St Johns Wart?

Question

I've just being on this site,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Johns_Wart

It says:
Some research shows that St John's wort may have negative effects on fertility in both men and women. (17)

I want to try this SJWart for anxiety. Does anybody know how you can prevent the negative effects on fertility? Have you ever known somebody who used this herb for long term use and had pregnancy troubles? I want to know more.

Answer 1

I don't believe that there is any current medical evidence for St John's wart in anxiety, however the mechanism of action is said to be similar to SSRI's which ARE used in anxiety disorders.

Here are some links to information about St John's Wart in pregnancy

Answer 2

I have not heard anything about valerian root having long term effects on fertility. However, I would suggest that you consult with your doctor before starting any new medication, herbal or otherwise. Keep in mind though that Wikipedia is not always a very reliable source of information.

I wanted to give you a suggestion of something else to try besides valerian root, especially if it may cause problems with fertility. If you have trouble with anxiety, there is a supplement out there that I have found to be absolutely one of the best things. I had problems with anxiety, too, and nothing (from ativan, clorazepam aka klonopin, to xanax, etc) helped. Also, I did not want to be "drugged up" all the time, and was very wary of the physical and psychological dependencies that can occur with these drugs.

A doctor recommended that I try taking the supplement GABA, and I have not had problems with anxiety since then. I have found that it makes me feel calmer and more in control without feeling stupid, sleepy, or drugged. I would strongly, strongly recommend that you give it a try. i have also tried valerian root and did not find it particularly beneficial, but the GABA has truly worked wonders. I have since heard from other friends who have had similar problems, and some of their doctors have also recommended they try GABA.

If you are reluctant to give GABA a try for whatever reason, I would also like to suggest that you might give kava kava a try. I did also use kava kava, but found that ultimately GABA was the best for me.

You can find it at your local health food store, like a GNC, or you can also find it online at vitaminshoppe.com. It is not very expensive and is only about $11 per bottle of 90 tablets, which will last you through 3 months.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

I know it can mess up your birth control pills, so that seems like it could mess with such things. I took St. John's Wort for a long time and found that I could tell when I hadn't taken them because I'd start to really feel stressed again, and when I took the SJW it would be relieved. However, I tried taking it again recently when I was a bit stressed, and when it wore off I realized I was even MORE stressed. I think it was MAKING me stressed so I would keep taking it! It was a scary realization! Don't take that stuff.

Answer 4

I use Saint John's Wort for depression. It seems to work and has no side effects. I have not heard of it having effects on pregnancy, if you stopped taking it while you are expecting. Ask you doctor, or call the help line number on the back of the supplement bottle.

Answer 5

Become Jewish, to hell with saints!!!