St. John’s Wort – Use for Depression

Posted by admin under Herbs & Supplements

Did you know that a common herb, right here in the United States, can be used to treat depression. Trials and tribulations over the years have proven, again and again, that St. John’s Wort is effective against depression in many people. An article from Better Homes & Gardens will help you understand:

If you’re interested in trying St. John’s wort, you need to know a few things. (Besides how it got that strange name: “wort” is Old English for “plant” and the “St. John’s” may come from when the plant’s flowers bloom — around the Feast of St. John in late June.)

While no prescription is required, and its is sold at health food stores and nutrition centers, products labeled St. John’s wort can vary significantly in strength. Doctors recommend three daily doses of 300 milligrams of an extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin. (The hypericin content is how the herbal extract is measured, although a number of chemical components may combine to make St. John’s wort work.)

The herb won’t work for everyone. It has proven effective only for people with minor or moderate — not severe — depression. And no one should switch from doctor-prescribed antidepressants to St. John’s wort without first talking to your doctor.

Possible Concerns
Be aware of these unresolved questions about St. John’s wort: Some doctors say it can increase sensitivity to the sun for some people, and that, because of how the herb might work, people taking St. John’s wort should avoid foods high in a substance called tyramine — foods like red wine, dried meat, and cheese. Other experts, however, say there is no evidence that St. John’s wort has ever caused sun-sensitivity in humans, and point to studies that refute the tyramine problem.

The Bottom Line
Most important, even people who might be helped by St. John’s wort need to be patient; its effects are mild. You should take it for at least six weeks before judging whether it’s helping, Bloomfield says. Those searching for new help with their depression can perhaps afford to be patient: The proper St. John’s wort dose costs $10 to $30 per month. For the thousands who say the herb has helped them — and who were accustomed to paying hundreds of dollars per month for antidepressants — that’s a bargain.

Visit Health Suppelements for more information!