This herb has been extensively studied and shown to be as effective as standard antidepressive treatment, and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressive drugs. St. John's Wort is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression whi...
* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
This herb has been extensively studied and shown to be as effective as standard antidepressive treatment, and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressive drugs. St. John's Wort is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression which usually relates to a life event.as has been shown in numerous studies. It is quickly becoming the number one treatment for depression in Germany. As with conventional anti-depressants, therapeutic effects are not to be expected before 2-3 weeks of therapy.St. John's Wort has historically been one of the most relied upon botanicals for wound treatment, because of its anti-microbial activity. It also has a history of use for a wide variety of neurological conditions, including anxiety, insomnia due to restlessness, irritability, neuralgia, neuroses, migraine headaches, fibrositis, dyspepsia, and sciatica. Recent studies have shown that it could have a potent anti-viral effect against enveloped viruses (eg. genital herpes). St. John's Wort contains essential oils, glycosides, hypericin, pseudohypericin, resins, rutin and other flavanoids, and tannins.
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ZooScape Moderator - June 1, 2006, 13:13
#10000691
St. John’s wort has a low incidence of side effects compared to prescription antidepressants. An adverse events profile of St. John’s wort found that, of 14 controlled clinical trials, seven reported no adverse reactions, two had no information and five reported a total of seven mild reactions. Adverse effects reported included stomach upset, fatigue, itching, sleep disturbance, and skin rash. The rate of adverse reactions was always similar to that of the placebo. Additionally, in seven trials comparing St. John’s wort with other antidepressants, the adverse reaction rate for St. John’s wort was consistently lower than that of the antidepressant drugs with which it was compared.
Results may be noted as early as two weeks, however, if you would like a more specific timeframe and course of action when using St. John's Wort it is suggested that you speak with your physician. He or she will have the most knowledge regarding your personal health history and will be able to make the best decision regarding your optimal health.
Anonymous - May 29, 2006, 12:47
#10000641
What side effects does it have, and for what length of time can I use it.
Fran - May 4, 2006, 19:54
#10000365
is there long term side effects?
ZooScape Moderator - May 10, 2006, 11:12
#10001349
In rare instances and cases where dosages are too high, there have been mild side effects that include light sensitivity, headaches, insomnia or anxiety. For the most part, however, long-term use of St. John's Wort safely modifies neurotransmitter levels in the brain to achieve its anti-depressant effects. Relative to the laundry list of frightening side effects and contrainidications characteristic of most prescription anti-depressants, St. John's Wort is easily the most well-tolerated.
Several laboratory studies and placebo-cotrolled human trials have demonstrated how St. John's Wort is as effective as some prescription anti-depressants (Paxil and imiprimine, for example) for mild-to-moderate (and in some studioes severe) depression without the unwanted side effects such as stomach or abdominal pain.
Fr Paul - May 3, 2006, 11:35
#10000343
can you consume alcohol while on this therapy or are there any long term side effects
ZooScape Moderator - May 10, 2006, 11:51
#10001353
Most sources advise against drinking alcohol while taking St. John's Wort supplements, or at the very least, they suggest you moderate your intake to no more than a few drinks spread over the course of a week. Remember, that alcohol is a depressant and may reduce the effectiveness of the St. John's Wort supplement.
It is interesting to note that a 1999 study, reported in the journal 'Alcohol Alcohol', demonstrated how St. John's Wort has the potential to reduce alcohol cravings, so you may find any cravings for alcohol reduced. Kudzu Vine Root is another herb found to reduce alcohol cravings as evidenced by a recent study from Mclean hospital, a Harvard affiliate. St. John's Wort has proven to be effective for mild depression, and is now widely prescribed by doctors and herbalists alike.
Directions
1-3 capsules per day.
Ingredients
Standardized St. John's Wort Extract (Hypericum perforatum) - 300 mg
(guaranteeing - .3% Hypericin)
Soy oil - 100 mg
Cautions
May increase sun sensitivity, especially in fair skinned individuals. Seek professional medical advise prior to taking this product, if you are taking any of the following medications, MAO-inhibiting anti-depressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, anti-epilepsy drugs, antiretroviral drugs (protease inhibitors) or immunosupressants.
Additional Information
Herbal Select supplements offer the consistent quality, potency, selection and value that are key to an effective natural health care program. Herbal Select is a Canadian company with more than 10 years of specialized experience in responding to unique natural health concerns.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
