An anxiety disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), is characterized by repetitive obsessive behaviour and persistent anxious thinking. It may start in late childhood or during adolescence. At the initial stages, it may start with a simple thing like washing hands often, but later it may develop into more serious state where the affected individual washes hands hundreds of times in a day.
Other examples are worrying whether the door has been locked properly, obsession with cleanliness, frightening sexual images or thoughts, hearing sounds, etc. OCD is a psychological condition in which the affected person becomes so obsessed with perfectionism that an impulsive desire to attain it at all times becomes an unrealistic quality and causes much distress.
It even affects the people around who find it difficult to live with a person with OCD and disrupts the social and work life of the affected person. However, being aware of their problem, these people are unable to control their compulsions and develop defense mechanisms. There are no known causes or medical diagnostic tests for this condition. A combination of natural cures, including psychotherapy, can only help a person having OCD if the individual co-operates.
10 Natural Cures For OCD
1. Start Your day With Oats
Oats are one of the best natural remedies for OCD and you should start your day with a breakfast of oatmeal. You can have porridge in the morning as it helps prevent anxiety and panic attacks in people with OCD, bringing calmness in the body. Some people prefer to have its pure form as herbal extracts and pills as well.
2. Lemon Balm
This soothing herb has been traditionally used since ages to treat complaints that result from a disturbed nervous system. Lemon balm has a very calming effect on the nervous system and is a perfect natural cure for people suffering from OCD. It prevents anxiety, depression, headaches, palpitations and treats insomnia effectively.
3. Aromatherapy Using Essential oils
People affected with OCD often have anxiety and depression problems. The body feels tired and agitated. Aromatherapy is very effective in calming the affected person. So, use it as a natural cure to help you relax and sleep well every night. Just add around ten drops of an essential oil such as lavender or rosemary oil to a bathtub of warm water and soak in it for half an hour. This will soothe your senses and you will feel refreshed.
4. Vitamin B12
Deficiency of vitamin B12, or cobalamin, can cause fatigue, depression and anemia, while chronic deficiency may lead to brain and central nervous system damage. This could also be the cause of OCD in many people. So, cure your OCD naturally by consuming vitamin B12 rich foods daily.
Some of the best sources of vitamin B12 include shellfish, liver, fish, fortified soy products, low fat dairy and eggs. Additionally, you can take vitamin B12 supplements as they are quite helpful in this condition. These can be taken internally and safely in high doses as the excess amount easily gets excreted by the body and is also stored in your liver as a future reserve.
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5. Magnesium Rich Foods
Magnesium helps your body to relax and is an essential mineral that your body requires to maintain normal muscle and nervous system functioning. It helps to boost your immune system, build strong bones and maintain heart rhythm. People affected by OCD should best consume it in the natural form as foods.
Some of the riches sources of magnesium are dark, leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, whole grains, avocados, bananas and dried fruits. Have these regularly as it will prevent anxiety attacks, depression and headaches. Supplements should be taken with care as an excess amount causes diarrhea and gets expelled from the body.
6. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort can be used as a natural herbal remedy for treating the symptoms of OCD. It has antidepressant properties as it affects the serotonin levels in your body. You can prepare an herbal tea using this herb and have it daily in order to treat anxiety and depression which is commonly seen in people with OCD. There are no known side effects of this natural cure, so you can have it safely two to three times a day.
7. Acupuncture For OCD
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that is found to be very useful in the natural treatment of the symptoms of OCD. Different organs and parts are targeted to get relief from anxiety and depression. Acupuncture aims to release the pent of energy in different parts of your body to provide effective healing.
Contrary to belief, needles are not necessarily required for this technique. Gentle pressure at the required points is all it takes to cure the problem.
8. Homeopathy For OCD
Homeopathy is based on natural medicines and believes in rebalancing the affected person’s emotional and mental state, leading to improvement in physical well-being. Homeopathic medicines are very helpful in treating symptoms associated with OCD such as, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, mood swings, and the compulsive behaviour.
These medicines are very safe and gentle. Consult your homeopath as the medicines have to be decided depending upon the type and severity of the symptoms of OCD.
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9. Relaxation Training & Meditation
If you have OCD, you should undergo relaxation training as it is a must for controlling anxiety and obsessive thinking. Meditation can help your body and mind relax, bringing them in a peaceful state. Deep breathing exercises are good for people with OCD.
Yoga postures are very effective in calming the mind and reducing anxiety. It will be a little difficult to control your negative emotions and thoughts initially as your mind will keep straying towards them, but persistent efforts and focused training will help you achieve your purpose.
10. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is very effective as a natural cure for OCD and helps the affected person to learn how to manage the symptoms. A counselor will help you understand your feelings and behaviour related problems and how to overcome them.
Psychotherapy may be conducted as a private individual, or you may be called in as a couple, and even group therapy is effective many times. Scientific evidence states that psychotherapy is a must for people with OCD in order to come out of it completely.
