Asthma and St Johns Wort?

Question

Have any other asthmatics experienced problems with taking St Johns Wort? I have been taking it for a couple of weeks with really good effect but then someone told me it can make asthma symptoms worse, any opinions?

Answer 1

St Johns Wort should not have any adverse effects on asthma.

It can interact with prescription medications, but mainly those with a narrow therapeutic range. This is because it increases liver function, which is responsible for the excretion of drugs. Some examples of contraindicated medications are anti-epileptics, warfarin and the contraceptive pill.

It can increase photo sensitivity so if you are exposed to excessive sunlight, always wear sunscreen.

All these effects are at larger doses. I would recommend taking 20 drops of tincture 3 times a day (or one strong cup of tea) and you should have no interactions or adverse effects. Ensure any preparation you use is the whole plant, not an extract of one of the chemicals.

Thyme and Liquorice can have a beneficial effect on asthma and are safe to combine with St Johns Wort. If you are on lots of medication, consult a professional Herbalist.

Best Wishes!

Answer 2

I don't know about asthma specifically, but you should be a bit careful with St John's Wort. It's been known to react with certain prescribed medications. In some cases is prevents the medications from working, in others it causes a reaction in the body.

Answer 3

Adverse effects
St John's wort is generally well tolerated, with an adverse effect profile similar to placebo. [15] The most common adverse effects reported are gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, confusion and tiredness/sedation. [16]

St John's wort is also known to cause photosensitivity. This can lead to visual sensitivity to light and to sunburns in situations that would not normally cause them, but the incidence is reported to be rare. [15]

Some research shows that St John's wort may have negative effects on fertility in both men and women. [17]

Answer 4

I havnt taken it but ive had asthma since birth and these days people say everthing can affect asthma.. i mean were not even suppost to drink lemsip now... x