St. John's Wort

[kidsminister]

Does anyone have any experience with it? If so, does it really work in fighting depression? A friend of mine swears by it - and his mood and attitude really have changed since he started taking it.

Just looking for other opinions as well...

 

[skywatcher]

I've had several friends who have used it and they have told me that it did nothing for them. In fact one of them said it made her worse. She did use a product called Sam-E.
You can get it anywhere(Wal-Mart etc.) and it work really good for her! Hopes this helps a little.

 

[pumanator]

Ask your doc...that's the best I can suggest...there are many factors that affect depression and though vits are a good place to start, there is always lots to consider.

 

[PorcelainHeart]

I actually took the stuff and it made me worse. I started feeling all weird and paranoid after taking it. I don't think people need to be taking it, it has never helped me.

 

[wanderingone]

St. John's Wort helped me for about a year... then the amount I needed to use to help just made me sick. Like any prescribed anti-depressant if it's going to help it might take a few weeks before it helps. Herbs can interact with other medications, herbs, and foods and your doctor and pharmacist should be aware you are using it.

 

[EarthenVessel]

From what I last heard - it is not really all that safe and may actually do more harm than good. Also, self-treatment of any illness without the supervision of a physician can be dangerous. If at all possible I would see a professional to assess your condition.

God Bless.

 

[If Not For Grace]

It has the same effect on birth control pills as antibiotics--so be careful if you are waiting to start a family...

 

[wanderingone]

From what I last heard - it is not really all that safe and may actually do more harm than good. Also, self-treatment of any illness without the supervision of a physician can be dangerous. If at all possible I would see a professional to assess your condition.

God Bless.

Well this is actually true of pretty much every medication out there. The main problem with OTC supplements and remedies is that people think just because it's on a shelf in the supermarket it's safe and it doesn't count as "medication"

Like you said seeing a professional is the way to go.

 

[ArmouredSaint]

i've been this route being native american my family has had me on herbs and powders ,whatever they can put in me naturally. st johns wort made me sick to my stomach and feel faint.hated using it. oh yeah,it gave me the worse headache too. if you're going to try it;try it on a weekend where you can see how it works for you. i had some allergic thing going on,i also cannot use ecanachea though-----mispelled the herb<-

 

[EarthenVessel]

I believe someone else has already commented about the potency and manufacturer of the product.

I would like to also add that for those whom it has worked to beware - anti-depressants are divided into drug classes. The way this herb works is similar to a MOAI - which requires very strict dietary/medicinal restrictions. A MOAI - blocks serotonin from being absorbed - it also blocks tyramine - several foods such as aged cheese, processed meats... plus OTC medications and Rx meds can cause an extreme increase in blood pressure which could lead to a stroke.

Never take any herbs - without professional advice and/or while taking other prescription a/o OTC medications.

 

[kidsminister]

i've been this route being native american my family has had me on herbs and powders ,whatever they can put in me naturally. st johns wort made me sick to my stomach and feel faint.hated using it. oh yeah,it gave me the worse headache too. if you're going to try it;try it on a weekend where you can see how it works for you. i had some allergic thing going on,i also cannot use ecanachea though-----mispelled the herb<-

That's good to know - echanachea (or however it's spelled ) makes my allergy symptoms worse instead of better.

I'm guessing that those of us with seasonal allergies have more trouble with "all-natural" medications and herbs than the average Joe!!

Thanks for all the input, everyone!!