Presents question and answer about St. John's Wort for mild
depression. Benefits of St. John's Wort; How Wort works; Views on
hypericin; Side effect of St.John's Wort.
By
PT Staff, published on May 01, 1997
Q: I'm healthy and fit, but can't shake my constant mild
depression. I'vebeen reading that the herb St. John's Wort can boost
mood. Can it?
A: St. John's Wort is generally safe and effective in mild and
moderate depression. In fact, studies have shown it works as well as
medication in many cases. It increases deep sleep and reduces anxiety. We
aren't sure exactly why it works, though we know it inhibits the enzyme
that breaks down dopamine, the "pleasure" neurotransmitter, and may also
work the way antidepressant drugs do, by inhibiting the brain's uptake of
serotonin and norepinephrine. In Germany this herb is so popular that
200,000 prescriptions are written for it each year by doctors. The active
ingredient, hypericin, is believed to be responsible for its
mood-boosting effect, and the side-effect is photosensitivity, so if you
do try St. John's Wort, wear a sunscreen.
Many companies manufacturing herbs; however, it's best to take an
herbal extract that is standardized (so that the same potency is
available in each dose). To learn more about St. John's Wort and
recommended dosages, read the book Hypericum & Depression Harold
Bloomfield, M.D., Mikael Nordfors, M.D., and Peter McWilliams, available
from Prelude Press, 8159 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA,
90046.
Tags:
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