Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, causes a significant impact on your life. Your ability to function and your overall sense of well-being can be severely limited by symptoms of OCD. While a number of therapies can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, some people believe in the efficacy of herbal remedies like rhodiola on alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorders like OCD. You should not use any herbal remedy unless under your doctor's supervision.
About Rhodiola
The herb rhodiola rosea, also known by several other names including golden root and artic root, is a remedy that has been used in traditional and herbal medicines for hundreds of years. According to the Tufts Medical Center, rhodiola has been used in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and other European countries for a number of uses, including improving feelings of well-being, alleviating fatigue and assisting immune function. Rhodiola is considered to be an adaptogenic herb, which means that it purportedly helps your body fight external stressors with a minimum of side effects. A limited number of studies have shown that rhodiola may have anxiolytic, or anxiety-alleviating, properties; however, its specific uses for OCD have not been confirmed.
OCD Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can cause a number of debilitating symptoms. The characteristic features of OCD are obsessions, which are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, and compulsions, or repetitive, uncontrollable behaviors that are used in an effort to alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessions. Common compulsions include checking behaviors, hand-washing or engaging in other cleanliness routines and counting, such as counting the cracks in a sidewalk while walking. Although there is no cure for OCD, medication, psychotherapy and self-help measures may help manage symptoms. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that herbal remedies like rhodiola may also provide some benefits.
Clinical Evidence
Most of the clinical evidence regarding rhodiola's effectiveness have confirmed its anxiolytic effects, however, there are no specific studies regarding its uses for OCD. One study, published in the January 2007 issue of the journal "Phytotherapy Research," demonstrated that rhodiola extracts had an anxiety-relieving, adaptogenic and antidepressant effect on laboratory mice. Another study, published in the March 2008 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," found that rhodiola was beneficial for reducing symptoms of anxiety in patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. A clinical review published in 2009 in the "Alternative Medicine Review" suggests that rhodiola may provide benefits for stress, insomnia and fatigue, symptoms that are often consistent with anxiety disorders like OCD. While these studies show promise for reducing anxiety, specific clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of rhodiola on patients suffering from OCD.
Considerations
While the available clinical evidence appears to support rhodiola's benefits for anxiety, there is little evidence to suggest its efficacy for alleviating symptoms of OCD. According to Tufts Medical Center, there are no known safety issues associated with rhodiola. However, you should consult your doctor if you choose to use an herbal remedy such as rhodiola. If you think you may have OCD, consult your doctor to discuss possible treatment options.
References
- Tufts Medical Center: Rhodiola Rosea
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice; M. Parfumi and L. Mattioli; January 2007
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A Pilot Study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax®) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD); A. Bystritsky, et al; March 2008
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Nutrients and Botanicals for the Treatment of Stress: Adrenal Fatigue, Neurotransmitter Imbalance, Anxiety and Restless Sleep; K. Head and G. Kelly; 2009
