Get a better understanding of the various natural remedies that people with OCD have used to manage the symptoms of the condition. Plus, learn why experts don’t recommend relying on natural remedies to manage OCD and what the most effective treatment actually is.
It’s an understatement that living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging. People with OCD spend an average of 14-17 years struggling with the condition before they even receive a diagnosis—and then often face difficulties to find the proper treatment for OCD.
In an effort to get better, rather than losing more precious time to OCD, many people ask the question: Can alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies and supplements, work for OCD?
Let’s take a look at the science so you can walk away feeling informed about all your treatment options—whether they come from an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement bottle or a more traditional route.
Natural remedies and OCD
Let’s start with the basics: ”There’s no evidence right now of natural remedies having a significant impact on OCD,” says Dr. Patrick McGrath, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD. Currently, there are no natural remedies or supplements that have been approved by the FDA to treat OCD. This makes it even more critical to do your research before turning to the supplement aisle for relief from your symptoms.
It’s always a good idea to tell your doctor you’re thinking about taking supplements or natural remedies. For one thing, certain supplements can change how other medications you may be taking impact you. For example, if you’re taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for OCD, you need to be careful about supplements that boost your serotonin levels, which could put you at risk of serotonin syndrome.
Regardless of any natural treatments you choose to take, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) remains the most effective treatment for people with OCD, working to break what’s known as the OCD cycle. You perform a compulsion to find relief from the distress caused by your obsession, and inevitably the obsession returns. This cycle causes intense anxiety and interferes greatly with day-to-day life.
“I’m not saying that herbal remedies and supplements don’t work,” Dr. McGrath said. “But, I do think you need to try ERP or actively do ERP for OCD.” While supplements are unlikely to quell OCD’s main symptoms—obsessions and compulsions—McGrath says that certain supplements may be able to help with other related symptoms. That might look like taking something to help with insomnia, for instance. ”Some people report that their OCD is worse when they’re tired,” Dr. McGrath says. “If you get great sleep, then you can be energized during the day and be able to fall asleep well at night.”
Find the right OCD therapist for you
All our therapists are licensed and trained in exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD.
What the science says about natural remedies and supplements
Here’s a round-up of natural alternatives that people have turned to in an attempt to reduce OCD symptoms, plus key facts and potential side-effects you should know about.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub most often used to treat depression. Products containing St. John’s wort can come in the form of capsules, teas, tablets, and liquid extracts.
While no one cause of OCD has been established, there is a serotonin hypothesis of OCD that an imbalance in neurotransmitters plays a role in the condition—but there’s little research backing this up. Still, it’s led some to believe that OCD should be treated by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, often serotonin. Research is still unclear if St. John’s Wort impacts serotonin levels, but since it has seen some evidence in treating major depressive symptoms, researchers have begun to explore whether the supplement can help with OCD.
Their findings are mixed. Some research found significant improvements in OCD symptoms. However, the reduction in symptoms for those who took St. John’s Wort was not different from those who received a placebo.
As for side effects, St. John’s Wort can cause diarrhea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and skin tingling in some people. It can also weaken the effects of many medications—including SSRIs, birth control pills, and some heart medications—so it’s best to consult your doctor before trying it out.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Milk thistle extracts are widely used to protect the liver against toxins and control chronic liver diseases, and it’s also said to help with breast milk production and diabetes symptoms.
Studies (albeit on rats) revealed that milk thistle interacts with neurotransmitters, and may have a role in regulating mood disorders like anxiety and depression. One randomized controlled trial on milk thistle for OCD treatment was conducted in 2010 with 35 participants, and compared it to fluoxetine (Prozac). The results indicated no significant differences in treatment effects between milk thistle (600 mg/day) and fluoxetine.
But given the very small sample size, clinical efficacy of milk thistle was not clearly established.
What’s more, while you may think milk thistle is side-effect-free compared to a medication such as Prozac, it can lead to adverse effects including gastrointestinal problems, headaches, skin reactions, and more.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC is FDA-approved for treating pneumonia, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions. By replenishing levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body, NAC can protect cells from damage. Taken as a supplement, the amino acid was also found to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that may contribute to certain mental health disorders.
As for whether it may be beneficial for OCD, in a 2006 case study, researchers found a significant improvement in OCD symptoms with the addition of NAC (3000 mg/day) compared to fluvoxamine—an SSRI. However, a series of six case reports on patients with treatment-resistant severe OCD found that NAC (3000 mg/day) showed limited effectiveness. Translation: Evidence isn’t consistent enough to make a call on NAC for OCD.
Side effects of NAC include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, gastroesophageal reflux, and allergic reactions.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (HTP)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. As a supplement, 5-HTP is made from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
HTP can help raise serotonin levels, which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.
But before putting anything in your body that may increase serotonin, keep in mind that the exact link between serotonin and OCD is still largely unknown. What’s more, we don’t have conclusive studies about the benefits of 5-HTP for OCD.
Be extra cautious that combining tryptophan with an SSRI carries the risk of serotonin syndrome—so it’s best to check with your healthcare provider first.
Other side effects of 5-HTP include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Valerian root
The plant (Valeriana officinalis) is associated with the regulation of GABA, and it’s sometimes used by people trying to manage anxiety, insomnia, and migraines.
One double-blind study with 31 participants looked at valerian extract for treating OCD, and found that the plant was more effective than the placebo in alleviating OCD symptoms. But again: these results were only found in one study.
That said, since sleep problems are commonly associated with OCD, your doctor can let you know if valerian root may be a helpful sleep aid—not a replacement for ERP.
