First, for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), we recommend consuming talbina ; a prophetic remedy that fights anxiety and stress. Indeed, made up of 80% barley, a source of tryptophan that feeds serotonin production, talbina is a true ally in fighting OCD. Talbina should be consumed in the morning or in the evening before sleeping, and it can be combined with honey or ginger.
Next, there is St. John's wort, which is a neurotransmitter. However, caution is needed: people taking antidepressants should not take it. St. John's wort should be taken in capsule form, three times a day, before each meal.
For people taking antidepressants, we recommend milk thistle, and the dosage is the same as for St. John's wort. Milk thistle is a natural antidepressant due to the silymarin it contains, which helps increase serotonin levels.
In addition, linden herbal tea, three times a day after meals, will help calm the person. Choose loose linden from an herbalist, and let it steep for no more than fifteen minutes. The tea should be drunk half an hour to one hour after meals.
As for zinc, it helps rest the brain and the body. The dosage is two capsules after breakfast. This micronutrient is naturally found in walnuts, fish, and seafood.
Of course, listening to the Qur'an is very beneficial in cases of stress and obsessive thoughts. Indeed Allah says : "We send down of the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers. "
Finally, it is recommended to engage in regular physical activity, such as walking every morning, for thirty minutes.
What the science says: talbina (barley), stress and anxiety, sadness and depression
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Talbina (barley)
The talbina that the Prophet ﷺ recommended to "rest the heart of the sick" is a barley porridge: its beta-glucans lower cholesterol and smooth out blood sugar according to several meta-analyses (Nutrition, 2011) (Eur J Clin Nutr, 2010) (Eur J Clin Nutr, 2016), and its tryptophan contributes to calming the mind (J Diet Suppl, 2021). Nourishing, easy to digest and filling, it suits those recovering from illness, children, and people under stress. Precaution: barley contains gluten — to be avoided in case of celiac disease.
Stress and anxiety
Chronic stress raises blood pressure and inflammation, and contributes to triggering many diseases (Arthritis Res Ther, 2010); conversely, calming plants (CNS Drugs, 2013), physical activity and good sleep reduce anxiety. The first remedy remains that of the heart — dhikr, prayer, trust in Allah — which the professor places above all others. Precaution: anxiety that overwhelms daily life, panic attacks or persistent waswas (whispers) warrant psychological support that stays true to your values.
Sadness and depression
Regular physical activity reduces depressive symptoms according to numerous meta-analyses, including after childbirth (PLoS One, 2023); omega-3s have a complementary effect documented in mood disorders (PLoS One, 2014) (Bipolar Disord, 2021). The professor reminds us that the soul is also healed through the Qur'an, supplication (du'a), and the company of righteous people. Precaution: deep depression or dark thoughts require medical and psychological care — natural remedies support it, they do not replace it.
