St. John’s Wort – A Herbal Remedy
for Depression

St. John’s Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is perhaps the most well-known of the anti-depressant ‘herbs’. This remedy has been used since ancient times for a variety of ills. St. John’s Wort gets its name because its flower blooms around the feast date of St. John the Baptist (June 24th). “Wort” is just an Old English word for plant.

In the late Middle Ages, physicians used this supplement to treat illness of “imagination” such as depression and anxiety. The herb may relieve the symptoms of a mild to moderate depression. However, the product is not known to have any effect on those who suffer from a major depression and is not recommended for use along with prescribed antidepressants because a negative reaction could occur. This herbal supplement is used more commonly in Europe than in the United States where prescription medications seem to be favored in the treatment of mild, moderate and severe depressive illnesses.

St. John’s Wort doesn’t appear to have any of the negative side effects of other antidepressants such as nausea, vomiting, weight gain, headaches and so forth. It can interact with some prescription medications, specifically anti-anxiety medications, those taken for heart conditions, particularly the blood-thinners like Plavix, and certain hormones such as cortisone and estrogen.

As with any medication — prescription, herbal and/or supplement — it is best to check with your doctor or holistic health practitioner prior to adding St. John’s Wort or any new medication/supplement into your regimen.

Article by Deanna Couras Goodson