It is normal to suffer from a low mood from time to time, but if you constantly feel overwhelmed, sad and angry, you may be suffering from depression, a common mood disorder that affects 18 million Americans every year. If you are suffering from depression, your doctor may suggest counseling or antidepressants. St. John's wort is an herbal remedy often used to treat depression. Although it is available over-the-counter, you should talk to your doctor before using it.
Properties and Dosage
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, contains an array of active compounds and is used to treat a number of disorders including insomnia, seasonal affective disorder and pain. A chemical called hyperforin is considered to be responsible for this herb's antidepressant effects. University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 300mg of a standardized extract of St. John's wort two to three times daily, for mild-to-moderate depression. However, you should check with your doctor that this dose is appropriate for you.
Effectiveness
Studies have examined the effects of St. John's wort on depression and many of them have found that this herb is efficacious. A review of clinical studies by K. Clement and colleagues published in the July 2006 issue of the "Journal of Holistic Nursing" found that all the studies they analyzed demonstrated a significant drop in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores for patients taking St. John's wort, compared with placebo or pharmaceutical antidepressants. An additional analysis of clinical trial data carried out by K.Linde et al and published in the October 2008 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" also concludes that St. John's wort is superior to placebo in patients with major depression and is similarly effective as standard antidepressants, but with fewer side effects.
Side Effects
Short-term St. John's wort use is likely safe for most people, reports MedlinePlus, but it may cause some side effects including vivid dreams, anxiety, stomach upset, dry mouth, headache, and diarrhea. MedlinePlus adds that it may cause sleeping problems. If you find this to be the case, take your St. John's wort supplement in the morning or lower your dose.
Contraindications
St. John's wort may not be suitable for everyone with depression. For example, it may bring on episodes of mania in people with bipolar disease, and may bring on psychosis in people who suffer from schizophrenia. Avoid this herb if you have attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or Alzheimer's disease. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. St. John's wort interacts with several drugs including antidepressants. Check with your doctor that it is safe for you to use St. John's wort.
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