. Hasanzadeh E, Mohammadi MR, Ghanizadeh A, et al. A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Ginkgo biloba Added to Risperidone in Patients with Autistic Disorders. Child Psychiatry and Human Development. 2012;43:674-682. Link
3. Zimmerman AW, Singh K, Connors SL, et al. Randomized controlled trial of sulforaphane and metabolite discovery in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecular Autism. 2021;12. Link
4. Baziar S, Aqamolaei A, Khadem E, et al. Crocus sativus L. Versus Methylphenidate in Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2019;29(3):205-212. Link
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Ginkgo: Usefulness and Safety. Updated February 2025. Link
6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety. Updated April 2025. Link
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety. Updated November 2024. Link
8. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Herb-Drug Interactions: What the Science Says. December 2024. Link
9. Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A, Khouri N, Davis RB, Paquin J, Thuppil V, Kales SN. Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet. JAMA. 2008;300(8):915-923. Link
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Lead in Foods, Cosmetics, and Medicines. Updated August 20, 2025. Link
11. US Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements. Updated August 27, 2026. Link
12. US Food and Drug Administration. Medication Health Fraud for Specific Diseases and Conditions. Updated January 28, 2026. Link
13. Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM; Council on Children With Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193447. Link

Professional review: this guide is waiting for review by a qualified clinician. It was written and checked against the published sources listed above. How we check our guides.

This guide is general education, not medical advice. Always talk to your child’s doctor or care team. Last checked: October 2026.