Does St Johns Wort really work?

Question

For someone who has mild depression?

Answer 1

Some people say yes, science says no, but everyone agrees that there are side effects that could be dangerous if you have certain health conditions or are taking other medications. Talk to you doctor or a pharmacist before you start popping pills.

Answer 2

St. John's Wort a few years ago was touted as the new "Prozac" in terms of treating mild depression. Many studies have been done on it, and the consensus is that treatment was psychosomatic, meaning that people thought they were feeling better while taking it, but there was no actual change to it at all.
It is possible that St. John's Wort may have a little effect on those who suffer from SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder. But again, you can remedy that by placing a few high wattage or fluorescent lamps in your home.

hope this helps.

Answer 3

It is difficult to say. The evidence suggests that St. John's Wort does have an effect on people with depression, but like many pharmaceutical anti-depressants, this can vary from person-to-person. Many clinical studies have found administration of St. John's Wort to be more effective than placebo, though others have shown no benefit. This may be due to the suggested mechanism of action of St. John's Wort, which is to inhibit serotonin re-uptake into the neuron. Like the class of anti-depressants called SSRIs, this may work for some people who have mild or moderate depression, though may have limited effect on those with severe depression.

However, coming from Oregon, where St Johns Wort is a very common OTC treatment for seasonal effectiveness disorder (SAD), I can point to an abundance of anecdotal evidence that suggests effectiveness.

Answer 4

Like all medication intended to help depression sufferers, it works for some people and not others. I've been on and off depression meds for years and I tried St. John's Wort a few times. It did little for me, but I know other people who swear by it.

Answer 5

Yes it does a very good job of helping give a positive outlook on life, if you have a low one.
But be careful about getting in the sun if you take it. You could burn really easy if you are not really careful. It makes your skin sensitive to ultraviolet rays.
follow the directions on the bottle and don't take it for more than 3 months and if in 6 wks of initial start you feel worse or the same see a doctor.


No it does not Mark S if depression follows after you stop taking it you need to go to the doctor for a more serious look at your depression. And if you leave stuff alone and never try something you will never know if it really works or not.
When you are talking about a herbal product they are not as harsh as ppharmaceutical drugs and if you are not going to react to something in a good way, you will know long before it does you any harm.

Answer 6

According to my Herbal Remedies book in a study it treated deppression better than placebo. I've never taken it myself though.

If you are thinking of taking it, to be safe, you might want to speak to an herbalist. My book says that Herbal Remedies have a lot less side affects than pharmautical and this is true according to personal experience with taking herbs.

Most people here will probably say, "get a persribtion", before you do that remember that there are a lot more bad side affects with perscribtion anti-depprssants than St. John's Worts so I reccommend trying it and if it doesn't work go to a psychiatrist. But be prepared for the side affects.

Answer 7

for mild depression yes, for anything more than mild then not much of a difference (you must get perscription, don't waste time with st. john's wort). P.S do not take St, John's wort with any kind of birth control pill (makes the pill less effective).

Answer 8

Yes it does. It contains an active ingredient that works the same as some of the prescription antidepressants. So don't think you are using something "natural" as opposed to "unnatural" drugs!

It is just as dangerous as the prescription version, so you should only use it for a short time (ie. two weeks) without medical supervision. Doctors prefer it if you take the prescription since it contains a known amount of the drug.

Answer 9

Though studies have shown it does work, there is also a downfall to taking it - when you stop taking it. Depression is a common occurance in the aftermath. My best advice, leave it alone.

Answer 10

Some people think it works. I took it for awhile and I couldn't tell it did anything for me except make me nauseous. I suggest that you go to your Dr. and let him prescribe something for you. :)