Herbal Remedies for OCD and Anxiety Disorders

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural OCD TreatmentsHerbal Remedy Research StandardsSide EffectsOther Therapies

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Natural OCD Treatments

Herbal Remedy Research Standards

Side Effects

Other Therapies

Alternative medicines such as herbal remedies have been growing in popularity especially as treatments for anxiety disorders such asobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD). When you examine the science behind each treatment, it’s important to take research quality and the consistency of research results in mind. It’s also smart to consider potential side effects and safety concerns.At a GlanceInterest in natural remedies for OCD and anxiety has grown in recent years. While some of these herbal treatments may have promise, it is vital to consider the risks and side effects of any treatment, even “natural” ones. Many of these natural remedies, including St. John’s wort, milk thistle, n-acetylcholine, 5-HTP, inositol, and kava, have shown mixed or limited results in the available studies. Such supplements also come with side effects and may cause drug interactions.If you have OCD or anxiety, always talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedy. Tell them about any other medications you are taking, and remember that safe, effective treatments can help you manage your condition.We Tested Online OCD Services So You Don’t Have To—Here, 9 Expert-Approved PicksNatural Treatments for OCDNutritional supplements are available for OCD and anxiety. But you should inform yourself about the evidence-based benefits and potential side effects before you decide to take one.Currently, there is limited evidence that herbal remedies like those mentioned here are beneficial in reducing the severity ofOCD symptoms. But research is ongoing.Most herbal remedies are available at drugstores without a prescription. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. In addition to having side effects, many of these nutritional supplements can interfere (enhance or decrease) the actions of prescription medications.St. John’s WortSt. John’s Wort(Hypericum perforatum) is best know as an herbalanti-depressive, although its effectiveness in treatingdepressionand other forms of mental illness is controversial. St. John’s Wort has been widely used (and in some cases, licensed) in Europe for decades to treat mood and anxiety disorders.An analysis has found that hypericum—the chemical that’s thought to be the key ingredient in St. John’s Wort—appears to affect theserotoninsystem. Disruptions in the serotonin system are thought to be important in the development ofsymptoms of OCD.Given that antidepressant medications such asPaxil(paroxetine) and Anafranil (clomipramine) that target the serotonin system are also effective in treating OCD, it has been suggested that St. John’s Wort could be an alternative therapy for reducing OCD symptoms. But, the evidence that St. John’s Wort is an effective treatment for OCD is limited.A case study (one patient) suggested that St. John’s Wort was effective in reducing symptoms.A second study (12 people with OCD) found that it produced a significant reduction in symptoms that were similar to what would be expected with treatment with aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) antidepressant medication.Neither study properly accounted for theplacebo effect.In both cases, the people participating in the research studies were told upfront that they were going to be receiving St. John’s Wort in the hopes of reducing their OCD symptoms. Simply knowing that they were receiving a potentially beneficial treatment could have been enough to cause people to feel better.At least one randomized-controlled trial looked at whether St. John’s Wort was effective in reducing OCD symptoms.In the study, 60 people randomly received either St. John’s Wort or placebo.The reduction in symptoms among those who took St. John’s Wort was no different than it was in those who took a placebo. Results like this question the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort as an OCD treatment.Milk ThistleMilk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal remedy that has long been used in Iran. In 2010, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effects of milk thistle to the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating OCD (600 milligrams of milk thistle vs 30 milligrams of Prozac daily).It was found that there was no significant difference between milk thistle and Prozac for OCD symptoms.N-AcetylcysteineN-Acetylcysteineis an amino acid that moderates glutamine in the brain.N-acetylcysteinehelps produce glutathione, an important antioxidant. A single study of a single person found that N-acetylcysteine improved the actions of the SSRI Luvox (fluvoxamine), resulting in a significant decrease in OCD symptoms.5-HTP and InositolSince the dysregulation of serotonergic and glutamatergic pathways in the brain appears to occur with OCD, other herbs that work in this pathway have also been considered for their possible benefits.Some of these include5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HTP) and inositol.A 2020 double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a placebo control found that 5-HTP could be effective as an augmentative treatment for moderate-to-severe OCD.Kava (Piper Methysticum)Kavais an herbal medication found in clinical trials to reduce anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness, and mild depression. It has been used for hundreds of years in Polynesia, the Micronesia Islands, and Hawaii.The key constituent in Kava is kavalactone, which stimulates production of both serotonin andgamma amino butyric acid (GABA)in the body which produce a calming effect to the body. It’s best to take Kava from a water-based extract at less than 250 mgs per day. Kava is not recommended during lactation or pregnancy.Kava has been banned or restricted in some countries after suggestions that it may cause liver problems in some individuals.Herbal Remedy Research StandardsThere are special considerations to take into account when looking at scientific studies that investigate the effectiveness of herbal remedies for OCD, anxiety disorders, or any other mental health condition. Sometimes, study results sound impressive because basic research standards were compromised.Lack of StandardizationFirst, studies using herbs that are not in a standardized form may have varying activity levels of chemical components. Studies must consider the plant’s accurate identity and whether the active constituents come from the plant’s leaf, root, seed, or stem.Lack of Placebo ComparisonsStudies evaluating the effectiveness of medications should also include a placebo treatment group that receives a “sugar pill” that is inactive and could not possibly account for any reduction in symptoms. By using a placebo treatment, it is possible to tell if the actual drug had an effect or not.Potential for BiasLastly, it is important that neither the researchers nor the study participants know who is receiving what treatment until the study is over to avoid bias.A medical study in which neither the patient nor the physicians know who is using the medication or supplement and who is receiving a placebo is called adouble-blind study.Natural Treatments for OCD Can Have Side EffectsAlthough many consumers believe that herbals are safer and have fewer adverse effects than prescription medications, treatments like St. John’s Wort are not regulated as closely as conventional medications are and they may cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects in some people.Herbal treatments can also interfere with prescription medications that you may already be taking.For example, if you are currently taking an SSRI to treat OCD, it is essential that you consult your treating physician before taking St. John’s wort, as it could affect your body’s ability to metabolize it. This could lead to a problem known asserotonin syndrome.Because kava may harm the liver, taking this herbal remedy with alcohol may increase this risk.Other Complementary TherapiesDon’t forget that there are other alternatives for treating the symtoms of OCD. Beyond supplements, lifestyle interventions such asmindfulness meditation,acupuncture, andyogamay be effective as well.Unfortunately, there have been few clinical trials looking at these interventions for people with OCD and those that have been done are of fairly poor quality. Yet, unlike prescription drugs and herbal medications, lifestyle interventions rarely have significant side effects and may also help reduce stress.Keep in MindComplementary treatments are often most effective when they are used to augment other evidence-based interventions. Treatments for OCD typically include medication and therapy.Medicines that may be prescribed includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)ortricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Therapies that may be helpful includecognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)oracceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).Research suggests that around 32% to 70% of people with OCD can achieve symptoms remission with long-term treatment.If you do decide to try a natural treatment for OCD in addition to your regular treatment, always talk to your doctor first. You will need to tell them about any medications, supplements, or substances you are also taking to prevent potential drug interactions.The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

