Ayurvedic treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Ayurveda describes mental conditions under Manovikara or Unmada-like patterns, with disturbance of Vata and of the mind's qualities Rajas and Tamas. OCD is a medical condition best treated with evidence-based therapy and medicines. Ayurvedic ideas are an interpretive framework, and research on Ayurvedic treatment of OCD is very limited. No herb has been proven to treat OCD.

Traditional approaches

• Daily routine (Dinacharya): regular sleep and meals
• Yoga, Pranayama and meditation: may support relaxation and stress control
• Abhyanga, Shirodhara: relaxing therapies done by trained therapists
• Herbs often mentioned: Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi. Evidence is limited and quality varies.

Safety

• Do not stop or replace prescribed medicines or therapy with herbs. Stopping medicines suddenly can cause relapse or withdrawal effects.
• Some herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Jatamansi, can interact with psychiatric medicines or cause drowsiness. Tell your psychiatrist.
• Avoid herbs in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a doctor advises
• Do not give herbs to children and teens without a paediatrician
• Beware of anyone promising a "cure" or offering rituals, charms or expensive treatments

Helpful lifestyle

• Regular sleep, meals and physical activity
• Limiting alcohol, tobacco and excess caffeine
• Daily relaxation and breathing

Remember

Ayurvedic routines can be a calm adjunct. Therapy and medicines from a psychiatrist or psychologist are the main treatment.

When to get help

See a psychiatrist or psychologist if thoughts and rituals take more than an hour a day, cause distress or limit your life. Do not stop or replace prescribed medicines with herbs, and do not give herbs or home remedies to children without a paediatrician's advice. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.