5-HTP
According to University of Mississippi researcher Ronald F. Bore, Ph.D., in his article: Serotonin: The Neurotransmitter for the 90's. Drug Topics. 1994, October 10:108., serotonin is "The Neurotransmitter of the 90's" Of the chemical neurotransmitter substances, "serotonin is perhaps the most implicated in the etiology or treatment of various disorders, particularly those of the central nervous system, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, stroke, obesity, pain, hypertension, vascular disorders, migraine, and nausea."
5HTP is often used in the place of SSRI drugs and L-Tryptophan in the treatment of more severe depression and for epilepsy.
As a result, 5HTP has many similar uses compared to L-Tryptophan, such as the assistance of sleep and alleviation of age related mental depression, as well as alcohol withdrawal, but its affects are concentrated in the brain (L-Tryptophan has other roles throughout the body).
Very high doses of 5HTP must be avoided, unless also taking carbidopa to avoid serotonin crossing into the bloodstream. Normal doses are 50mg to 100mg (200mg-maximum) daily.
Avoid use with other serotonin enhancing agents, such as L-Tryptophan or other serotonin enhancing drugs, such as SSRI drugs like Prozac, etc., without your physician's guidance.
(Yorkshire, UK)
01/25/2009
A Dr Murhree had a protocol to treat FM and CFS which involved taking 5 HTP at night to help sleep, whether or not you were on SSRis or not. Due to the fact that these drugs do not actually produce any serotonin just inhibit the breakdown. Now I was worried about seratonin syndrome but I really would like to try the stuff before tapering off my seroxat. Do you think I would be safe from serotonin syndrome?
Borax
★★★★★
Only once in my life since the disease have I stopped trichotillomania for 2 years. It was when my children were small and I refused to have pets for about 4 years. Then it went into remission.
Recently had a friend with demodex skin mites. Read it can cause itchiness, and people with pets have more of these mites. I wondered if the demodex mites might be partly responsible. Since Borax kills demodex mites, I started putting borax paste (mule Borax with enough water to wet) on head hair where I pulled, rubbing the gritty mixture in scalp. Have only been doing it for past 2 days, but noticed 90 percent relief in urge to pull hair.
This may only be a placebo effect, but I find it encouraging, where nothing worked me in decades.
I hope this may be of help to other who suffer from TTM
Best of wishes in life,
Doreen, a long time TTM sufferer.
Cayenne
★★★★☆
(Westwood, New Jersey, Usa)
09/16/2010
Chamomile
★★★★★
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
Use about 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil on a toast every day. On top of that have strong religious faith to not give into the obsessive urges.
(Oh)
03/11/2018
How does coconut oil help ocd? I suffer from ocd and religious scrupolosity and obsessive thoughts and severe compulsion to relay the same words to god for hours and hours a day.
(Canada)
09/07/2018
Hi Robert,
I don't have an answer about coconut oil and OCD but I wanted to share a bit. I was never tested but I'm sure if I was then I would have been diaagnosed with OCD. When I was younger I had strong impulses to touch things...one reason I told myself was that if I didn't do it then then I may never see that object again and would never know what it felt like so I would miss out on an experience. I would cross hallways to touch walls (even though I was already standing next to an identical wall), wash hands obsessively and tell myself if I didn't spin in a circle and touch the ground I would die. Some of it felt like a game gone wrong. Like not stepping on cracks. I am a Christian and I would ask myself if this was something I should pray for God to take from me. I didn't want to ask for something outside of His will. I asked myself, “Does God want this for me?” And maybe the OCD was causing me to second guess myself...and third guess myself and so on. (Another thing I did was pray over the same food many many times ‘cause I would say, “Gee, did I really pray for that or did I just imagine I did?” And my family was not very disciplinarian...they did not scare me into making sure I prayed obsessively). But I asked myself, when I was maybe 12 or so, if there was any way God wanted me to have this problem. With some thought I realised there was no way. Because He has a plan for each of us and I could barely get simple stuff done like this so I knew it was His will for me to be freed so I asked Him to take it from me knowing He would. And with the simple faith of a child that was it. I'm about to turn 30 and I haven't experienced that phenomenae since. I believe He broke that hold it had on me and I think I could put those chains back on if I chose but if there's the timiest temptation I am able to easily resist bacause I know I am capable in Him and it is worth it. I hope that helped. Maybe you're a Christian too. I hope no one chooses to be offended by this. I had to share because it was probably the single biggest healing I've personally experienced in my life. And what you said about repeating prayer reminded me of myself praying over a bag of potato chips and then praying over each potato chip silently (at least I thought) and another schoolgirl told me she saw me do that and she explained exactly was she saw. I think that was grade 3. I wonder how many people looked at me and saw a very troubled little girl. I also asked Him to take my swearing away and that was gone immediately as well because I trusted it was His will therefore He would help me. Swear words were another thing that would rattle on and on in my head when I heard someone say them. I would hear the same line of a song all night as I slept too. I'd wake up and just know it was going all night. Not sure how I managed to sleep except for getting used to it I guess.
