St. John's Wort, is it effective?

Question

Someone in my family takes St. John's Wort for depression. Now they have suggested I take it. How effective is it? Is it inexpensive? Where is the best place to by it? Are there any side effects, good or bad? Would you use it, over doctor prescribed meds?

Answer 1

Basically, the jury is still out on this question -- but leaning toward "not really."

They've done studies at NIMH that seemed to indicate it isn't much more effective than a placebo. Still -- don't discount the personal experiences of people you know who have had success with it. It's true that it has been used for years -- centuries even -- to treat symptoms of Depression. Here's some information about it from drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/mtm/st-john-s-wort.html

I believe the conventional (western medicine) wisdom is this: St. John's Wort can be effective for mild to moderate Depression, but not really for more serious Depression.

If you have more serious Depression I would absolutely not take it over prescription medication. And psychiatrists warn to NEVER take it along with a prescription medication because they theorize that it could cause an extremely dangerous state called "serotonin syndrome." Here's a webpage from NIMH with information about that and about SJW in general: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-stjohnswort.html

I bet it's not inexpensive. I usually trust GNC for supplements I take -- it seems to have better quality ones.

If you have not seen a doctor about Depression and you are having symptoms, you should absolutely see one. Only a doctor can really help you figure out how to deal with the illness.

Good luck!

Answer 2

St jons wort works for depression but only lasts about two hours or so. It is only a quick fix. If you find yourself taking it long term then you should see a doctor to get some real medicine.
You can also get St. Jons wort one a day tablets that are supposed to last all day. But they still are not a substitute for real medicine for depression.
But they do work they worked for me. But now I take doctor prescribed medicnine for long term. I had seasonal effective disorder where I would get depressed during fall and winter due to lack of sunlight. St wort got me through a few years.
By the way you can get it at Wal Mart or any other drug store.

Answer 3

St. John's Wort can be effective for mild to moderate depression. The average person feels the effects within 30 min. after taking. Its available in capsules, just follow the label directions.

Answer 4

It is best taken for anxiety or moderate depression, is relatively inexpensive, and may be obtained from pharmacies, health food stores, and some supermarkets (vitamins section). It can affect other medications, so tell your doctor. See http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2 for alternatives & useful info. Arctic root comes highly recommended, costing around $12 for 30 of them, in case of stomach problems with the Wort.

Answer 5

I took it for a month, and I think it worked about as well as Paxil. However, I started to have stomach aches almost everyday which stopped when I stopped taking St. John's Wort.

Answer 6

It is used for depression and is very similar to Prozac. Get it at your local pharmacy over the counter. Fortunately I have insurance so I am on prescribed meds. But, ask your pharmacist the side effects.

Answer 7

It helps for folks who have mild depression. However, it doesn't seem at all effective for most with bipolar (doesn't make it worse though). It is not at all helpful for someone with severe depression or post-partum depression.

My grocery store actually carries it, but if you want organic leaves, I've included a link to a store that carries bulk, organic leaves. They carry only organic unless its impossible to get it that way. This place has an actual storefront building in Minneapolis (I go there once a year), so you are not dealing with fly-by-night.

Answer 8

it works great for mild mood elevation... If there is a serious depression problem you should be on prescribed meds...
It is inexpensive and can be bought at most health food places or drug stores with a herbal section....
I know you can't eat cheese or drink wine while on it.....

Answer 9

For me it is a very effective herbal remedy. Personally I didn't want to be taking harsh meds, and wanted an herbal alternative to prozac, and it's worked swimmingly for me.