Know anything about St. Johns Wort?

Question

I was wondering if anyone had experience with St. Johns Wort? I believe I am suffering from mild depression, and I wanted to try an Herbal Remedy first. A friend of mine that is an RN suggested St Johns Wort, since I am not currently on any other medications. She believes this is a viable alternative to anti-depressants for me. I have done the web research (pro’s and con’s). I am now interested in any personnel experiences with the herb. Why did you start taking it? When did you start to see results? Thank You.

Answer 1

Hi there

I used to take St John's Wort about fifteen years ago when I was also going through mild depression and found it very helpful indeed. I took it for around about a year - I would say it probably took a couple of weeks to really get into my system but this is purely subjective.

But more recently my husband started taking it; it worked pretty well at first but then he started to get dizzy spells. At the time we were regularly checking our blood pressure readings using a home testing kit (I know it's not as reliable as going to your GP but it is an indication). He checked his bp, which is normally text book perfect, and found it was much higher than normal. Taking St J W was the only thing he had been doing differently so he stopped and a couple of weeks later his bp was back to normal.

Following this I checked out a couple of books in the library and found that raised blood pressure is a possible side effect and that you should monitor it whilst taking St John's Wort. The books I consulted said that this doesn't affect everyone, though. (Sorry, it was few years ago and I'm afraid I can't remember the titles.)

I'd also certainly check out what Faith has said about possible interactions with birth control if that is relevant to you. At the time I was taking St J W I was on the progesterone-only pill so I probably had a couple of close calls without realising it! I had started taking St J W on a friend's recommendation without checking for side effects - I have to admit, somewhat shamefacedly, that at that time I believed if something was herbal it was OK - ouch!

Having said all that I would still recommend trying it once you have checked out the birth control and bp issues if you feel they are relevant to you and are happy that you are not at risk.

Another thing that can help with mild depression is to take a good quality vitamin B6 supplement - I tried this after my husband's bp experience whilst taking St J W and found it very helpful.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a friend who was telling me that she went to the gyno the other day and was informed that St. Johns Wort has been proven to interact with home birth control pills and the like, just as taking antibiotics would. This freaked her out, because she actually uses St. Johns Wort and could have had some really close calls without knowing. I spoke with her about it because I didn't really know what it was used for, I've heard of it though, and she informed me that it helps with depression and anxiety. She told me that she continually uses it and likes it, but will have to find and alternative given the new findings. Talk to a gyno doctor or a nurse and they will be able to give you more information. Good luck.

Answer 3

I used to take it. It seemed to help me some. It may take two weeks to see and improvement. It also helps me if I feel nervous, then it works in a day or two.

Answer 4

It's a natural herb that does help some with depression. Please talk with your doctor before taking it because there are also side effects as with any drug.

Answer 5

Didn't do anything for my depression and I hear exposure to the sun isn't wise if you use it frequently 'cause plants will grow in you.