Often seen on health-food store shelves, bottles of St. John's Wort are reached for by those suffering from anxiety and depression. Used for centuries, this herb was used in ancient times to treat psychiatric conditions. Its effectiveness is not scientifically proven, but it's an option today for those who seek an alternative to prescription medications for anxiety and depression.
Background
Derived from a yellow flowering plant, it was the ancient Greeks who first recorded St. John's Wort therapeutic effects. Teas, tablets and capsules are derived from the extracts of the St. John's Wort plant. It's believed that the key components of the plant are hypericin and hyperforin, responsible for the anxiety and depression reducing effects. It's believed St. John's Wort affects the absorption of serotonin, the same neurotransmitter many anti-depressives target.
Uses
For centuries, St. John's Wort's has been used to treat malaria, nerve pain and mental disorders. Today, Europeans often prescribe St. John's Wort to treat depression and it's often related anxiety. In America in the last few decades interest in St. John's Wort has grown, but with skepticism by the medical community since it's not often prescribed. It's most popular uses today are for depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.
Effectiveness
A 2002 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found no difference in St. John's Wort improving major depression symptoms versus a placebo. Other studies on St. John's Wort's effectiveness for minor depression and generalized anxiety are ongoing. Because of the herb's unproven scientific effectiveness, St. John's Wort is not officially recommended for any condition. Consumers are often warned that St. John's Wort should not be substituted for prescription medication and medical care.
Considerations
Side effects of St. John's Wort include light sensitivity, dizziness, fatigue, headache and dry mouth. Ironically, anxiety is another noted side effect even though this herb is often purported to treat anxiety. The National Institutes of Health says that studies show St. John's Wort definitely interacts with the effectiveness of drugs, such as Digoxin, a heart medication, and birth control pills, among others. Caution and doctor supervision should be taken when taking St. John's Wort, but particularly when taking it with other medications.
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