Treating Depression with St. Johnswort Herb

Over the years, the medicinal value of herbs has been given much weight in treating many illnesses or health problems. There are herbs, for instance, that help prevent colds and the flu and relieve their symptoms. Others help alleviate stomach spasms and gastric inflammation. Milder ones are used as remedies for indigestion and motion sickness, while the more powerful ones are known to treat asthma and internal and topical infections. But one particular herb is touted to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression - St. Johnswort.

St. Johnswort, also known as hypericum, is believed to provide some amount of relief for people who experience depression. The manner in which this herb works against depression is not yet fully understood, but several studies indicate that it can help raise levels of seretonin. Seretonin is a chemical found in the brain that, researchers believe, people who suffer from depression have too little of. One important component of St. Johnswort is hypericin, a substance that is likened to the way an antidepressant works on the brain. Hypericin, however, is not without its side effects. Foremost are gastrointestinal discomfort and sensitivity to sunlight.

So far, studies conducted as to the consequences of the long-term use of St. Johnswort in treating depression have been wanting in definitive conclusion. Because of this, the herb has not gotten safe recommendations yet from health authorities in most countries, other than in Germany where St. Johnswort is now considered one of the leading drugs against depression.

For safety's sake, there are rules to follow in the use of St. Johnswort as an antidepressant. Most important among them is that if you are already taking an antidepressant prescribed by your doctor, do not combine St. Johnswort with that prescription. (Neither should you drop the prescription in favor of St. Johnswort.) The reason for this is that since the antidepressant prescribed by your doctor is already a seretonin-enhancing drug, adding St. Johnswort will most likely overload your brain with seretonin. An excess of anything is always harmful to our health and well-being. Another admonishment that must be heeded is specifically directed towards pregnant women and nursing mothers: Never take St. Johnswort.

But even doctors and many medical practitioners do not frown upon St. Johnswort's ability to relieve depression. In fact, most of them agree that the herb does alleviate mild depression. But like any other drugs, you have to consult your doctor first before deciding to take it. Once your doctor gives you the green light to take the herb, select a brand with standardized extracts with hypericin. St. Johnswort drugs are available in capsules and tea bags. [Read the Original Article]