St Johns Wort for Depression

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. 

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. 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.

Recommended dosage of St. John's Wort

The dosage of St John's wart preparations vary greatly between formulations, due to variability in the plant source and preparation processes. The doses of St. John’s wort extract used in clinical trials generally range from 350 to 1800 mg daily (equivalent to 0.4 to 2.7 mg hypericin depending on the preparation). (Linde & Mulrow, 2003)

The recommended dosage for various forms of St John's wort as recommended by the British Herbal Medicine Association Scientific Committee (1983) are as follows:

dried herb: 2-4 g or by infusion three times daily
liquid extract 2-4 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily
tincture 2-4mL (1:10 in 45% alcohol) three times daily
In markets where standardised extracts are not available, the potency of samples can vary widely. Some brands of over-the-counter St. John's wort can be much more potent than others. The same can even be true of two dosage units from different batches of the same brand. Even where extracts are standardised it is debatable whether using hypericin as the standard is useful, since hyperforin is believed to be the main active constituent.

As with other antidepressants, Hypericum should be taken for at least four weeks before its effectiveness can be properly assessed.

Some recommend a starting dose of standardized capsules of St John's 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.  

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.

The genus name "hypericum" is derived from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture) in reference to the traditional use of the plant to ward off evil, by hanging plants over a picture in the house during St John's day. The species name "perforatum" refers to the small windows in the leaves, which can be seen when they are held against the light.

The first recorded use of Hypericum for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient Greece, and it has been used ever since. The herb was also used by Native Americans internally as an abortifacient and externally as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic. The aerial parts of the plant can be cut and dried for later use in the form of herbal tea, which has long been enjoyed both for its pleasant (though somewhat bitter) taste and for its medicinal properties.

In modern medicine, standardized Hypericum extract (obtained from H. perforatum) is commonly used as a treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. In homeopathy, Hypericum is used in the treatment of numerous medical problems, yet the rate of success has not been adequately documented. Historically, the flowers and stems of St John's wort have also been used to produce red and yellow dye.