Understanding what is obsessive compulsive disorder
OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder characterized with obsessive thoughts and irrational fears could make one have behavioral patterns that are obsessive. It is rather interesting to note that medical professionals have yet not been able to know the exact cause for this disorder, but relate stress, insufficient serotonin in the brain and genes to be the main cause for this chronic disorder and look more into helping relieve symptoms rather than a permanent cure.
It is still more revealing to note that though most of these compulsions and obsessions may seem irrational, yet many may find it difficult to push aside worries like germs, dirt, and contamination, obsession for disorder, fear of negative or negative impulses and thoughts, distasteful religious or sexual thoughts, obsession for safety of self and others and fear of losing objects of no value at all. You would also notice that they are obsessive of washing hands, cleaning household items, bathing and could check and recheck many times on doors being locked, repeating names and phrases and all this could make them liable to suffer in all aspects of their life.
It is quite encouraging to find that many herbal remedies have helped treat the symptoms of this disorder. It is to be recognized that herbal remedies prove as effective substitutes that are relatively cheaper and safer, however it is always prudent to check up with medical practitioners and specialists before taking them
Know the wonder herbs to treat symptoms of Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
The perennial herb of Europe, St. John’s wort, or Hypericum perforatum has proved as a wonderful treatment for mild depression, wounds, burns, anxiety, headaches, backaches and gastrointestinal problems. Hyperforin, the active ingredient in it proves very effective both as an anxiolytic and antidepressant as it helps to increase the availability of gamma-amino butyric acid, serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine that plays a role in regulation of moods. This herb has proved as effective substitutes for SSRI drugs. A dose of 300mg thrice daily helps, however a doctors advice is preferable if you are taking other medications.
The herb Bergamot or Citrus Bergama has fruits that resemble an orange and is grown mostly in France, Italy and Ivory Coast. It produces very beneficial oils from its fruit peels and has been used by traditional healers to cure shingles, herpes, flu, throat infections, wounds, urinary tract infections and scars. Now it has proved equally effective to treat eating disorders, insomnia, compulsive behaviors, anxiety, depression, and stress.
Once a perennial herb of Europe and Asia, now grown all over the world, the roots of Valerian has valeric acid, terpenoids, and valepotriates that helps cure anxiety, insomnia and gastro-intestinal problems. Valerenic acid has the similar effect like benzodiazepine drugs on the brain receptors, but it is also heartening to note that taking Valerian continuously for a few weeks does not make you dependant on it.
Other herbal remedies that have really worked include Kava Kava that has few side effects but has been very often used in psychiatric treatment of sleeplessness and anxiety. Then Passiflora has been successfully used with St Johns Wort, but can be very rarely used alone. Butea Frondosa, an effective herb in the Indian system of medicine has been found to be not only a memory booster, but also rejuvenator, with its leaves having mild anti-stress properties.
So herbs for obsessive compulsive disorders have been quite effective in treating the effective symptoms and bringing about relief.