Depression affects more than 19 million Americans annually. It can affect physical and mental health, a person’s behavior, hygiene habits, relationships and reduce the quality of life for the sufferer. Clinical studies and research indicate that St. John's Wort can relieve mild to moderate cases of depression, but before you begin taking this alternative medication, there's a few things you should know.
Those who suffer from depression are often prescribed medications that contain chemicals. These alter the body and actually give off toxins. Now, depression sufferers can treat their condition naturally with St. John’s Wort.
What is St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort is a plant with yellow flowers that contains a wide range of natural chemical compounds, including hypericin and hyperforin. Though it is not known exactly how these compounds work in the body, studies suggest that they stop the brain from absorbing too much of the chemical, serotonin. Another theory is that a daily supplement of St. John’s Wort reduces the level of protein that is involved with the function of the immune system.
Depression
Depression affects more than 19 million Americans annually. It can affect physical and mental health, a person’s behavior, hygiene habits, relationships and reduce the quality of life for the sufferer.
Symptoms of Depression
Agitation and frequent bouts of anger.
Low self esteem.
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Chronic fatigue.
Insomnia.
Loss of energy.
Sadness
Loss of interest in hobbies, activities and life in general.
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Overeating.
Confusion.
Critical thinking and decision making.
Thoughts of death and/or suicide.
Attempted suicide.
Forms of Depression
Depression can be experienced in three different forms and it varies in the individual in terms of severity.
Dysthymia
This is a mild but chronic form of depression in which adults experience depression for at least two years; children one year. The depressed moon is always accompanied by two of the symptoms listed above.
Major Depression
People experience sadness and loss of interest in hobbies and activities for at least two weeks along with four other symptoms listed above. Major depression can range from very mild to extremely severe and can last for month or years. Patients can become disabled from the effects of major depression.
Minor Depression
This includes the same symptoms as major depression, but is less severe and debilitating. Symptoms can be chronic and last for months or years. Some people, including doctors, still believe that depression is not a real condition and that those suffering from it can simply “will” themselves to lead a normal life. This is not true. Depression is definitely real. It is a mental condition that, if not treated, can take all pleasure from the sufferer’s life. Treatment includes antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Often talking about situations that the sufferer feels are out of control can help lift the effects and symptoms of depression.
Why St. John’s Wort
Antidepressant drugs do not always relieve symptoms of depression. They can also cause sufferers to experience a wide range of side effects including headache, dry mouth, nausea, sleep disorders and loss of sexual function. In Europe, St. John’s Wort is used extensively by health care professionals for the treatment of depression.
Key Factors of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has been used to treat depression since ancient times.
The way St. John’s Wort works within the body to prevent depression is not well understood.
The composition of St. John’s Wort is not well understood.
Scientific studies are still being conducted to determine the types of depression that is best treated with St. John’s Wort.
St. John’s Wort can interact dangerously with certain prescribed medication.
All people wishing to use St. John’s Wort for the treatment of depression should contact their doctor or naturopath to ensure that an adverse reaction will not occur.
Forms of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is sold in several forms:
Pills and capsules to be taken orally.
St. John’s Wort extract: some chemicals are removed leaving a concentrated form of the herb.
Tea: this form of the herb comes in tea bags. Boiling water is added and the tea is steeped for approximately seven minutes, before drinking.
Treatment
Scientific studies conducted in Europe support the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort for treatment of depression. The results of twenty-three clinical studies found that it treats cases of mild to moderate depression successfully. 1,757 outpatients reported that St. John’s Wort relieved mild to moderate depression and that side effects were few. Other studies conducted by Pfizer Pharmaceutical found that St. John’s Wort was not effective when used as a treatment for major depression.
Risks
There are risks to taking St. John’s Wort if the patient ingests more than the recommended dosage and if taken with certain prescribed medications. These include HIV drugs, anticancer drugs and chemo therapy medications. If a patient is on any type of these medications, St. John’s Wort must not be used because it limits the effectiveness and can cause dangerous drug reactions.
Patients who find that St. John’s Wort is not treating their depression effectively should seek the advice of a health care professional.
Side Effects
Though most people experience very few side effects from St. John’s Wort, side effects are experienced by some. These include diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, sensitivity to the sun, fatigue and nausea. In certain cases the herb has been associated with suicide.
Warnings
The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) requirements for herbal supplements are not as strict as they are for prescribed medications. St. John’s Wort is classed as an herbal supplement. It can be sold without studies being conducted on effectiveness, dosage and side effects. Labels often do not contain proper information and product can vary from one brand to another.
Research
The NCCMA (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is funding research on St. John’s Wort. These are recent projects that they’ve supported:
St. John’s Wort treatment for minor depression; safety and effectiveness.
Effects of St. John’s Wort on birth control pills.
Interactions of St. John’s Wort and pain medication.
Treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder; effectiveness.
St. John’s Wort and social phobia; treatment.
Other Uses for St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is beneficial in treating various ailments besides depression:
As a sedative.
In the treatment of neuralgia.
To relieve pain.
To relieve tension.
To cleanse septic wounds and putrid leg ulcers.
Pain relief for boils.
For treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Viral infections and tumor growth.
To cleanse and purify the blood.
For the treatment of bronchitis.
As a heart stimulant.
For uterine problems.
For menstruation pain.
As with all medications, consult your physician, naturopath or health care professional before using St. John’s Wort internally to ensure that St. John's Wort is right for you.