Lift your spirits naturally with St. John's wort

Interviews Michael Murray, co-author with Joseph Pizzorno of 'The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing' about St. John's Wort as a mood booster. Background on the herb; Theory on how the herb gives therapeutic effects; Effectiveness of the herb as a treatment for depression; Safeness of the extract.

By PT Staff, published on March 01, 1998

The most popular herbal mood booster in Germany and now the United States isSt. John's Wort extract. German doctors prescribe the herb an astonishing eight times more often than Prozac. This popular herb relieves depression as effectively as many medications, but has far fewer side effects, and no dampening effect on libido.

How did the herb get its name? Wort is Old English for plant, and St. John's probably refers to an old folk belief that, if the herb is actually gathered on St. John's Day (June 24), it will magically shield you against evil spirits. The plant seems to restore emotional stability, and is recommended by herbalists in conditions where tension and exhaustion are combined.

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY turned to naturopath Michael Murray, N.D., co-author with Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., of the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, to find out just why and how this herb works so well.

PT: How does this herb work?

MM: We still don't know. Researchers originally thought that an active ingredient in St. John's Wort, called hypericin, worked like certain anti-depressant drugs. It was believed the herb inhibited an important enzyme called monoamine oxidase, and increased levels of serotonin in the brain. New information indicates the herb is a weak MAO inhibitor at best, and that instead it may work more like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.

PT: How effective is it?

MM: Over 25 double-blind randomized trials on nearly 1700 patients with mild or moderate depression found that hypericin yields excellent results. Most patients begin reporting effects within the first two weeks, and maximum benefits peak at six to eight weeks. All the European studies used an extract standardized to contain .3% hypericin.

PT: Can this herb be used with antidepressant drugs?

MM: Yes, but combined use requires the supervision of a doctor who has prescribed the antidepressant. Patients on several antidepressants sometimes suffer confusion, fever, shivering, sweating, diarrhea, and muscle spasms, all known as the "serotonin syndrome." Theoretically, this could happen if St. John's Wort was added to an antidepressant regimen.

PT: How safe is the extract?

MM: No significant side effects have been reported. Occasionally, according to studies, users experienced gastrointestinal irritation, allergic reactions, or fatigue. The herb's general safety record is excellent.

PHOTO (COLOR): "This little PLANT with the bright yellow FLOWERS is the fastest rising star of herbal MEDICINE today."