Quick & Handy Home Remedies: Find practical, affordable ways to deal with some of life's most common ailments, proving that getting back to the basics has its reward. Only $16.95 +s/h
Was this information helpful? Average rating: 4.5/5 (43 votes)
What do you think? Click the stars to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!
Q. Many years ago I took St. John's wort for mild anxiety for about six months with definite success. I don't like to take any herb or medication longer than necessary so I slowly stopped taking it.
I was more anxious than before I started taking it. It was almost like I went into withdrawal. I tend to be an anxious person and would like to take it again. I worry that I would need to take it forever, though, or go through a downside after ceasing it.
I even gave it to my husband, telling him it was for something else. His moods and temper changed and he became a pleasant person to be around. When he stopped, his prior yelling behavior and bad moods came back.
Are there any recent studies on St. John's wort and whether there are dangers with long-term use?
A. Evidence from controlled trials suggests that St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) can ease depression (Journal of Psychiatric Research, online Feb. 23, 2010). The main danger with St. John's wort is its potential to interact with many drugs. You can learn about side effects and find a list of some of the medications that interact with it at www.peoplespharmacy.com in our free Guide to St. John's wort.
It is dangerous to give anyone medicine (including herbal products) without his full understanding. Long-term use of St. John's wort may have negative effects on the eye.
Was this information helpful? Average rating: 4.5/5 (43 votes)
What do you think? Click the stars to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!
I also took St John's Wort for an extended period, some years ago.
It was effective for a while (depending on the brand I took), but eventually I did have to move onto something stronger.
The downside, however, is that I have been left super-sensitive to sunlight, & have severe sunburn after even short periods outside - even when it is not overtly sunny. This seems to be a permanent side-effect, with potentially dangerous results. (It was my pharmacist who alerted me to St J W causing photo-sensitivity, but we thought once I stopped taking the herb it would no longer have this effect.)
I think there is some good evidence from Graedons that magnesium can be helpful for anxiety and insomnia, without the drawbacks for long term use. Check it out on their website...
I used to take St. John's Wort but discontinued it because it tends to cause tingling in the extremities -- plus you have to be careful with sun exposure when using it. In my experience, taking Omega-3 oils (like fish or flax) is a better idea. There are other sources of this oil like perilla and algae too, so you have a lot of options. Another possibility is called "SAME" -- I think NatureMade makes one formula. That particular supplement is also supposed to be one of the best sources of selenium that you can get.
And there are many non-supplement cures for depression too -- including exercise, switching off technology when it wears you out, and meditation. So maintain a healthy lifestyle and research the supplement alternatives -- I'm sure you'll find one that's suitable for your particular needs!
What kind of negative effects does st johns wort have on eyes??
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: HYPERICIN SENSITIZES BOTH SKIN AND EYES TO BE DAMAGED BY LIGHT--NOT JUST UV, EVEN VISIBLE LIGHT.
What kind of negative effects does st. johns wort have on the eyes??
For over twenty years I was aware that I was suffering from a mild but continuous depression. It was turning into a very real problem because of the length of time it had lasted and the almost inescapable conclusion that I might have to live with it for the rest of my life. My doctor suggested that I take a prescribed medication but my mind was completely closed to that idea because for a couple of decades I had watched my older sister suffer through the ups and downs and rebounds with her prescription medications for depression.
Thank heaven the St. John's Wort worked well but after 2 or 3 months, I began to have problems with my vision. I immediately suspected the St. John's Wort and my search of the internet confirmed that vision problems are sometimes a side effect of St. John's Wort. My eyes were much more important than my mood so I searched the internet for a replacement and found a recommendation for 5HTP.
I have been using one 100mg 5HTP tablet per day for almost thirteen years now and the depression occurs only rarely (about twice a year) and lasts for only a day or two. I have had no discernible side effects from the 5HTP in all these years.
Thank you for your information on 5htp and the amount used. I don't want to go back on depression meds and was considering St John's but read about 5HTP, I am happy you have found success with this.
St. John's Wort has been a daily regimen of mine for 15 years and has been very effective to allay mild depression. I had been advised professionally one year ago to caution against the negative effects of the SJW and complications to vision and potential impairment to cornea.
I changed to an expensive (Lexapro) pharmaceutical, and it has been effective, however, I do not like the potential of side effects (stroke, etc) and the cost. It got me through a particularly stressful time this past year, however, my normal personal quest is a natural remedy for very mild depression and a positive sense of well being.
I am seeking any of the natural remedies that may be available, have had good success with SJW in the past, however the vision impairment concerns me greatly. Any suggestions for other natural remedies? 5HTP or Tryptophan -- any empirical studies on negative effects?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN OUR SHOW 788, MENTAL HEALTH NATURALLY. http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2010/10/23/788-mental-health-naturally/
WE WILL ALSO AIR ANOTHER SHOW ON THE TOPIC SOON.