St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), also known as Amber, Klamathweed, Rosin Rose, Goatweed, Tiptonweed, and Johnswort, is an herbaceous perennial plant that can be found growing in the woods, along roadsides, riverbanks, in fields, hedges, and meadows. It has pale green, oblong leaves that contain oil-producing glands, which can be seen when held against light. When it blooms, it produces bright yellow flowers that have five petals with black dots along their edges.

St. John's Wort has become a popular herbal medicine because it is believed to contain certain chemicals that are beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, as well as several other ailments. Many studies have been conducted in an effort to prove this theory and the results are promising. It seems that St. John's Wort works in much the same way as many prescription anti-depressants with far fewer severe side effects.

St. John's Wort contains hypericin, pseudohypericin, and xanthones, which are components that are beneficial in the treatment of depression. Hypericin and pseudohypericin help lower the absorption of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin by nerve cells. This allows the neurotransmitters to remain in the area between the nerve cells where it is used to calm the mood state. These components also decrease adrenal activity, which is augmented in depression. After taking it regularly, those who suffered from mild to moderate depression noticed a marked improvement in their overall mood, self-esteem and sleep patterns. It did not seem to have any noticeable effect on those that suffered from severe depression.

Ultimately, studies have indicated that St. John's Wort is a safe alternative to prescription anti-depressants, although the Food and Drug Administration does not yet endorse it. They have also shown that the side effects were fewer and less severe however that does not mean there are no side effects at all. Lab tests indicate that it may increase sensitivity to sunlight so if you are taking St. John's Wort you should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Other reported side effects include but are not limited to fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, headache, and gastrointestinal problems.

It has also been reported that St. John's Wort can cause serious problems when combined with certain prescription medications, herbs, or supplements. It can prohibit the effectiveness of other important prescription medications, which can be dangerous, depending on what the prescription medication is for. In some cases, it can also increase the effectiveness of a prescribed drug, which can cause an overdose. For example, taking St. John's Wort while taking a prescription antidepressant could cause sweating, agitation, and confusion due to the overload of serotonin. The best way to avoid a potentially serious situation is to talk to a physician before taking St. John's Wort or for that matter, any other herbal medicine.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid St. John's Wort. Again, it could interact with any medications that a woman might be taking during her pregnancy, which could have serious side effects. It has also been suggested that it may cause low birth weight although there isn't any solid proof of this yet.

While St. John's Wort has been proven effective against mild to moderate depression, one should still use caution when taking it. Always discuss it with your health care provider before you take it to make sure it is safe for you. It is considered to be medication therefore it can have side effects and unexpected results.