St. John's Wort: Natural Anti-depressant

St. John's Wort is an herb which has been used medicinally since ancient times. There are even records of the ancient Greeks using it for various maladies and illnesses. In the Middle Ages it was believed that the plant had magical powers to protect the user from evil. It has been used as a kidney strengthener, to heal wounds and to cure insanity.

It continues to be used today by many people. In fact, the effects of St. John's Wort on depression have been studied and researched more than any other herb.

Using St. John;'s Wort as a remedy for depression is probably the best known of it's uses. There are other ways that this herb is being used.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Anxiety
• Seasonal depressive disorder (SADD)

• Other mood disorders
• PMS
• Symptoms of perimenopause
• Topically as an antibacterial
• Atopic dermatitis

It can be used along with prescription antidepressants as the prescription drugs are being discontinued, although you should discuss this with your doctor.

Over the years St. John's wort has been studied and used in research over and over again. Each time the question was, "Is St. John's Wort a possible remedy for depression?"

Researchers have come to the conclusion that it is. In study after study between 50 and 80 percent of the population had good results in decreasing the symptoms of their depression. This is about the same percentage as when people used prescription antidepressants. In fact one study in Germany found that the S. John's Wort was actually more effective on depression than chemical antidepressants.

What are the benefits of taking St. John's Wort rather than a prescription medication?

St. John's Wort is available over the counter. It is easily picked up at any health food store and at many grocery stores and pharmacies. This means that there is no problem in getting it when you need it, No need to see a doctor, and no need to have the insurance company authorize the prescription! St. John's Wort has fewer side effects than antidepressants and the side effects it does have tend to be milder.

Chemical antidepressants have a tendency to interfere with quality sleep. Instances of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep are lower and last a shorter period of time in patients taking drugs like tricyclic antidepressants. St. John's Wort does not interfere with sleep quality or length of the REM cycle. and in fact seems to improve sleep quality overall.

One of the biggest benefit is that St. John's Wort is inexpensive.

As with any medication or herbal remedy there can be side effects. Common side effects of St John's Wort are:

• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure
  
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to sunlight resulting in more severe sunburn than normal
  
• Vomiting
  

Since it can interact with other medications you should always check with your health care provider before taking St. John's Wort. Common interactions are:

• Contraceptives
• Cyclosporin
• Digoxin
  
• HIV Protease Inhibitors
• Phenprocoumon
• Theophylline
• Warfarin
  

St. John's Wort can be taken in tincture form, in a capsule, or in tea. Which you choose depends on your medical condition, your body chemistry and your personal preference.

How much you need to take depends on the way the herb has been manufactured. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the bottle and adjust up a little or down a little for your own needs.

As a rule of thumb 900 to 1,800 mgs by mouth per day is the standard dosage.

If you struggle with mild to moderate depression then it may be a good thing to talk to your health care provider about switching over to St. John's Wort to relieve your symptoms.

As with any medication do not take while pregnant or nursing.