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Q. Ten years ago my mom moved in with us. She was 87 and not getting around well any more. Her blood pressure was high and the meds she was taking weren't helping, and she had a stroke three weeks later.
After much therapy and her strong determination, she was able to use her arm and walk with a rolling walker. My mom, who had gardened all her life and driven until she was 86, was mildly depressed. With her doctor’s permission, we started her on St. John’s wort.
She attended adult day care every day since we were still working. She was recovering well and seemed in good spirits.
Then one day she was cranky and complained bitterly about day care, which she usually enjoyed. I asked, “Mom, have you been taking your St. John’s wort?” Her reply was, “No, I ran out of it several days ago and didn't think I needed it.” She realized then how much better she felt when taking it.
A. St. John’s wort can be helpful to alleviate mild depression, although double-blind studies have shown it is not very helpful for moderate to severe depression. It is crucial to check with the doctor as you did, because St. John’s wort can interact with many medications, making some less effective and others more dangerous.
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