Valerian is usually well-tolerated, but when side effects happen, they can include headache, stomach upset, and mental dullness.
Borage seed oil
Borage seed oil is derived from the seeds of the plant (Echium amoenum or Iranian borage).
Generally, borage has been marketed as an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, atopic dermatitis, premenstrual syndrome, and symptoms related to menopause.
In a 2009 study with 24 participants, borage extract was compared with placebo in OCD treatment. While there was no significant difference between the groups in the first week, a significant difference occurred at week 4 and week 6, improving anxiety. However, there are limited OCD studies on borage.
Borage supplements tend to be associated with mild side effects, gas, bloating, and indigestion. Still, it’s best to wait for further research before considering borage seed oil an effective alternative treatment for OCD.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a large role in overall health, but it can be challenging to absorb adequate levels—especially in the colder months. “While there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that symptoms of OCD may worsen for some people during the winter months, the scientific literature on this topic is limited and inconclusive,” explains Nicholas Farrell, PhD, Director of Clinical Development and Programming at NOCD.
A 2017 study of 52 participants with pediatric OCD vitamin D levels were lower in children and teens with OCD. However, a 2018 study by the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry found that there were no significant differences in vitamin D in people with or without OCD. Additionally, “one recent paper published in the Archives of Neuropsychiatry found that the severity of OCD symptoms did not show meaningful seasonal changes,” adds Farrell.
Again, vitamin D may be necessary if you have a deficiency and your doctor recommends it, but we don’t have enough evidence to make the call on its role for OCD.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. For instance, low levels of B12 may be linked to depression.
One 2014 study found that vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher in patients with OCD. That said, other studies showed no significant differences between OCD and controlled groups.
Keep in mind, most people under the age of 50 meet their B12 requirement with diet, and supplementation likely won’t help if you don’t have a deficiency. However, if you’re over 50 or blood tests indicate you have trouble meeting your daily quote, a B12 supplement can be helpful for overall health. Vitamin B12 is generally safe, and it’s a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that your body excretes what you don’t need in your urine.
Just keep in mind that the jury is still out on whether it plays a meaningful role in OCD.
CBD
There’s no hard evidence that CBD (cannabidiol) improves OCD symptoms, though some people anecdotally report that it helps with their anxiety. Recent research found that, while CBD may have potential therapeutic effects for various conditions, it did not show significant results in lowering OCD symptoms.
It’s important to note that the dosage and purity of CBD may be unreliable, and CBD that contains THC can have psychoactive properties that might worsen OCD symptoms and other mental health issues. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are considering using CBD, especially if you have experience with a substance use disorder.
Issues with unregulated supplements and limited research
A number of OTC supplements have been examined for their potential to treat OCD. St. John’s Wort, milk thistle, valerian root, and borage are among the herbal supplements that have been marketed as beneficial for OCD symptoms.
But despite marketing efforts, there’s limited definitive research on how well they’ll actually work. Keep in mind that this is an issue that goes beyond treating OCD. The supplement industry as a whole has exploded in the U.S., and dubious claims about “natural remedies” are everywhere. The fact remains that supplements have not been rigorously tested to prove their effectiveness.
While you might think of vitamins and supplements in the same vein, they’re a bit different. Vitamins refer to specific nutrients the body needs to function, whereas “supplements” is colloquially used as a catch-all for all non-food additions you may take to supplement your diet, including herbs, minerals, botanicals, and vitamins you’re not already getting from the food you eat.
“Some people think a supplement might be great because it’s labeled as ‘herbal’ or ‘organic,’ but none of these are approved by the FDA,” says Dr. McGrath. The FDA is responsible for some aspects of supplement regulation, but it doesn’t test all of them for safety or effectiveness. Although the FDA must evaluate and approve all drugs before they can be sold or marketed, supplements are regulated as food—so they don’t require FDA approval for sale.
Evidence-based treatment for OCD
As mentioned earlier, all of the supplements on this list are still being studied and haven’t resulted in any conclusive results suggesting that they can be a replacement for evidence-based treatment for OCD.
Until you try treatment for OCD that has decades of clinical research behind it, you haven’t given yourself the fair chance you deserve—to recover and live a life free from OCD’s grip. ERP therapy is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is highly effective in helping people manage OCD.
During ERP, you’ll work with a trained therapist to gradually expose yourself to your triggers and intrusive thoughts. The goal is to find new ways of responding to your obsessions—things that don’t involve compulsions. You can do ERP in-person or virtually or at a residential treatment center.
Additionally, there are medications for OCD including SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine—which are all FDA-approved. When therapy alone isn’t enough, sometimes adding medication to your ERP therapy plan is helpful./dy
Lifestyle factors
Another way to keep your OCD at bay is to focus on your overall health. It’s important to stay on top of your sleep, diet, and exercise. Mindfulness is often used alongside ERP therapy as a response prevention strategy.
Bottom line
If you’re reading this article, it may be because you’re looking for something “more natural” than pharmaceuticals to treat your OCD. However, Dr. McGrath notes that just because something is natural doesn’t always mean it’s better. “I’m not saying that supplements don’t work, but there are other options like therapy that involve learning, failing, and trying,” Dr. McGrath says. Remember: ERP therapy does not involve any medicine or any invasive procedures. “What is more natural than ERP?” he adds.
Key takeaways
- Experts say that natural remedies like supplements and herbs will not successfully manage OCD when used on their own.
- The most effective treatment option for OCD is ERP therapy, where you confront your fears and learn strategies to refrain from doing compulsions
- While there’s a limited body of research around natural remedies for OCD, some people have seen success using these methods. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or herbs.