8 Natural Remedies And Therapies That Can Help To Reduce Symptoms Of OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a common and chronic psychiatric disorder that is characterized by compulsions (repetitive actions) and obsessions (repetitive thoughts). It is known to affect 3% of all adults and 1% of all children.

Research over the years has shown that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of OCD. Furthermore, research also indicates that OCD can even be inherited. However, experiencing abuse or trauma as a child increases the risk of developing OCD.

Both adults and children suffering from this ailment have high levels of the stress hormone called cortisol in their blood and increased glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) in their brain.

Moreover, they also have lower gamma-Aminobutyric acid or GABA and serotonin (both of which are relaxing neurotransmitters) in their brains.

And although therapy and medication are the standard modes of treatment for this disease, many people prefer to treat their OCD without depending on medicines; that is to say, they prefer natural remedies for OCD.

Following are some of the common natural remedies for OCD anxiety disorder and therapies that can help you reduce your symptoms:

• Milk Thistle:

This is one of the many natural remedies for OCD that goes toe to toe against Rx drugs.

According to an 8-week long study that was published in the famous Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 600 mg of thistle milk extract was as effective as 30 mg of fluoxetine, an anti-depressant prescribed to patients with anxiety disorders.

Milk thistle has silymarin, which is a flavonoid complex that has been proven to show increased levels of the mood-related neurotransmitter serotonin in mice.

• John’s Wort:

Despite the controversy regarding St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or SJW’seffectiveness as anti-depressants, it is still used to treat psychiatric disorders like OCD.

A study involving 12 people with OCD showed that OCD symptoms were reduced after taking SJW, although the results, in this case, were similar to what would be expected with treatment with SSRIs. It is important to note here that the study did not take into account the placebo effect.

So, why it still used, you might ask?

Well, anti-depressants like Anafranil and Paxil target our serotonin system and are also useful in treating OCD. This has led many to suggest that St. John’s Wort can be used as one of the many herbal remedies for OCD and other alternative modes of therapy. However, it is best to talk with your doctor first if you really want to try SJW to treat OCD.

• Borage Oil:

The oil extracted from the borage plant contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is a well-known inflammatory.

In a 6 week trial, researchers gave 44 patients suffering from OCD a daily dose of 500 mg of borage oil or a placebo. Results from the study published in the famous Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry showed that after 4 weeks and then again after 6 weeks, symptoms in patients who were taking borage oil were significantly reduced and that they were feeling less anxious as well.

(CAUTION: borage can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women and can even worsen liver disease.)

 

• Ashwagandha:

Often referred to as the “Indian Ginseng”, Ashwagandha (Withania sominifera) is one of the most popular Indian herbs used for more than 3000 years.

It is also known as an “adaptogen,”a compound responsible for restoring our body’s normal functioning after chronic stress.

In a study, 30 people suffering from OCD took Ashwagandha for 6 straight weeks. Results from this test showed that OCD symptoms were reduced significantly.

How does it work?

Ashwagandha is known to increase serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid or GABA in our brain and lowers cortisol levels by about 25%.

• Saffron:

  

This spice derived from the Crocus sativus plant has many health benefits due to the presence of multiple medicinal compounds within it.

As a matter of fact, saffron is one of the best supplements and natural remedies for OCD and anxiety.

Two compounds within the saffron called Safranal and Crocetin stimulate GABA receptors and increase your serotonin levels in the brain. For this reason, researchers have concluded that saffron can be used to reduce compulsive behaviour.

• Exercise:

There are several smaller studies that clearly suggest that regular activity can go a long way in alleviating the symptoms of OCD.

According to one study published in the Journal of Preventative Medicine & Public Health, regular walks reduced symptoms of OCD at 6 weeks and a month later.

Yet another study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders shows that moderate to intense aerobic exercise can significantly reduce obsessions and compulsions only within a week.

• Meditation:

Meditation is one of the favorite daily activities of people worldwide as it helps you relax and ground yourself. And if you have OCD, you should definitely give meditation a try.

In a study, patients suffering from OCD were given mindfulness training and were taught how to do meditative breathing, mindful daily living, and body-scan.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that the OCD symptoms were significantly reduced, and it was much easier for them to “let go.”

• Music Therapy:

Music can be very healing and have a relaxing and calming effect on your brain.

Music can naturally reduce the stress hormone called cortisol and increase dopamine and oxytocin, commonly referred to as “happy hormones.”

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders even showed that music therapy reduced obsession and anxiety symptoms in patients with OCD.

• Light Therapy:

This mode of therapy is especially effective for those who experience seasonal OCD.

A case study published in the Industry Psychiatry Journal showed that a woman who developed OCD during winter got relief from the symptoms after just 2 hours of light therapy a day for two straight weeks.

It also helped to lift her mood and ease her symptoms of obsession. What’s more, she did not relapse for the next 16 months and made it through the following winter.

So these were some of the therapies and natural remedies for OCD that you can go for to get relief from OCD. However, whichever form of treatment or remedy you choose, it would be wise of you to consult with a specialist first. Also, don’t jump from one treatment to another without discussing it with your doctor.