Does St.Johns Wort work at all?

Question

I feel depressed and confused, I know I have very low serotonin, will st.john help me....are there any other herbs or supplements?

Answer 1

sources

Answer 2

There are specific nutrients which can decrease anxiety. These include:  

Magnesium – aids with muscle relaxation, maintenance of the heart muscle, neuromuscular transmission and widening of the blood vessels.  A deficiency of magnesium can cause:

Agitation

Anxiety

Behavioral disturbances

Confusion

Cold hands and feet

Depression

Insomnia

Restlessness



B Complex Vitamins – these are the spark plugs for our body. They help provide energy by acting with enzymes to convert major nutrients such as carbohydrates to energy forms. They are important for the normal function of the nervous system and are helpful in bringing relaxation or energy to individuals who are stressed or fatigued.  A deficiency of certain B vitamins will cause:

Fatigue

Irritability

Nervousness

Depression

Insomnia

Loss of appetite



Calcium – works with maintenance of electrolyte balance, muscle contractions, nerve transmission, regulation of cell division, hormone secretion and bone and teeth formation.  A deficiency can cause:

Agitation

Depression

Heart palpitations

Insomnia

Irritability

St. John's Wort...While this is not a powerful drug, in the sense that it won't bring you a quick recovery, but it does have excellent long-term results. Nevertheless, studies have proven that if a person is suffering from mild to moderate depression taking a minimum of 300mg of St. Johns Wort, three times a day, will dramatically help a person. Other studies have shown that 1800 mg per day is more effective. Either way, this is equivalent to taking between 0.4 and 2.7 mg of an antidepressant medication daily.

However, if you are on other medications (i.e. cancer drugs, HIV drugs, or contraceptive pills), you will need to check with your doctor prior to taking St Johns Wort since this herb can strongly interact with these other medications. For instance, one type of reaction that you may encounter is skin sensitivity when you are in the sun. Therefore, when taking this supplement you should stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Valerian is good too and you can buy it in a tea (tastes terrible to me)... but is often used as a sleep aid so may make you drowsy.

Answer 3

5-HTP has worked for me and has clinical data to support it's use for depression.  You can find it at drugstores in the supplements section.  St. John's Wort did nothing for me.

Answer 4

It has no proven benefits.  It does produce a strong placebo effect though.

Answer 5

you really need to be careful with st john wart it is (natural) but it cant be taken with a lot of other meds. you really need to talk to your dr. over the counter meds do not give you what you need for depression, especially if it is and on going thing. i wish you the best of luck