At a GlanceInterest in natural remedies for OCD and anxiety has grown in recent years. While some of these herbal treatments may have promise, it is vital to consider the risks and side effects of any treatment, even “natural” ones. Many of these natural remedies, including St. John’s wort, milk thistle, n-acetylcholine, 5-HTP, inositol, and kava, have shown mixed or limited results in the available studies. Such supplements also come with side effects and may cause drug interactions.If you have OCD or anxiety, always talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedy. Tell them about any other medications you are taking, and remember that safe, effective treatments can help you manage your condition.

At a Glance

Interest in natural remedies for OCD and anxiety has grown in recent years. While some of these herbal treatments may have promise, it is vital to consider the risks and side effects of any treatment, even “natural” ones. Many of these natural remedies, including St. John’s wort, milk thistle, n-acetylcholine, 5-HTP, inositol, and kava, have shown mixed or limited results in the available studies. Such supplements also come with side effects and may cause drug interactions.If you have OCD or anxiety, always talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedy. Tell them about any other medications you are taking, and remember that safe, effective treatments can help you manage your condition.

If you have OCD or anxiety, always talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedy. Tell them about any other medications you are taking, and remember that safe, effective treatments can help you manage your condition.

We Tested Online OCD Services So You Don’t Have To—Here, 9 Expert-Approved Picks

Natural Treatments for OCD

Nutritional supplements are available for OCD and anxiety. But you should inform yourself about the evidence-based benefits and potential side effects before you decide to take one.

Currently, there is limited evidence that herbal remedies like those mentioned here are beneficial in reducing the severity ofOCD symptoms. But research is ongoing.

Most herbal remedies are available at drugstores without a prescription. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. In addition to having side effects, many of these nutritional supplements can interfere (enhance or decrease) the actions of prescription medications.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort(Hypericum perforatum) is best know as an herbalanti-depressive, although its effectiveness in treatingdepressionand other forms of mental illness is controversial. St. John’s Wort has been widely used (and in some cases, licensed) in Europe for decades to treat mood and anxiety disorders.

