St. John's Wort:
Will This Herb Work
for Depression?
Will This Herb Work
for Depression?
WARNING: None of the above statements have been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration or the American Medical Association. The information provided on this herb site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Seek the consultation of your physician or other qualified health care provider before using any herbal remedies. © 2007 Herbal-Remedy-Online.net. All Rights Reserved.
St. John's Wort: Hypericum Perforatum
Everyday, millions of people struggle with depression. Will St. John's wort help with depression? The path to well-being may not be an easy one, but there are steps you can take to live a more pleasant existence. This article is but one resource and it is wise to research as many sources as possible.
I know many websites online have mixed feelings about this popular herb's effectiveness. Some people support the use of St. John's wort, while others say it does not work. You can simply type St. John's wort in Google and you will be reading about it for hours! The ancient Greeks believed that the fragrance of St. John's wort would cause evil spirits to fly away. The European peasants employed a sprig of St. John's wort as a charm against witchcraft. This herb has gained a great deal of popularity throughout the ages. Let's look at what two herbal experts have to say about St. John's wort.
Is St. John's Wort The Mood Food?
Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs calls St. John's wort the "Mood Food." He states that German medical researchers have shown the herb to be just as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressants. Anti-depressants like Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac, seem to have a run for the money with the increased popularity of St. John's wort. St. John's wort has had unbelievable amounts of media coverage and TV commercials, which have turned it into a herbal superstar, as Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs may say!
According to Christopher Hobbs in his book, "Herbal Remedies for Dummies", over 20 clinical trials support the use of extracts of the herb for easing mild, moderate, and even some cases of severe depression. Also, he says to buy the liquid extract that has a rich red color, thereby showing it may contain the active properties for the herb's effectiveness. Mr. Hobbs information sounds promising for people who suffer from the dark torment of depression. Interestingly, St. John's wort may assist with PMS, hemorrhoids, anxiety, burns, wounds, nervine (calming effect), alcoholism, and fighting infections. More
research will be needed to follow up, on the health claims of this amazing herb!
The MayoClinic.com states that the anti-viral effects of St. John's wort have been observed in laboratory studies, but were not found in one human study. Multiple reports of significant adverse effects and interactions with drugs used for HIV/AIDS, including protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), suggest that patients being treated for HIV/AIDS should avoid this herb. Therefore, there is evidence to recommend against using St. John's wort in the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS.
CAUTION: It has not been proven effective with the bipolar (manic-depressive) form of depression. It is not wise to use St. John's wort if you're already taking synthetic antidepressants. St. John's wort is not recommended for people taking anticonvulsants (like phenobarbital), drugs to stop transplant rejection (like cyclosporine), cardiac medications (like Digoxin), or protease inhibitors (for HIV). One of the main side effects of this herb may be sensitivity to sunlight. Pregnant or lactating women should not use this herb. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before using any herbal remedies.
Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs calls St. John's wort the "Mood Food." He states that German medical researchers have shown the herb to be just as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressants. Anti-depressants like Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac, seem to have a run for the money with the increased popularity of St. John's wort. St. John's wort has had unbelievable amounts of media coverage and TV commercials, which have turned it into a herbal superstar, as Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs may say!
According to Christopher Hobbs in his book, "Herbal Remedies for Dummies", over 20 clinical trials support the use of extracts of the herb for easing mild, moderate, and even some cases of severe depression. Also, he says to buy the liquid extract that has a rich red color, thereby showing it may contain the active properties for the herb's effectiveness. Mr. Hobbs information sounds promising for people who suffer from the dark torment of depression. Interestingly, St. John's wort may assist with PMS, hemorrhoids, anxiety, burns, wounds, nervine (calming effect), alcoholism, and fighting infections. More
research will be needed to follow up, on the health claims of this amazing herb!
The MayoClinic.com states that the anti-viral effects of St. John's wort have been observed in laboratory studies, but were not found in one human study. Multiple reports of significant adverse effects and interactions with drugs used for HIV/AIDS, including protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), suggest that patients being treated for HIV/AIDS should avoid this herb. Therefore, there is evidence to recommend against using St. John's wort in the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS.
CAUTION: It has not been proven effective with the bipolar (manic-depressive) form of depression. It is not wise to use St. John's wort if you're already taking synthetic antidepressants. St. John's wort is not recommended for people taking anticonvulsants (like phenobarbital), drugs to stop transplant rejection (like cyclosporine), cardiac medications (like Digoxin), or protease inhibitors (for HIV). One of the main side effects of this herb may be sensitivity to sunlight. Pregnant or lactating women should not use this herb. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before using any herbal remedies.
