Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of nourishing the liver and kidney on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder （ADHD）.Methods Seventy ADHD cases were randomized into treatment group and control group with 35 in each. The treatment group was administered Chinese herbal decoction for oral taking while the control group was given Methylphenidate （Ritalin） for oral taking. Both groups were treated for 3 months for observation of general effect and TCM syndrome effect. The cancellation test was carried out to observe the hyperactivity index and untoward reactions.Results The clinical total effective rate was 74.3% in the treatment group and that was 77.1% in the control group

without significant difference （P>0.05）. The total effective rate of TCM syndrome effect in the treatment group was 91.4% and that was 65.7% in the control group

with a significant difference （P<0.05）. In the cancellation test

the cancellation score

mistaken rate

and hyperactivity index of both groups were not significantly different

but two weeks after medication

the hyperactivity index of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group （P<0.05）. There was no obvious untoward reaction found in the treatment group（P>0.05）

whilst in the control group

34% of cases had nausea and poor appetite.Conclusion Nourishing the liver and kidney is an effective therapy for children with ADHD. It can significantly improve the symptoms and related indices.