An analysis has found that hypericum—the chemical that’s thought to be the key ingredient in St. John’s Wort—appears to affect theserotoninsystem. Disruptions in the serotonin system are thought to be important in the development ofsymptoms of OCD.

Given that antidepressant medications such asPaxil(paroxetine) and Anafranil (clomipramine) that target the serotonin system are also effective in treating OCD, it has been suggested that St. John’s Wort could be an alternative therapy for reducing OCD symptoms. But, the evidence that St. John’s Wort is an effective treatment for OCD is limited.

A case study (one patient) suggested that St. John’s Wort was effective in reducing symptoms.A second study (12 people with OCD) found that it produced a significant reduction in symptoms that were similar to what would be expected with treatment with aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) antidepressant medication.Neither study properly accounted for theplacebo effect.

In both cases, the people participating in the research studies were told upfront that they were going to be receiving St. John’s Wort in the hopes of reducing their OCD symptoms. Simply knowing that they were receiving a potentially beneficial treatment could have been enough to cause people to feel better.

At least one randomized-controlled trial looked at whether St. John’s Wort was effective in reducing OCD symptoms.In the study, 60 people randomly received either St. John’s Wort or placebo.

The reduction in symptoms among those who took St. John’s Wort was no different than it was in those who took a placebo. Results like this question the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort as an OCD treatment.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal remedy that has long been used in Iran. In 2010, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effects of milk thistle to the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating OCD (600 milligrams of milk thistle vs 30 milligrams of Prozac daily).

It was found that there was no significant difference between milk thistle and Prozac for OCD symptoms.

N-Acetylcysteine

N-Acetylcysteineis an amino acid that moderates glutamine in the brain.N-acetylcysteinehelps produce glutathione, an important antioxidant. A single study of a single person found that N-acetylcysteine improved the actions of the SSRI Luvox (fluvoxamine), resulting in a significant decrease in OCD symptoms.

5-HTP and Inositol

Since the dysregulation of serotonergic and glutamatergic pathways in the brain appears to occur with OCD, other herbs that work in this pathway have also been considered for their possible benefits.Some of these include5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HTP) and inositol.

A 2020 double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a placebo control found that 5-HTP could be effective as an augmentative treatment for moderate-to-severe OCD.

Kava (Piper Methysticum)

Kavais an herbal medication found in clinical trials to reduce anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness, and mild depression. It has been used for hundreds of years in Polynesia, the Micronesia Islands, and Hawaii.

The key constituent in Kava is kavalactone, which stimulates production of both serotonin andgamma amino butyric acid (GABA)in the body which produce a calming effect to the body. It’s best to take Kava from a water-based extract at less than 250 mgs per day. Kava is not recommended during lactation or pregnancy.

Kava has been banned or restricted in some countries after suggestions that it may cause liver problems in some individuals.

There are special considerations to take into account when looking at scientific studies that investigate the effectiveness of herbal remedies for OCD, anxiety disorders, or any other mental health condition. Sometimes, study results sound impressive because basic research standards were compromised.

Lack of Standardization

First, studies using herbs that are not in a standardized form may have varying activity levels of chemical components. Studies must consider the plant’s accurate identity and whether the active constituents come from the plant’s leaf, root, seed, or stem.

Lack of Placebo Comparisons

Studies evaluating the effectiveness of medications should also include a placebo treatment group that receives a “sugar pill” that is inactive and could not possibly account for any reduction in symptoms. By using a placebo treatment, it is possible to tell if the actual drug had an effect or not.

Potential for Bias

Lastly, it is important that neither the researchers nor the study participants know who is receiving what treatment until the study is over to avoid bias.

A medical study in which neither the patient nor the physicians know who is using the medication or supplement and who is receiving a placebo is called adouble-blind study.

Natural Treatments for OCD Can Have Side Effects

Although many consumers believe that herbals are safer and have fewer adverse effects than prescription medications, treatments like St. John’s Wort are not regulated as closely as conventional medications are and they may cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects in some people.

Herbal treatments can also interfere with prescription medications that you may already be taking.

For example, if you are currently taking an SSRI to treat OCD, it is essential that you consult your treating physician before taking St. John’s wort, as it could affect your body’s ability to metabolize it. This could lead to a problem known asserotonin syndrome.

Because kava may harm the liver, taking this herbal remedy with alcohol may increase this risk.

Other Complementary Therapies

Don’t forget that there are other alternatives for treating the symtoms of OCD. Beyond supplements, lifestyle interventions such asmindfulness meditation,acupuncture, andyogamay be effective as well.

