I'd really appriciate any personal testimonial on whether it's been a success or failure in your lives.
Thank you
2006-08-16 11:27:54 · 13 answers · asked by davemg21 3 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
My experience was very positive. I had been prescribed a SSRI for depression but the side effects were unacceptable. I discontinued it and tried the recommended dosage of St. John's Wort. It worked wonderfully for me, it's very affordable and I am unaware of any side effects. I used it for 8-10 years and discontinued it a few months ago only because I no longer seem to need it.
Clinical trials have shown it to be effective in cases of mild to moderate depression. Previous answers surprised me because I know a number of people who have taken it with excellent results.
2006-08-16 14:23:42 · answer #1 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
St. John's Wort can be very effective, but usually depends on what it is blended with. I have found an alternative that I discovered quite by accident. I had insomnia for 2 years along with other symptoms like headaches and heartburn and all the other goodies that are presented to women my age. A friend offered this to me and I was blown away! I told everyone I knew who had health issues and the testimonials pouring in were so powerful that I share it with everyone. I started sleeping through the night within a few days and no longer even remember what a headache feels like. This was featured in July's issue of Time magazine as the breakthrough superfruit of the year and I would have to say they are right.
2006-08-16 19:14:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
St. John's Wort is vastly misunderstood thanks to the media and supplement companies who sell it. The whole herb, not the standardized hypericin capsules, works wonderfully. In addition to being an anti-depressant, it works very well for nerve pain. It also has a sedative action. If I have trouble sleeping, I will make a tea of St. John's Wort, Valerian, Peppermint and Licorice Root. Put's me out like a light. I've also successfully used the Homeopathic St. John's Wort (Hypericum 30c) for a toothache. If you want capsule, I suggest the freeze-dried ones.
2006-08-16 22:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by intuitiveherbs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that you need to talk to a doctor before trying any type of new medicine. Although they are not always right and it may take trial and error...
I took Paxil for about a year and then our insurance changed so that it did not cover it so the doctor told me to change to St. John's Wort since it contains some of the same ingredients and works the same way. However, when I started taking the herbal meds and quit the Paxil I slowly started getting my depression back (as the Paxil worked out of my system) and I also started getting anxiety and panic attacks too. As soon as I started taking the Paxil again I began to get back to "normal". Hope this helps!!
2006-08-16 18:54:44 · answer #4 · answered by kd_jb2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worked for me, twice. I have no other drugs in my system so I didn't worry about interactions. You shouldn't take it if you're pregnant. It starts working sooner than the long-term addictives that the Dr. will try to push on you. If I quit for a day, I would feel the depression again, so I knew it was working. No side effects. No addiction.
2006-08-16 18:36:11 · answer #5 · answered by R. F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would not use herbs without checking with a doctor first. I know that herbs combined with other meds can cause some real medical problems. I'm married to a Pharmacist, so I tend to lean towards medications over herbs.
2006-08-16 18:32:05 · answer #6 · answered by darci_67 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Never dismiss the power of herbs. How do you think all the drug manufactures was able to develop their pills?
But do your research before jumping on the herbal bandwagon. I have never used it myself but I use many other herbs on a daily basis.
2006-08-16 18:34:36 · answer #7 · answered by Brutal honesty is best 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dangerous. doesnt work that well and taken in high doses can mess with other things in your body. same with other herbs. when planning on taking this kind of stuff consult wiht both your doctor and a naturopath to make sure it doesnt' conflict with any prescribed meds you are on.
2006-08-16 18:31:44 · answer #8 · answered by Justme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems to work like the usual antidepressants.
Some people like it because it is herbal
Some people like it because they claim that it works and has less side effects.
Some people do not tolerate it and have side effects just like other antidepressants.
2006-08-16 18:31:52 · answer #9 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Serious interactions with medications + no scientifically established effectiveness.
Funny name though. I personally prefer St Peters ingrown nail to treat my depression
2006-08-16 18:36:50 · answer #10 · answered by Rick M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