Sarah JamesParticularly as therapies for anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, alternative medications like herbal remedies have been gaining favor (OCD). It’s vital to keep study quality and the consistency of research outcomes in mind when analyzing the science underlying each treatment. It’s a good idea to consider any possible adverse effects and security issues.
Standards for Herbal Remedy Research
There are nutritional supplements for OCD and anxiety. But before you decide to take one, you should educate yourself about the benefits backed by data and any possible adverse effects.
There is currently insufficient proof that herbal treatments like those listed below effectively reduce the intensity of OCD symptoms. But studies continue.
The majority of herbal treatments are sold without a prescription at pharmacies. Before taking any supplement, you should consult your physician. Many of these dietary supplements can interfere with (increase or decrease) the effects of prescription drugs and have adverse effects.
1. St John’s Wort
Though there is some debate on its efficacy in treating depression and other types of mental illness, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is best known as a herbal anti-depressant. St. John’s Wort has been widely used (and, in some circumstances, approved) to treat mood and anxiety disorders throughout Europe for many years.
The main component of St. John’s Wort—seems to have an impact on the serotonin system.
The development of OCD symptoms is thought to be influenced by disturbances in the serotonin pathway.
St. John’s wort has been proposed as a potential complementary treatment for easing OCD symptoms. However, there isn’t much proof that it works well as an OCD treatment.
2. Milk Thistle
Iranians have traditionally utilised the herbal treatment milk thistle (Silybum marianum). The effectiveness of milk thistle in treating OCD was compared to that of the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled research in 2010. (600 milligrammes of milk thistle vs 30 milligrammes of Prozac daily). It was discovered that the symptoms of OCD were not significantly different between milk thistle and Prozac.
3. N-Acetylcysteine
An amino acid called N-acetylcysteine controls the brain’s glutamine levels. The crucial antioxidant glutathione is produced with the aid of N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine enhanced the effects of the SSRI Luvox (fluvoxamine), leading to a much lower incidence of OCD symptoms, according to a single research involving a single subject.
4. 5-HTP and Inositol
Other herbs that act in this route have also been thought about for their potential advantages because the imbalance of serotonergic and glutamatergic pathways in the brain appears to occur with OCD. 3 These include inositol and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), among others.
5. Kava (Piper Methysticum)
Clinical studies have shown that the herbal medicine kava can lessen anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness, and mild melancholy. It has been practised in Polynesia, the Micronesia Islands, and Hawaii for hundreds of years.
Kavalactone, the main ingredient in kava, promotes the body’s production of serotonin and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), both of which have relaxing effects. It is preferable to consume fewer than 250 mg of water-based extract per day when taking kava. Kava should not be consumed while nursing or pregnant.
Some nations have prohibited or limited kava due to claims that it may cause liver problems in some people.
Side Effects
Even while many customers assume that herbal remedies are safer and less likely to cause side effects than prescription drugs, medicines like St. John’s Wort are not as strictly monitored as traditional drugs are, and they may have unpleasant or even harmful side effects in certain individuals.
Additionally, herbal remedies may conflict with any existing prescription prescriptions you’re using.
For instance, it is imperative that you speak with your treating physician before taking St. John’s wort as it may interfere with your body’s capacity to metabolize an SSRI that you are already taking to treat OCD. This might result in serotonin syndrome, a condition.
Also read – https://herbalrelm.com/2022/11/03/chlorella-and-its-benefits/