St. John's Wort and Depression
Will this Popular Antidepressant Herb Help with the Blues?
Some swear by it; others shy away from it. Get all the facts about St. John's Wort.
Medieval Europeans used St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) to protect themselves from disease and "evil influences." Now, people infuse the oil, lather on creams and take pills containing this popular herb to combat depression.
Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine say St. John’s Wort may be useful in treating mild to moderate depression. But recent studies suggest it won’t help at all for severe depression. In some cases this herb may do more harm than good because it interacts with certain drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking St. John’s Wort.
St. John’s wort studies
- An overview of 23 clinical studies shows St. John’s Wort might be useful in treating mild to moderate depression.
- One study of 1,757 outpatients reported that St. John’s Wort was more effective than a placebo, and produced fewer side effects than standard anti-depressants.
- A study funded by Pfizer, Inc. a pharmaceutical company, found that St. John’s Wort, when compared with a placebo, was not effective in combating major depression.
How does St. John’s Wort work?
Scientists aren’t sure but it appears a key component in the plant, Hyperforin, plays a role in the herb’s antidepressant effect.
Habitat and Cultivation
- This plant prefers sunny locations and well-drained chalky soil.
- It grows in temperate regions throughout the world.
- You can grow it from seed or root division.
- Harvest the flowers in mid to late summer.
Possible side effects of St. John’s Wort
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue
Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking St. Johns Wort.
How do you know if you are depressed?
19 million Americans suffer from depression. Some of the symptoms include:
- Ongoing sadness. More than just a temporary case of the blues.
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. You have lost joy in life.
- Significant change in appetite. You might gain or lose weight suddenly.
- Sleeping too much or difficulty falling asleep.
- Loss of energy. Even normal day-to-day activities become tedious and difficult.
- Agitation or unusual slowness. You are weighed down by sadness.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Your once high self esteem dips considerably.
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions. You have a hard time "thinking straight."
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider about St. John's Wort as well as other treatments. For more information on St. John’s Wort, contact the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Sources: NCCAM, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine(DK Publishing Inc. 2000)American Academy of Family Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health
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