Master Herbalist David Hoffmann's View of St. John's Wort
Master Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his book "Medical Herbalism", states that St. John's wort may have a sedative and pain-relieving effect, which may make this herb helpful in aiding such ailments as tension, neuralgia (a painful disorder of the nerves) and anxiety.
This herb may be an effective sedative nervine for muscular twitching, according to Mr. Hoffmann's book. He believes the herb is more helpful for neuralgic pain, sciatica, and rheumatic pain. Also, he believes St. John's wort is a valuable healer when used as a lotion for application to bruises, varicose veins, and mild burns. Apparently, this herb may speed the wound healing process according to Mr. Hoffmann. Below you can purchase the St. John's wort product from Nutraceutical Sciences Institute. This company is superb!
Master Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his book "Medical Herbalism", states that St. John's wort may have a sedative and pain-relieving effect, which may make this herb helpful in aiding such ailments as tension, neuralgia (a painful disorder of the nerves) and anxiety.
This herb may be an effective sedative nervine for muscular twitching, according to Mr. Hoffmann's book. He believes the herb is more helpful for neuralgic pain, sciatica, and rheumatic pain. Also, he believes St. John's wort is a valuable healer when used as a lotion for application to bruises, varicose veins, and mild burns. Apparently, this herb may speed the wound healing process according to Mr. Hoffmann. Below you can purchase the St. John's wort product from Nutraceutical Sciences Institute. This company is superb!
Note: St. John's wort has emerged as the best-known herbal treatment for mild to moderate forms of depression. Reportedly outselling the conventional antidepressant Prozac by as much as 20 to 1 in Germany, it is approved in that country for the treatment of depression.
Excerpt from the updated "Medicinal Plants and Herbs" field guide.
I highly regard the views of both Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs and David Hoffmann.
I would encourage anyone to buy the book "Medical Herbalism", by David Hoffmann. Medical Herbalism is a powerful herbal reference that blends science with a holistic approach. Master Herbalist David Hoffmann is a Fellow of Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists. Also, he is one of the founding members and a past president of the American Herbalists Guild.
Exercise should not be overlooked for dealing with depression! One super easy exercise almost anyone can perform on a daily basis, is walking! You can go for a mountain climb, nature trail walk, and even go hiking with friends. If you go for daily 30 minute walks and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, eat healthy with proper herbal supplementation, you may began to feel better. The website called Men's Total Fitness.com, says to go for the three "E's": Exercise, Endorphins and Euphoria! During exercise, there is a release of endorphins in the body, that may produce those “feel good” chemicals. Sounds like going for a jog or a nice brisk walk, is great for your well-being!
Yours in good health,
DeWayne H. Strickland
Excerpt from the updated "Medicinal Plants and Herbs" field guide.
I highly regard the views of both Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs and David Hoffmann.
I would encourage anyone to buy the book "Medical Herbalism", by David Hoffmann. Medical Herbalism is a powerful herbal reference that blends science with a holistic approach. Master Herbalist David Hoffmann is a Fellow of Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists. Also, he is one of the founding members and a past president of the American Herbalists Guild.
Exercise should not be overlooked for dealing with depression! One super easy exercise almost anyone can perform on a daily basis, is walking! You can go for a mountain climb, nature trail walk, and even go hiking with friends. If you go for daily 30 minute walks and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, eat healthy with proper herbal supplementation, you may began to feel better. The website called Men's Total Fitness.com, says to go for the three "E's": Exercise, Endorphins and Euphoria! During exercise, there is a release of endorphins in the body, that may produce those “feel good” chemicals. Sounds like going for a jog or a nice brisk walk, is great for your well-being!
Yours in good health,
DeWayne H. Strickland
Nature's Way - St. John's Wort 90 caps (hypericum extract), when standardized for hypericin and hyperforin, may help to balance serotonin levels and aid in maintaining normal neurotransmitter activity to promote emotional well-being and a positive mood. Find out why this is one of the hottest herbs on the market and it may put you in a good mood! Is St. John's wort the Prozac alternative?
Depression can be triggered by many different reasons. Maybe you lost your job or someone close to you died. Medications, chronic illnesses, and circumstances that
are overwhelmingly out of your control, may bring you down. Life can throw some nasty curve balls, where it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
are overwhelmingly out of your control, may bring you down. Life can throw some nasty curve balls, where it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.