(California)
05/06/2022
Thank you for your kind sharing. I have OCD and currently panicking over how much it can derail things I want to enjoy or achieve. I am not a religious person but I appreciated your story and I feel I need to have some faith or tenacity along with my ocd therapy to get through this because right now my human self is feeling very sad and tired, you know? Thank you for your comforting words.
(Philippines)
09/09/2018
Hi Robert...OCD is now referred to as an ASD (Autistic Syndrome Disorder) disorder. As you may or may not know this will have different extremes with different symptoms which are defined as different illnesses. At one end of ASD you have problems like Depression, ADHD, CFS, OCD, bi-polar. At the other more extreme end of ASD you have Autism and Schizophrenia. I've worked with a few Autistic groups who have successfully used alternative protocols to help recover their kids from from Autism. The basic cause of Autism is usually due to a multi-infection from candida + parasites + bacteria. It is an illness that is caused by an association of infections by different pathogen species. This cause also strongly relates to all other ASD disorders in my opinion.
The most successful and consistent outcomes from OCD treatment has been achieved by Dr. James GreenBlatt who uses a simple orthomolecular protocol of important natural nutrients: 5HTP, Inositol, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. You can read more about the protocol at the end of this article:
Ted from Bangkok also has remedies on EarthClinic to help treat OCD. These remedies are explained here:
General Feedback
This hasn't be diagnosed, but I think I have some degree of derealization or brian fog (not sure exactly what to call it). Basically very often I feel detached to the world and feel like the things/people around me are not real. I have trouble feeling my own feelings and cannot stay connected to my inner self or outside world. My brain often feels slow, sluggish and dull, and I cannot follow conversations sometimes even when I really try. When I am feeling spacey, time passes by quickly without me getting anything done. The "brain fog" followed soon after the OCD symptoms.
Just curious, does anyone see a link between OCD, brain fog and cysts? I am sure there isn't a single cause, but just curious if they could be related to some sort of element deficiency in my body. Also, any suggestions for cure will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
(Usa)
08/26/2014
You may want to do some research on natural, bio-identical, USP progesterone cream. It sounds like it may benefit you. Ovarian cysts can lead to excess estrogen production which can cause all kinds of problems including brain fog and headaches. Natural progesterone keeps estrogen in check. Don't use synthetic progesterone because it can make everything worse. Magnesium oil may also help you. Only purchase brands from the Zechstein seabed because other sources may contain toxic heavy metals. Not sure if OCD is part of the equation, but I would guess that when you reduce a lot of your symptoms with progesterone and magnesium oil, the OCD will ease up a bit. Good luck to you!
