Saint John's Wort for Depression
St. John's wort is today most widely known as a possible treatment for
depression. In some countries, such as Germany, Hypericum is prescribed
for mild depression far more commonly than conventional antidepressant
medication.
Growing numbers
of studies suggest that this natural supplement helps relieve
depression as effectively as some of the primary prescription
antidepressants, and with fewer and less severe side effects.
It has been prescribed by
doctors in Europe for years, and many people report positive results.
While some people market St Johns Wort as something to be
taken to immediately relieve tension, anxiety and
depression, it often takes three weeks or more to have its full
effect.
Recommended
dosage of Saint John's
Wort
Some
recommend a starting dose of St Johns Wort is around
600-900mg daily and increasing to 900-1800mg per day if necessary.
Others recommend less. It is suggested that you research
carefully and start slowly to make sure you are taking the
dosage of
Saint John's Wart that is right for you. Also, speak
with a medical professional who supports natural remedies for
depression.
St.
Johns wort is today most widely known as a possible treatment for
depression. In some countries, such as Germany, Hypericum is prescribed
for mild depression far more commonly than conventional antidepressant
medication. In most countries, standardized extracts are available over
the counter – usually in tablet or capsule form, and also in
teabags and tinctures.
An early meta-study indicated that extracts of hypericum may be more
effective than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderately severe
depressive disorders. (Linde et al., 1996) This study, which covered
the results from 23 smaller, earlier studies, is perhaps the most often
cited by manufacturers and other supporters of St. John's wort.
This meta-analysis study was later updated to include further studies,
for a total of 27, to form a Cochrane Review. The updated review found
that Hypericum preparations were significantly superior to placebo.
Other more recent trials have also showed greater efficacy than
placebo; and comparable efficacy to standard antidepressants with a
superior adverse effect profile.
Saint john's
Wort
Hypericum
perforatum is a yellow-flowering, rhizomatous, perennial herb
indigenous to Europe, which has been introduced to the Americas and
grows wild in many meadows. The common name comes from the fact that it
traditionally flowers by and is harvested on St John's day, 24
June.
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