how effective is st.john's wort? i have heard it loses it's potency after a while.?

Question

also what is the best way to take it?

Answer 1

You can take it twice a day, but it won't take effectiveness until about 3 weeks in. Even when it does start working it's not very much.

Answer 2

Rhodiola rosea (arctic root) may be more effective and quicker acting. It is an adaptogen similar to ginsengs and can help your body meet the demands of any stress, whether physical, mental or emotional. It has been shown to be effective for depression. Also, there are no known drug-herb interactions with this herbal as far as I am aware. Whereas, with St John's wort you have to be careful if you are on any medication because it increases a liver enzyme responsible for metabolising many drugs which means that you may not get the maximum effect form any other drug you are taking. This applies to the contraceptive pill and several other prescription drugs. If you are on the BC pill or any medication talk to a doctor first before taking St John's wort. Another important consideration is that you must NOT take Any antidepressant herb alongside conventional antidepressant medication or you could have an harmful doubling up effect with really bad consequences.

Chamomile tea or Lemon balm tea may help if you have any anxiety. Plus they help promote restful sleep.

Hope this helps.
Best wishes.

Answer 3

I don't think there is a valid study that shows that St John's Wort loses its effectiveness the longer a patient takes it. However, this may hold true for some patients as for some patients the effect of anti-depressants do wear off.

There are several OTC medications that work on depression. 5-HTP, Sam-E . . . These are all listed on the Internet. For a person with mild depression, it may be a good idea to try each of these substances to figure out which ones work best so you can be prepared to address any future events.

Answer 4

Its an herb and not all herbs are pharmaceutical grade and pure. Meaning, the herb you are buying may not have any biological activity at all, because it oxidized during processing. If it is a good herb from a reputable source, then it should work.

This is why there are conflicting studies showing it does or doesn't work, because they were using an inferior extract or a superior extract. I'm suspicious of the studies that show it doesn't work, because its usually sponsored by a competing pharmaceutical company that sells Prozac. Billions of dollars are at steak and they will do "anything" to keep their billions.

All herbs seem to lose their potency because the liver gets used to it over time, just like prescription drugs. So, increasing and decreasing the amount of your herbs gives you something to play around with in order to find out what works for you and what doesn't.

Even though herbs are a lot less toxic than drugs, they do elicit a reaction and can interferer with certain prescriptions.

I've provided an excellent web site for you to determine what is safe for your body. You click on Enter, then click on the tab that says "Reference Library" on the top left of the web page.

There, you will see herbs to find accurate information about them as well as a list of drug interactions and the deficiencies drugs cause.

Answer 5

They have a pill form for it, but you have to make sure its the coloring of yellow. When you take any herbs for health benefits firstly you need to remember it is a flowering plant, so if you have pollen allergies, be aware.

Most all herbal pills you do take, take longer to start working it is something you have to do over time in order to see the benefits.

For Saint John's there have been studies that say it is effective for it's uses, and not effective.
. Also you need to check with your doctor if you plan on taking it, it can cause adverse effect with mixed with certain medications.

Answer 6

Recent studies have shown that St.John's Wort is not effective after all in treating depression. Lots of people won't agree with that, but its the placebo effect at work.

Answer 7

There seems to be confusion of people thinking this cures warts on your thread, it doesn't. It is a mood enhancer. I used to take it, but stopped after reading it can build up in your system and cause problems. Also it can interfere with other medicine. I personally wouldn't recommend it.

Answer 8

St. John's Wart is effective for moderate to mild depression. In combination with healthy eating habits, exercise and proper supplementation, it is highly effective.

If you are really depressed you might want to start at the highest dose. Take the 325 mg. tablets. Take two in the morning and one at night. (Three total in one 24 hour period.)

It will take about 2-3 weeks to feel the full effect. But every day you will feel just a little bit better over the course of a couple of weeks.

Good luck to you. Please e-mail me if you want a good diet to follow for depression. If you follow a simple diet, you will virtually eliminate your symptoms. You take care.

FYI: It is a prescription medication in England and other parts of the world.

Answer 9

St. johns wort is effective to elevate your mood. You need to take it consistently for about 1-2 months to reach its optimal benefit. It maintains its effectiveness as long as you take it as directed. You may find after a while if you take it, you will feel a bit of a crash in your mood (i.e. you will notice the effect of taking it consistently if you suddenly stop taking it).

Answer 10

All Vitamins lose their potency. The expiration date will be on the box.
And there is only one way I know that you take it
Get a glass of water - open your mouth and place pill inside - now drink water and swallow....