(Ontario)
01/03/2015
I notice this brain fog... I often find when I am at home... it takes me a lot to get going. Once I get to work I am fine unless I am really tired. Often it just takes a lot for me to get organized. I am on an SSRI and I find the symptoms are much better but the brain fog persists... time goes by in turbo
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
01/03/2015
(Los Angeles, CA)
02/23/2015
I associate brain fog with mercury poisoning due to silver fillings...(if you have them of course) silver teeth fillings contain mercury which are constantly releasing mercury vapor into your brain which can cause brain fog , depression, and anxiety and many other skin and neurological problems. Hope this helps someone! Search: mercury poisoning amalgam fillings
(Bostic, Nc)
06/01/2015
(Melbourne, Australia)
07/02/2015
Hi, I was reading up on OCD and Pandas for my boy who is 6 and just had a fever/cough a few weeks ago. He now has tics and OCD, it's most certain to be diagnosed as Pandas if I were the sort to go running to the doctor. (And I second a page on Pandas! )
Anyway, I was reading about the brain fog and OCD above, and one thing I know will help is diet change (to paleo) and Lugol's Solution. The Lugol's formula has whole body-available iodine and iodide; certain elements serve certain parts of the body, which is why Lugol's is so good. Chlorine and fluoride in water, and bromine in bread take up the spots in the body that iodine is supposed to take. We're flooded with these toxic halides, iodine is just so important- I can't state its importance enough.
Regarding brain fog- I had it so terribly that I likened it to being stuck in a small boat, a dinghy on the ocean in dead calm, surrounded by fog. When I took the prescribed dirty pharma drug ritalin, it was like being on board a full-steam-ahead luxury liner, up on the highest deck, on a bright sunny day with unlimited visibility. Then I became partially psychotic I guess; road rage, sudden irritation and anger at silly things. I gave it up and kept looking for answers. I found food and diet changes so profound. It started with getting off gluten, then after a few years I went paleo and have never looked back- except to say- 'Yikes, poor old me back then.'
The other thing I started recently was Lugol's, and that got rid of the very last bit of anxiety. It has helped my adrenals which I suspect were exhausted. But one thing is for certain, THERE IS NO BRAIN FOG within a million miles of this brain any more. I feel better than I ever have. :)
(Los Angeles, Ca)
11/02/2016
Yes I see a connection between brain fog depression n ocd for anyone that might come across this. I've heard mercury poisoning from dental silver fillings may cause all this and many other dental physical illnesses in some cases.
Krill Oil with Astaxanthin, Vitamin D
★★★★★
Then one day I saw him twice re-tracing his steps after 3 weeks of nothing. I asked when was the last time he took his Krill oil, etc. He said it'd been a week. So he forgot to take it that whole week. Once he started up again the re-tracing stopped after 2 days. I was so happy to see a definite correlation!!
He also stopped chewing his shirt collars. He has anxiety and chews on the collars randomly throughout the day, to the point where he puts holes in them and I have to throw them away. That also started up again the week he forgot the supplements, but stopped within a day once he resumed. No shirt has been in his mouth since.
Some days I have him take 2 Krill oils and 2 Vit D's (2000 ea) (he was tested as Vit D deficient)...other days just one. I'm so happy to have found something that helps him.
Next, I'm going to also add Magnesium and Lugol's to his regimin. I'm hoping this will help with his forgetfullness. I've seen an improvement with the current suppl. but I'm hoping to really improve his memory even more.
(Australia)
10/21/2020
(Texas)
03/28/2024
Ty Nicole for sharing what helped your son. My son also has OCD and has extreme anxiety. I have only been able to find the krill oil with 2 mg of the Astanxanthan, but will be using it and the vitamins D. I am so thankful for this site where people can share what has helped them with different health issues. This site is my first go to when ailments etc. come up.
(Texas)
03/28/2024
Link to Strep
(Kirkland, Wa Usa)
07/23/2011
there is most definitely a link between OCD and PANDAS. I would love to see this covered more here. My 5 year old daughter has this and had sudden severe onset at 3 years old. I have been tryin to apply a lot of what I have been reading all through this site to her case. But a PANDAS specific page would be wonderful!
