Ayurvedic Approach to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

At some point we all have forgotten something to do but this might be a good idea if you keep double check on the tasks or work. But in some individuals forgetting a work develops an urge to check over and over again. This compulsive behavior becomes a part of their life and might dominate their whole life. This condition is considered as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental disorder in which there is a recurrence of unwanted thoughts, sensation or ideas to do something repetitively such as washing, checking things, again and again, cleaning, etc. These activities interfere with daily activities and social interactions. It often begins in childhood and adulthood and destroys the person’s capability at the workplace and a person cannot lead a comfortable life at home as well.

Although most adults with OCD may recognize that what they are doing doesn’t make any sense but some children and adults may not recognize that their behavior is out of the ordinary. In most of the cases, parents or teachers typically recognize OCD symptoms in children.

People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding the situations that trigger the obsessions or they may use drugs or alcohol to calm themselves.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

People with OCD may have the symptoms of obsessions, compulsions or symptoms involving both. These symptoms can interfere with the day to day activities in school, work, personal relationships, etc. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges or mental images that can cause anxiety.

The common symptoms of obsessions include:

• Aggressive thoughts towards others or self.
• Repeated unwanted thoughts and ideas.
• Persistent sexual thoughts in adults.
• Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving religion.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person suffering from OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought.

Common Compulsions Include:

• Ordering and arranging things in a particular and precise way.
• Repeatedly checking on things such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or lights are off.
• Compulsive counting

The Patient Suffering from OCD Generally:

• The affected individual cannot control his or her thoughts and behavior, even when those thoughts and behaviors are recognized as excessive.
• The person spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts and behaviors.
• Person experiences significant problems in daily life due to these thoughts and behaviors.

Some patients of OCD have a tic disorder which means brief and repetitive movements such as eye blinking, repeated eye movements, head or shoulder jerking, repetitive throat clearing, facial grimacing, etc.

What is the Ayurvedic Approach to (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) OCD ?

In Ayurveda, various psychiatric disorders are mentioned in different texts. These disorders are categorized under Unmada.  A range of Mansikrogas (mental disorders) is explained in the classics, where there is an absolute derangement of rajas and tamas dosha which in turn influences Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Smriti(memory), Bhakti (desire), Sheela (habits), Cheshta (action), etc.

According to Ayurveda, Vata is the main humor vitiated among the three humors. Along with this, the patient may not be able to discriminate between nitya, anitya, hita or ahita. The management of this condition is done by pacifying all the three humors, with special consideration to Vata.

What is the Treatment of (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) OCD by Planet Ayurveda ?

Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies that are quite useful for the safe and effective treatment. These drugs are Medhya, enhance ojas and considered as Rasayana. Considering all these properties, these herbal remedies act on mind effectively. In OCD, the obsessions caused due to Vata dominance and is treated by the vata samana action of the drugs, the srotosadhna action of these drugs help to act deeply on the mind destructing the avarana of tamas and provides clarity of the mind.

Some of the Herbal Supplements for OCD by Planet Ayurveda includes-

1. Brahmi Capsules
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
3. Medhya Churna
4. Stress Support Capsules
5. Shankhpushpi syrup

1. Brahmi Capsules

The standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri is used in the preparation of Planet Ayurveda’s Brahmi Capsules. This herb is considered as rejuvenative and a nervine tonic. It has been used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several brain disorders including anxiety and poor brain memory.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Ashwagandha Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera. This herb is useful in reducing the compulsive urges which increases during the manifestation of anxiety or stress. This herb is considered as an ‘adaptogen’ which means that it manages stress. It improves brain chemistry and improves resilience to stress.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3. Medhya Churna

Medhya Churna by Planet Ayurveda is a powerful blend of dried extracts of various ingredients that rejuvenates the nervous system and works miraculously to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also useful in lack of concentration, memory loss, confused mind, anxiousness, etc. Therefore, this churna is quite effective in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Dosage: 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter)

4. Stress Support Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Stress Support Capsules contain the dried extracts of various herbs that are known to improve the brain functions. These herbs help in neutralizing the chemicals which are released during anxiety, unwanted thoughts, angry state, etc. Therefore these capsules are very effective in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

5. Shankhpushpi Syrup

Shankhpushpi is an Ayurvedic medicine in syrup form used for brain power. It contains Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) as the primary ingredient. It acts as a memory booster, brain stimulant, increases mental power, stress reliever, mind relaxant and useful in mental conditions such as mental fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, etc.

Dosage: 2 tablespoons twice daily after taking meals.

Lifestyle Tips

• In addition to these remedies, counseling sessions are also beneficial.
• Meditation for half an hour regularly is quite effective in OCD.