Herbal Remedies for OCD

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a personality disorder characterized by obsessive fears and worries that drive you to practice repetitive behaviors to relieve your anxiety. OCD may be a learned behavior, but doctors also believe it is related to brain chemistry. Conventional treatment may include antidepressants that increase serotonin levels, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbal remedies aim at reducing stress and calming your central nervous system. Consult your health care practitioner before using herbal remedies for OCD.

Bergamot

Bergamot, or Citrus bergamia, is a citrus tree grown in southern Italy that produces a small, lemon-like fruit. Aromatherapists use the volatile oils in the fruit peels to treat anxiety and depression. The oil has a protective effect on nerve cells, according to a study published in the June 2007 issue of the "British Journal of Pharmacology." In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster state that the oil can discourage OCD behavior and they recommend inhaling the diluted oil or adding a few drops to warm bath water. Do not ingest the oil. Bergamot may increase your skin's sensitivity to sun. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of treating OCD symptoms with bergamot.

Kanna

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is an ancient succulent native to South Africa. Folk healers use it as a mental stimulant, and it is also sold commercially to treat depression. In a report published in the October 2008 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," researchers note that the plant contains three alkaloids, mesembrine, mesembranol and mesembranone, which increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood. They state that these alkaloids have anti-anxiety actions for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and other psychological and psychiatric disorders. You can use kanna in several forms, including capsules, teas and tinctures. Do not combine it with other antidepressants, heart medication or alcohol. Get your doctor's OK before using kanna.

Kava

Kava, or Piper methysticum, is an evergreen shrub found throughout Polynesia. Herbalists and local healers use the roots and rhizomes to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Active ingredients include kavalactones, which bind to receptors in the brain to produce a sedative, relaxing effect. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that kava acts like benzodiazepines, which are conventional anti-anxiety drugs. White and Foster recommend capsules or tinctures for treating OCD. Do not use kava if you are pregnant or combine it with alcohol, sedatives or antidepressants. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for instructions on dosage.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial shrub used to treat nervous conditions and chronic pain. Herbalists make teas, extracts and oils from the flowers, which are rich in chemicals with anti-anxiety and antidepressant actions. A standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin may be useful for mild cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to Holisticonline.com. White and Foster recommend capsules or tincture, and advise that it may take up to six weeks to feel any effects. Do not use St. John's wort if you are pregnant or combine it with other anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Discontinue use if you develop gastrointestinal problems. Discuss using St. John's wort with your doctor.