(Chapel Hill, Nc)
03/15/2013
(Ontario, Ca)
05/11/2015
Could be a connection. B6 is used to treat attention deficit disorder. A deficiency will give you brain fog, make it hard to concentrate. It is used to shrink cysts. A deficiency will also give you poor short term memory, and prevent you from remembering your dreams. If you also have trouble remembering your dreams, you may have hit onto something. As a matter of fact, this is how you determine how much to take. Start low, maybe 50 mg. Keep increasing your B6 intake until you remember your dreams. If you start to have weird obnoxious dreams, like you're lying in front of a widescreen TV with the sound blaring, you're taking too much. Beware, some people have been known to need much larger than normal amounts of B6 which others can't tolerate, people with pyroluria and Schizophrenia for example. I myself take up to 400 mg. Some people claim it can cause nerve damage. I was dosed by the Pfieffer Treatment Center. They claim that none of their clients has ever had nerve damage, even taking up to 2 grams of B6 daily, but they obviously know what they are doing.
(Ontario, Ca)
05/11/2015
Could be a connection. B6 is used to treat attention deficit disorder. A deficiency will give you brain fog, make it hard to concentrate. It is used to shrink cysts. A deficiency will also give you poor short term memory, and prevent you from remembering your dreams. If you also have trouble remembering your dreams, you may have hit onto something. As a matter of fact, this is how you determine how much to take. Start low, maybe 50 mg. Keep increasing your B6 intake until you remember your dreams. If you start to have weird obnoxious dreams, like you're lying in front of a widescreen TV with the sound blaring, you're taking too much. Beware, some people have been known to need much larger than normal amounts of B6 which others can't tolerate, people with pyroluria and Schizophrenia for example. I myself take up to 400 mg. Some people claim it can cause nerve damage. I was dosed by the Pfieffer Treatment Center. They claim that none of their clients has ever had nerve damage, even taking up to 2 grams of B6 daily, but they obviously know what they are doing.
Lithium Orotate, Lithium Aspartate
(Austin, Texas)
06/12/2012
★★★★★
I have taken lithium orotate (40 mg, 4 of the Gabatone pills per day provides this and other useful supplements) to help control bipolar disorder, specifically the mania. It has, however, helped even me out overall, including my depression. I have OCD as well and take 1800 mg of Inosotil and 1500 mg NAC to help with that. This combination has worked better than anything else I have tried, and I have tried a lot (completely exhausted Western medical options to no avail).
Mullet Fish
★★★★☆
N-Acetylcysteine for Trichotillomania
EC: From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichotillomania
"Trichotillomania (TTM, also known as "Trichotillosis"[1]), or "trich" as it is commonly known, is an impulse control disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair, sometimes resulting in noticeable bald patches.[2]:645 Trichotillomania is classified in the DSM-IV as an impulse control disorder, but there are still questions about how it should be classified. It may seem, at times, to resemble a habit, an addiction, a tic disorder or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Trichotillomania often begins during the individual's teenage years. Depression or stress can trigger the trich. Due to social implications the disorder is often unreported and it is difficult to predict accurately prevalence of trichotillomania; 2.5 million in the U.S. may have TTM, with a 1% prevalence rate.[3]
The name derives from Greek: tricho- (hair), till(en) (to pull), and mania."
(Indianapolis, Indiana, Usa)
04/18/2011
★★★★★
I've suffered from trich since I was in my teens by pulling out my eyebrows and lashes when stressed out, sometimes not realizing what I was doing until the damage was already done. A few years ago I found Bach Flower Essences and tried the White Chestnut for when 'thoughts are buzzing in my head' and it has helped tremendously. You might want to check out the different flower essence descriptions to see which essence best fits your specific anxiety symptoms. When you find one you want to try, just put a few drops mixed in some water and sip or place a couple of drops under the tongue. I do this anytime I feel like I'm starting to get overstressed which is what triggers my pulling. Good luck!
(Ontario, Ca)
05/11/2015
I suffered from Trichotillomania from my teen years until close to menopause. Maybe there's a connection to hormonal changes. However, at that time I was also diagnosed with pyroluria. I found that taking the supplements for pyroluria made the trichotillomania disappear, so I have felt ever since then that trichotillomania is a side effect of pyroluria. Many of the supplements I take for pyroluria are the same as listed below for Trichotillomania.
