question about st. johns wort..?

Question

do you have to take it everday for it to be effective or can you just take it on the days when you arent feeling so great...?

Answer 1

How It Is Used
The flowering tops of St. John's wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.



What the Science Says
There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
NCCAM is studying the use of St. John's wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.


Side Effects and Cautions
St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills
Antidepressants
When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
St. John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care

Answer 2

It's hard to say because scientists haven't figured out how St. John's Wort works. The current theory is that it is like a class of antidepressants known as SSRI's. This class of drug takes 1-4 weeks to be effective, and you do take those every day, so I think the same should apply to St. John's Wort. I think you have to take St. John's Wort three times a day, too, so it can be a pain. If you're still interested in taking it, a common side effect is sun sensitivity, so sunscreen and long sleeves are a must. If you feel like you need an antidepressant medication, please go see your doctor. Depression is no joke, and if it isn't treated well, it can become a lifelong problem.

Answer 3

you have began some thing which you do no longer comprehend approximately? does no longer be clever to income up on St. John's Wort formerly you start up taking it? St. John's wort has been used for hundreds of years to handle psychological issues and nerve discomfort. In historical circumstances, herbalists wrote approximately its use as a sedative and a medical look after malaria, as nicely as a balm for wounds, burns, and malicious program bites. immediately, St. John's wort is used by some for melancholy, rigidity, and/or sleep issues.

Answer 4

I used to take st. johns wort and it was only effective if I took it daily so I suggest taking it every day.

Answer 5

You should take it everyday, to really feel the full effect.

Answer 6

Every day.
It has to get into your blood stream and stabilize.

Answer 7

just whatever you do --don't drink it as tea it's toxic when hot.