Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a complex and misunderstood issue that is often missed by professionals. The hardest part of OCD is that the person or child with OCD has a stress hyperactivated nervous system that is “stuck on.” They are in a constant rev state because of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The brain of someone with OCD never gets to “turn off” and therefore their central nervous system is stuck in a stressed sympathetic dominant state.
OCD and PANS/PANDAS are on the rise and since they are so often missed by medical and mental health professionals, it is so important for parents and patients to know the signs. There are many reasons why one has OCD and every parent should learn more about what are the signs and symptoms of OCD in children and teens and why kids and teens get OCD
Essential Oils for OCD:
- Frankincense
- Rosemary
- Ylang Ylang
These essential oils help with inflammation fueled OCD, which is common in PANS/PANDAS. PANS/PANDAS can have either a pediatric or adult onset and results from a misdirected immune response due to an infectious disease or toxic trigger. To learn more about PANS and how it is often misdiagnosed as ODD, OCD, ADHD, mood disorder, read my viral blog, PANS/PANDAS on the Rise.
Essential Oils for OCD that Also Reduce Inflammation:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Turmeric
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
How Do Essential Oils Help the OCD Brain?
Essential oils can be helpful for managing OCD symptoms by supporting the central nervous system, as well as being a helpful tool for managing symptoms and promoting relaxation and well-being.
Essential oils can help the OCD brain in a few ways:
Promoting relaxation:
Many essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, have calming properties that can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This can be particularly helpful for those with OCD, who may experience high levels of anxiety and stress related to their compulsions or obsessions.
Reducing stress:
Stress can exacerbate OCD symptoms, so anything that can help to reduce stress levels can be helpful. Some essential oils, like bergamot and frankincense, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
Enhancing mood:
Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities with OCD, and essential oils can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Essential oils like lemon and peppermint have uplifting properties that can help to boost mood and energy levels.
Boosting cognitive function:
Some essential oils, like rosemary and peppermint, have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. This can be particularly helpful for those with OCD who struggle with memory problems or cognitive rigidity.
Natural Help For OCD
It is important to learn more about safe and effective treatments such as neurofeedback for OCD and ERP therapy for OCD in order to break the OCD hijacking of the brain and family life. Treating OCD early and with the most effective therapies is imperative.
PEMF for OCD
Have you ever heard of PEMF therapy? It's a treatment that uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate the cells in the body. While it might sound like science fiction, PEMF therapy has been shown to be effective in treating mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD.
So, how does it work? PEMF therapy basically helps improve the communication between cells in your brain and body. This can help regulate the neurotransmitters that affect your mood and behavior. It also calms a busy mind and stressed nervous system. By doing so, PEMF therapy can help reduce the symptoms associated with OCD, like intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression, which are common conditions that can make OCD symptoms worse. PEMF therapy is a safe and effective tool that can help manage OCD symptoms, anxiety, and improve your overall mental health.
Essential oils are an accessible brain tool that can calm cortisol levels and be an adjunctive to your OCD treatment regime that should include a healthy diet and brain tools such as PEMF or neurofeedback.
There are many kinds of essential oils and ways to use them, please read my blog, The Best Essential Oils for Mental Health for essential oil basics.
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Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including, CBS, NBC, FOX News, PIX11 NYC, The New York Times, The Washington Post,, Business Insider, USA Today, CNET, Marth Stewart, and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Medicine Mental Health Provider (CMHIMP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) and The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).
© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2023
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