Please check out "Safe Harbor" at alternativementalhealth.com Under their articles is a section by Dr. William Walsh who was the senior scientist at the "Pfeiffer Treatment Center." He now heads "Walsh Research Institute." He is also the author of "Nutrient Power, " so he's a great orthomolecular resource.
Under the section of his articles on OCD and Methylation (which are worth reading in and of themselves) is a blurb on Trichotillomania, "Trichotillomania has been associated with OCD and undermethylation. If you can confirm the presence of undermethylation, the patient should benefit from (1) aggressive doses of l-methionine, calcium, magnesium, along with augmenting nutrients zinc, B-6, Inositol, Vitamin A & C and (2) strict avoidance of folic acid, choline, DMAE, and copper supplements." Many of these supplements have been used to treat other forms of OCD also.
(Ontario, Ca)
05/11/2015
I suffered from Trichotillomania from my teen years until close to menopause. Maybe there's a connection to hormonal changes. However, at that time I was also diagnosed with pyroluria. I found that taking the supplements for pyroluria made the trichotillomania disappear, so I have felt ever since then that trichotillomania is a side effect of pyroluria. Many of the supplements I take for pyroluria are the same as listed below for Trichotillomania.
Please check out "Safe Harbor" at alternativementalhealth.com Under their articles is a section by Dr. William Walsh who was the senior scientist at the "Pfeiffer Treatment Center." He now heads "Walsh Research Institute." He is also the author of "Nutrient Power, " so he's a great orthomolecular resource.
Under the section of his articles on OCD and Methylation (which are worth reading in and of themselves) is a blurb on Trichotillomania, "Trichotillomania has been associated with OCD and undermethylation. If you can confirm the presence of undermethylation, the patient should benefit from (1) aggressive doses of l-methionine, calcium, magnesium, along with augmenting nutrients zinc, B-6, Inositol, Vitamin A & C and (2) strict avoidance of folic acid, choline, DMAE, and copper supplements." Many of these supplements have been used to treat other forms of OCD also.
Supplements
Hello, I just quickly wanted to say that i'm very familiar with this site and it has helped me very much through the few past years, so thank you!
I have had OCD since I was a child, but its mainly always been purely obsessional, no physical rituals. My anxiety has increased the past three months and I constantly feel afraid, nervous, sick because of the nerves, or just depressed. My brain fog has become very severe, its hard to pay attention to anything, and I always have a headache, especially behind my eyes. I never feel content, calm, or happy. I'm just very confused and numb. I know that vitamin D is good for the brain, i'm also familiar with valerian root, gotu kola, st. johns wort, and 5-HTP. The 5-HTP that I took was I believe 500 milgrams(?) and it said to take on an empty stomach before bed, but it gave me severe anxiety and almost made me vomit. I stopped taking it after three nights. I have never tried the St. Johns wort but i'm feeling so compelled too, I just wanted to know how to take it and how much should I take, as well as gotu and vitamin d. Will these counteract with one another? If there are better recommendations I would love to hear suggestions/insight. Thank you for reading, hope to here back soon.
(Regina, Sk)
09/16/2010
Breanna: Have you tried the niacinamide form of Vitamin B3?
From the Pauling Library archives:
Article:
Supplemental Niacinamide Mitigates Anxiety Symptoms: Three Case Reports
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2005/pdf/2005-v20n03-p167.pdf
Each of these 3 persons were given a daily dosage of niacinamide to follow, and those doses are in the article. Anxiety disorders are classified into various categories such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), social phobia/social anxiety disorder
(SAD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This report will not differentiate the various categories of anxiety disorders as
Described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 3 Considering
Their high prevalence, it is paramount that effective treatments are offered to patients due to the obvious suffering that accompanies
Anxiety disorders. Heart racing, muscular tension, sweating, flushing, nervousness,
Constant worry, and panic characterize some of the debilitating symptoms
Of anxiety disorders
(Usa)
03/10/2014
Ted's Remedies
1. Does it look like metal poisoning and the resultant candida infection and maybe viral infection to you too? What would you recommend for a case such as mine? A few more specific questions.
