Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition defined by excessive orderliness, attention to detail, and perfectionism. While there are several traditional treatment methods to consider, some have found better luck using herbal remedies for OCD.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety that causes uncontrollable, re-occurring thoughts (obsessions) that can only be nullified with repeated behaviors (compulsions). ¹ These obsessions and compulsions can become so overwhelming that they interfere with daily activities like work, school, and relationships.

People with OCD tend to experience the following symptoms:

• Obsessions – recurring and unwanted thoughts, urges, or mental images that create anxiety. These may include:
  • Aggressive thoughts about oneself or others
  • Fear of contamination (germs)
  • Need to have things in perfect order or symmetrical
  • Taboo thoughts that may involve sex, religion, or harm

• Compulsions – recurring behavior in the hopes of combatting obsessive thoughts. These may include:
  • Arranging things in a precise and orderly manner
  • Constantly checking things (i.e. if the door is locked)
  • Counting
  • Excessive handwashing and/or cleaning

OCD is a common mental illness, with most people diagnosed by the age of 19. However, older adults may develop the condition in response to a traumatic or stressful event. ²

To combat OCD, most doctors will prescribe serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). While there isn’t a known cure for OCD, certain treatments can ease symptoms and make life manageable.

What Causes OCD?

While it’s unclear what causes OCD, scientists believe each of the following factors may play a role:

• Brain Structure – Recent studies have found a significant difference in the frontal cortex and subcortical structure in those struggling with OCD. Due to this, some scientists say these differences in brain structure lead to symptoms. ³

• Environment – Trauma may play a role in the development of OCD. More specifically, childhood trauma has been linked to obsessive-compulsive behaviors. ⁴

• Genetics – Studies have found that if you have a close relative (i.e. parent, sibling, or child) with OCD, you’re at a higher risk of developing the condition. ⁵

Still, if you believe you struggle with OCD, it’s important to consult a doctor. While these causes may be a good indication, scientists still don’t fully understand how OCD forms within the brain.

Best Herbal Remedies for OCD

Since traditional treatment isn’t always efficient, many turn to herbal remedies for OCD. If you’re new to holistic medicine, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of the best supplements for OCD to help you find exactly what you need:

1.) St. John’s Wort

Even though St. John’s Wort is typically used for depression, many European countries have implemented it for anxiety and mood disorders. Studies have found that hypericum, the key ingredient in St. John’s Wort, disrupts the serotonin system. While more research is still necessary, some scientists say that disrupting serotonin is important in treating OCD symptoms. ⁶

In a 2014 study, 12 people with OCD were given St. John’s Wort as a substitute for OCD medication. ⁷ This reduced symptoms and had just as much of an effect as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Unfortunately, this study didn’t compare its results with a placebo. Therefore, the research is inconclusive.

Furthermore, one study with a controlled placebo saw no reduction in OCD symptoms when patients were given St. John’s Wort. With that, it’s difficult to tell how effective this herbal remedy is.

2.) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an amino acid that weakens glutamine and creates glutathione, a vital antioxidant. Due to this, some researchers believe it may help in the treatment of OCD.

As of this time, only one study on a single individual found that NAC improved the efforts of a standard OCD medication, SSR Luvox (fluvoxamine). ⁸ However, NAC has shown a lot of promise with other mental disorders, including depression. ⁹

3.) Milk Thistle

If you’ve used Prozac (fluoxetine) for OCD and are interested in a natural remedy, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) may be an option. While there’s only one significant study, it found that a 600mg dose of milk thistle was just as effective at treating OCD as 30mg of Prozac. The study notes that you must take the substance daily to garner the most effects. ¹⁰

4.) Kava Kava

Several studies have found that Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is effective in anxiety treatment. It can: ¹¹

• Ease mild forms of depression
• Reduce restlessness
• Relieve nerve tension

With such versatility, some scientists believe it may also help in the treatment of OCD. Kavalactone, the key component of Kava, can act as a serotonin stimulator and a gamma amino butyric acid (GAMA) promoter. These features allow it to calm the body and potentially ease symptoms of OCD.

Admittedly, Kava can cause liver problems in certain individuals. ¹² For this reason, you’ll only want to use Kava when your OCD symptoms are at their worst.

5.) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the reasons we experience mental illness is because our bodies lack essential vitamins and minerals. Many scientists believe that supplements of these vitamins give our brain and body the chance to overcome these conditions.