Unfortunately, there have been few clinical trials looking at these interventions for people with OCD and those that have been done are of fairly poor quality. Yet, unlike prescription drugs and herbal medications, lifestyle interventions rarely have significant side effects and may also help reduce stress.

Keep in Mind

Complementary treatments are often most effective when they are used to augment other evidence-based interventions. Treatments for OCD typically include medication and therapy.

Medicines that may be prescribed includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)ortricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Therapies that may be helpful includecognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)oracceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Research suggests that around 32% to 70% of people with OCD can achieve symptoms remission with long-term treatment.

If you do decide to try a natural treatment for OCD in addition to your regular treatment, always talk to your doctor first. You will need to tell them about any medications, supplements, or substances you are also taking to prevent potential drug interactions.

The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cui YH, Zheng Y.A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of St John’s wort extract in depression therapy in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adults.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2016;12:1715-1723. doi:10.2147/NDT.S106752Sarris J, Camfield D, Berk M.Complementary medicine, self-help, and lifestyle interventions for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the OCD spectrum: A systematic review.J Affect Disord.2012;138(3):213-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.051Baek 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;48(8):705-715. doi:10.1177/0004867414539198Sayyah 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;34(2):362-365. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.12.016Camfield 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;35(4):887-895. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.011Yousefzadeh F, Sahebolzamani E, Sadri A, et al.5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control.Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(5):254-262. doi:10.1097/YIC.0000000000000321National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Kava.National Institute on Aging.Placebos in Clinical Trials.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.Burchi E, Hollander E, Pallanti S.From treatment response to recovery: A realistic goal in OCD.International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;21(11):1007-1013. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyy079

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cui YH, Zheng Y.A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of St John’s wort extract in depression therapy in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adults.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2016;12:1715-1723. doi:10.2147/NDT.S106752Sarris J, Camfield D, Berk M.Complementary medicine, self-help, and lifestyle interventions for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the OCD spectrum: A systematic review.J Affect Disord.2012;138(3):213-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.051Baek 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;48(8):705-715. doi:10.1177/0004867414539198Sayyah 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;34(2):362-365. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.12.016Camfield 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;35(4):887-895. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.011Yousefzadeh F, Sahebolzamani E, Sadri A, et al.5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control.Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(5):254-262. doi:10.1097/YIC.0000000000000321National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Kava.National Institute on Aging.Placebos in Clinical Trials.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.Burchi E, Hollander E, Pallanti S.From treatment response to recovery: A realistic goal in OCD.International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;21(11):1007-1013. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyy079

Cui YH, Zheng Y.A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of St John’s wort extract in depression therapy in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adults.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2016;12:1715-1723. doi:10.2147/NDT.S106752Sarris J, Camfield D, Berk M.Complementary medicine, self-help, and lifestyle interventions for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the OCD spectrum: A systematic review.J Affect Disord.2012;138(3):213-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.051Baek 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;48(8):705-715. doi:10.1177/0004867414539198Sayyah 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;34(2):362-365. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.12.016Camfield 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;35(4):887-895. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.011Yousefzadeh F, Sahebolzamani E, Sadri A, et al.5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control.Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(5):254-262. doi:10.1097/YIC.0000000000000321National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Kava.National Institute on Aging.Placebos in Clinical Trials.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.Burchi E, Hollander E, Pallanti S.From treatment response to recovery: A realistic goal in OCD.International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;21(11):1007-1013. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyy079

Sarris J, Camfield D, Berk M.Complementary medicine, self-help, and lifestyle interventions for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the OCD spectrum: A systematic review.J Affect Disord.2012;138(3):213-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.051

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;48(8):705-715. doi:10.1177/0004867414539198

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;34(2):362-365. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.12.016

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;35(4):887-895. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.011

Yousefzadeh F, Sahebolzamani E, Sadri A, et al.5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control.Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(5):254-262. doi:10.1097/YIC.0000000000000321

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Kava.

National Institute on Aging.Placebos in Clinical Trials.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.

Burchi E, Hollander E, Pallanti S.From treatment response to recovery: A realistic goal in OCD.International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;21(11):1007-1013. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyy079

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At a Glance#

Natural Treatments for OCD#

St. John’s Wort#

Milk Thistle#

N-Acetylcysteine#

5-HTP and Inositol#

Kava (Piper Methysticum)#

Lack of Standardization#

Lack of Placebo Comparisons#

Potential for Bias#

Natural Treatments for OCD Can Have Side Effects#

Other Complementary Therapies#

Keep in Mind#