St. John's
Wort
|
 |
Mild
to Moderate Depression |
 |
Severe
Depression |
|
Dermatitis
/ Wound Healing |
|
Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) |
|
Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS) |
| Menopause
Symptoms |
 |
Hemorrhoids |
| Burns, Wounds and Other Skin Conditions |
|
Alcohol
Abuse |
| Anxiety - May not be effective Well-designed clinical trials show that taking this herbs did not help reduce social anxiety disorder. | |
| Obsessive-compulsive
Disorder (OCD) - Probably
not effective Earlier clinical studies showed it was helpful but a later well-designed study (blinded and placebo controlled) show that it was no better than taking a placebo (sugar pill). |
|
| Smoking
Cessation -
Probably not effective Animal studies suggested that this herb may be helpful for helping with quitting smoking. However, a clinical trial done showed it didn't make any difference in quitting rate. |
|
| HIV/AIDS - Probably not effective |
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is St.
John's Wort also known as?
In different
parts of the world, people may refer to it as goatweed, hypericum or
Klamath weed. It is commonly misspelled as St. John's Wart.
What chemicals are found in St. John's Wort?
St.
John's Wort contain many chemicals believed to have an effect on our
body. The three that interest scientists are hypericum, hyperforin and
flavonoids.
What is the history behind St. John's Wort?
This
herb has been used since the Middle Ages and its benefits have even
been recorded by Hippocrates. It has be used for centuries in
Europe for
treating depression. Currently, the Germans use this herb extensively
to treat anxiety and depression. The scientific community is currently
showing renewed interest in what this herb can treat.
What use is supported by scientific research studies?
This herb is
shown to be effective in treating mild and moderate (and even
major)
depression. It has been studied in
Europe for the past 20 years.
Studies also suggest it to be helpful in treating some of the psychological symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it was shown to be effective. It was even more effective when combined with conventional light therapy.
Also, studies show that this herb, when applied to the skin, seems to help with various skin conditions such as eczema, wound healing, minor sunburns and hemorrhoid conditions.
In Germany, the German Commission E has approved it for use in treating depression, anxiety, dermatitis, wounds and burns.
Studies also suggest it to be helpful in treating some of the psychological symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it was shown to be effective. It was even more effective when combined with conventional light therapy.
Also, studies show that this herb, when applied to the skin, seems to help with various skin conditions such as eczema, wound healing, minor sunburns and hemorrhoid conditions.
In Germany, the German Commission E has approved it for use in treating depression, anxiety, dermatitis, wounds and burns.
I've heard that this herb can be used for those with HIV/AIDS. Is it true?
In
studies done in the lab, this herb was able to kill off virus and
bacteria. However a clinical study done in those suffering from
HIV/AIDS showed that this herb had no effect on the virus.
How quick can I expect to see results from taking St. John's Wort?
It
will take at least 2 weeks and often up to 8 weeks before you can see
good results. (For comparison, prescription antidepressants need at
least 3 weeks before good results can be expected.)
What about for major/severe depression. Will St. John's Wort help?
A
review of all high-quality research studies (from Cochrane Database
System) allowed the authors (Linde, Oct 2008) to conclude that this
herb is as effective as standard antidepressant medications and had
fewer reported side effects than standard antidepressant medications
for treating major depression.
It is very important that those suffering from major depression be cared for under the supervision of their family doctor.
It is very important that those suffering from major depression be cared for under the supervision of their family doctor.
Suggested Uses and Health Benefits
Orally- anxiety
- attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- cancer
- chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- depression (mild, moderate and major)
- dermatitis
- eczema
- fibromyalgia
- headache
- hemorroids
- insomnia
- HIV/AIDS / anti-viral effects
- menopause symptoms
- migraine headache
- neuropathic pain
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
- seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- smoking cessation
- arthritis
- eczema
- minor burns
- muscle strain
- hemorrhoids
- wound healing
- varicose veins
Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings
What are some side effects of taking St. John's wort?
Most
people report using this herb to only cause mild side effects.
Reported
side effects include: dizziness, fatigue/sedation, insomnia,
headache,
restlessness/anxiety, dry mouth, constipation, stomach pain and cramps,
photosensitivity, rash and itching. It may also cause sexual
dysfunction and impotence.
To avoid stomach related side effects, take this herb with a meal.
To avoid stomach related side effects, take this herb with a meal.
What are some dangers in using St. John's wort?
This herb
seems to induce the liver enzymes causing drugs to
breakdown faster. St. John's wort is shown to increase or
decrease the
action of many prescription drugs. We have listed several major dangers
of using this supplement while you are on other prescription drugs.
Do not combine this supplement with other prescription without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking St. John's wort with prescription migraine medications such as Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt and Zomig (and others) may significantly worsen the side effects of this group of drugs.
Using St. John's wort by women may cause breakthrough bleeding, affect the regular menstrual cycle. For women taking oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills), it might make it less effective and cause unwanted pregnancy.
Also, St. John's wort also causes blooding thinning medications such as Coumadin (warfarin) to be less effective. This could cause excessive bleeding.
In theory, St. John's wort seems to increase the effect of Plavix possibly causing more bleeding than usual.
Do not combine this supplement with other prescription without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking St. John's wort with prescription migraine medications such as Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt and Zomig (and others) may significantly worsen the side effects of this group of drugs.
Using St. John's wort by women may cause breakthrough bleeding, affect the regular menstrual cycle. For women taking oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills), it might make it less effective and cause unwanted pregnancy.
Also, St. John's wort also causes blooding thinning medications such as Coumadin (warfarin) to be less effective. This could cause excessive bleeding.
In theory, St. John's wort seems to increase the effect of Plavix possibly causing more bleeding than usual.
How safe is it to use this herb in children?
There
is one study done in children to show that it is safe to use. Dosage
should be no more than half the adult dose. Use this herb in children
under medical supervision.
Dosage & How to Take It
Standardized Extracts - Take 300 to 500 mg three times daily (standardized to 0.3% hypericin or 3% hyperforin). Take with food to avoid stomach complaints.Powder and Infusion - Take 2 to 4 grams three times daily.
On the Skin - The typical dosage is not known. A 1.5% concentration preparation have been used. Apply up to three times daily to treat dermatitis, wounds and hemorrhoids.
Selected References for St. John's Wort
Revised: November 29, 2011
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