Perhaps one of the most important missing ingredients is omega-3. This essential fatty acid is mostly found in fish and is a key ingredient in regulating several aspects of our health. Researchers have noted that most people with varying mental health issues usually lack the recommended amount of omega-3 in their diet. ¹³

While there’s currently no research looking into omega-3 deficiency and OCD, some studies suggest it can help with various anxiety disorders. ¹⁴

6.) Magnesium

Similar to omega-3s, people with anxiety and stress often lack magnesium. In fact, low levels of magnesium may also lead to fatigue, insomnia, depression, and headaches or muscle pain. Magnesium is an essential mineral that binds itself to calming receptors. It also regulates certain stress hormones, such as cortisol. ¹⁵

While there are no studies linking low magnesium levels with OCD, there are a number that have found it to be a factor of anxiety. Since OCD is a type of anxiety, some scientists say magnesium can help here as well. ¹⁶ Most mental health professionals suggest you take between 400mg and 1200mg.

Final Word

Herbal remedies for OCD are a great option for those who haven’t found success in traditional treatment. However, it can also benefit those looking for another fighting agent in their battle with this condition. While these remedies have not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), many self-reports claim they may help.

Still, you should consult your doctor before taking any of these herbal remedies. Since studies are lacking and we don’t know all the drug interactions, some of these supplements may cause further health complications.

References

¹ Brock H, Rizvi A, Hany M. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 2024 Feb 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 31985955.

² Dykshoorn KL. Trauma-related obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review. Health Psychol Behav Med. 2014 Jan 1;2(1):517-528. doi: 10.1080/21642850.2014.905207. Epub 2014 Apr 23. PMID: 25750799; PMCID: PMC4346088.

³ Norman LJ, Mannella KA, Yang H, Angstadt M, Abelson JL, Himle JA, Fitzgerald KD, Taylor SF. Treatment-Specific Associations Between Brain Activation and Symptom Reduction in OCD Following CBT: A Randomized fMRI Trial. Am J Psychiatry. 2021 Jan 1;178(1):39-47. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19080886. Epub 2020 Aug 28. PMID: 32854533; PMCID: PMC8528223.

⁴ Mathews CA, Kaur N, Stein MB. Childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Depress Anxiety. 2008;25(9):742-51. doi: 10.1002/da.20316. PMID: 17557315.

⁵ Pauls DL. The genetics of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2010;12(2):149-63. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2010.12.2/dpauls. PMID: 20623920; PMCID: PMC3181951.

⁶ Taylor LH, Kobak KA. An open-label trial of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Aug;61(8):575-8. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v61n0806. PMID: 10982200.

⁷ Baek JH, Nierenberg AA, Kinrys G. Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2014 Aug;48(8):705-15. doi: 10.1177/0004867414539198. Epub 2014 Jun 19. PMID: 24947278.

⁸ Camfield DA, Sarris J, Berk M. Nutraceuticals in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): a review of mechanistic and clinical evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2011 Jun 1;35(4):887-95. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.011. Epub 2011 Feb 23. PMID: 21352883.

⁹ Dean O, Giorlando F, Berk M. N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2011 Mar;36(2):78-86. doi: 10.1503/jpn.100057. PMID: 21118657; PMCID: PMC3044191.

¹⁰ Sayyah M, Boostani H, Pakseresht S, Malayeri A. Comparison of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. with fluoxetine in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2010 Mar 17;34(2):362-5. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.12.016. Epub 2009 Dec 24. PMID: 20035818.

¹¹ Savage KM, Stough CK, Byrne GJ, Scholey A, Bousman C, Murphy J, Macdonald P, Suo C, Hughes M, Thomas S, Teschke R, Xing C, Sarris J. Kava for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (K-GAD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2015 Nov 2;16:493. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5. PMID: 26527536; PMCID: PMC4630875.

¹² Teschke R. Kava hepatotoxicity: pathogenetic aspects and prospective considerations. Liver Int. 2010 Oct;30(9):1270-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02308.x. PMID: 20630022.

¹³ Ross BM, Seguin J, Sieswerda LE. Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which disorder and which fatty acid? Lipids Health Dis. 2007 Sep 18;6:21. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-6-21. PMID: 17877810; PMCID: PMC2071911.

¹⁴ Su KP, Tseng PT, Lin PY, Okubo R, Chen TY, Chen YW, Matsuoka YJ. Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2018 Sep 7;1(5):e182327. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.2327. PMID: 30646157; PMCID: PMC6324500.

¹⁵ Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017 Apr 26;9(5):429. doi: 10.3390/nu9050429. PMID: 28445426; PMCID: PMC5452159.

¹⁶ Kuygun Karcı C, Gül Celik G. Nutritional and herbal supplements in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. Gen Psychiatr. 2020 Mar 11;33(2):e100159. doi: 10.1136/gpsych-2019-100159. PMID: 32215361; PMCID: PMC7066598.