What Helps Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a psychotherapy centered on bringing awareness to inaccurate or negative thinking, therefore altering behavioral patterns. In addition to helping individuals manage stressful situations, CBT is used in the treatment of mental health disorders including depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

St John’s Wort is a flowering shrub in the Hypericaceae perforatum family.  Native to Europe, it’s June-blooming, yellow flowers have been used in medicine since ancient Greece. Named after St. John the Baptist, the presence of the photochemical, hyperforin, is the key antidepressant and anxiolytic component. St. John’s Wort has also been revered for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

5-HTP, abbreviated from 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a chemical produced by the body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Tryptophan is naturally occurring in foods including seeds (pumpkin, chia, sesame, sunflower), dairy (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar), meat (beef, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey), fish (halibut, salmon, trout, snapper) and grain (oats, buckwheat).  5-HTP is attributed to increasing the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter affecting mood, sleep, appetite, sexual behavior and pain, while promoting feelings of well being. As a supplement, 5-HTP is produced from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, a woody, climbing shrub native to Africa.

Kava Kava is made from the ground roots of the tropical, evergreen shrub Piper methysticum. Kava Kava’s key components are lactone compounds called kavalactones, which are known to have a psychotropic effect. Native to the South Pacific islands including Hawaii, the plant has been used for hundreds of years in a ritual drink revered for its tranquilizing properties.

N-acetylcysteine, also known as NAC, is the supplement form of the non-essential amino acid L-cysteine. In its natural form, cysteine is found in foods including meat (pork, beef), poultry (chicken, eggs), fish (tuna), dairy (yogurt, swiss cheese) and seeds (sunflower). Cysteine is a component of the powerful antioxidant, glutathione, and is used for its liver-protective properties and immune function support, as well as, in the treatment of an acetaminophen overdose.

L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found in the leaves of green tea, Camellia sinensis. Identified in 1949 by Japanese scientists, it is credited for the beverage’s umami taste. L-Theanine influences human brain function, creating relaxing effects and improved sleep quality.