2. Do I have to kill the candida with borax first before the metal removal or can I do it alongside?
3. I want to chelate metals with cilantro and oil pulling. Would that be ok or do I HAVE to add chlorella in order to get the metal out of the body (colon) as everybody says you must? I will be VERY VERY grateful if you could help me. Thank you for the opportunity to have written to you and ask for your help. Thanks again for helping mankind in their search for affordable health alternatives."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The symptoms, while heavy metals is a suspect appears that you have the same condition as a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome induced heavy metals that I have witnessed here in Thailand, where mental fog and obsessive paranoia, and ringing of ears was completely cured or I may be having just a fantastic strings of luck here. LOL. The major remedies that have helped the person appears to be:
1. Magnesium 250 mg x 2 times a day.
2. Malic acid 1/2 teaspoon + Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon taken twice a day. In the early morning hours and late nights.
3. Vitamin B complex taken once every other day, where B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8 are 100 mg each, while B12 are about 100 mcg.
4. Hydrogen peroxide 3% 3-6 drops PLUS 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in one full glass of water taken in the late mornings (about 9.00 am.) This helps with the brain fog.
5. Absolutely no sugar
6. A drop of clove oil added to the drinking water might help detox the liver
7. Some chelation using cilantro using a reasonable amount such as a tablespoon twice a week.
Those should do it, but my emphasis appears to be getting urinary pH to 7, by varying dose of baking soda more in the malic acid+baking soda mixture necessary. If a pH meter is handy, the baking soda added should be generally closer to 8. When varying dose, I usually mean more frequency. Getting sufficient alkalinity while important can only be done practically speaking 5 days out of a week.
The magnesium and the vitamin B complex, especially the alkalinity of urinary pH of 7 should solve the ringing of the ear problem. It takes about 3 weeks to noticed a general improvement using that remedy. I might be noted that should a person suffering from this condition that vomiting can result in improvement in condition as a result of excess acidosis. The remedy takes a while for an improvement, but the one I witnessed here with all the lack of taking properly, forgetting, bad communications takes about a year for a general trend of improvement, while a complete improvement were seen on the second year.
If candida is there, the remedy which is helpful was avoiding sugar, getting urine pH to 7 (using a cheap pocket pH meter), and 1/4 teaspoon (men's dose) of borax in 1 liter of drinking water usually once or twice a week at least for mild cases.
A general alkalinity formula I would use, such as 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water is also possible alternative to the malic acid, but malic acid removes aluminum. I have found that it was not only the mercury, but also the aluminum that comes from the vaccines and malic acid is an efficient chelator of aluminum. I would leave no stones unturned which might mean if thing's aren't working out, then I would consider adding 1/8 teaspoon of tannic acid in a liter of drinking water and finishing it off.
Tannic acid binds tightly to other metals such as free metal iron, cadmium, and especially mercury. I do take this myself from time to time because the water here are contaminated. Tannic acid added to drinking water for tests about 1/4 teaspoon in a liter of water if left overnight turns into almost opaque black water just to dramatically show that the metal thing is more widespread than we think.
(Minneapolis, Mn)
11/15/2010
A possible cure for OCD is homeopathic Arsenicum. I worked with a girl that suffered from OCD brought on by a fire in her house when she was young... For years she woke up nonstop all night long checking doors, the stove, her jewelry/for robbers... A night did not go by that this was the case. I gave her a dose of 30X Arsenicum... The next day she reported she slept thru the night for the first time in over ten years. It continued to work for her.
One must be careful using homeopathy... Search online for instructions in taking them - you can't eat within an hour.... Can't eat the whole time using strong-tasting foods... Mint (toothpaste), cinnamon, can't drink coffee, can't put menthol on skin or eat... Etc. You don't take homeopathics every day.... Take a dose and let it work some over time... If the effects start to drop off then take another dose...
Homeopathy is different than most medicines... You might want to read up on them online.. They can work amazing results on most difficult diseases... An easy way to diagnose what remedy you might need is to search online your primary disease symptom or name homeopathy.... And read to see which remedy most fits your symptoms - homeopathy is about matching symptoms.
(Undisclosed)
11/28/2017
