Using St. John's Wort for Treatment of Mild Depression

Depression comes in many forms, and affects approximately ten percent of all adults in America at any given time. It can creep up on you seasonally, or hit you suddenly and leave slowly after you experience a negatively life-changing event. Even the birth of a child can leave the happy new mother feeling surprisingly blue.

The severity and duration of depression will vary from person to person, as will the underlying causes. Because of this, the ability to cope with depression and effective treatments vary as well.

Serious depression disorders call for medical treatment, or professional counseling at the very least. But for mild to moderate depression, seasonal or episodic depression, or for just a general defense against the onset of depression, then St. John’s Wort may be helpful.

Used in the treatment of depression for at least 2400 years, St. John's Wort is a perennial plant producing crops of yellow flowers in the early summer. Being typically ready for harvest by St. John's Day -June 24th- is what earned it its common name. However, it has also been known as Devil's Scourge (Fuga Demonum) or Herba Demonis Fuga, (an herb to chase away the devil).

The botanical name for the plant is Hypericum Perforatum, hypericum being from the ancient Greek meaning basically to ‘cover an apparition’. It is indicative of their belief that the plant possessed qualities useful in exterminating or repelling spirits.

But depression or melancholia is not the only ailments which St. John's Wort has been used for, not by far. Mentioned in ancient medical texts as effective in the treatment of cholera, burns, bowel and bladder problems, arthritis, menstrual pain, as both an antibacterial and a local analgesic, and more, it is also noted that Native Americans used St. John's Wort for the treatment of respiratory disorders including tuberculosis.

Though modern medicines may have replaced this ancient cure-all, St. John's Wort has made a bit of a comeback. Major studies are underway to determine how St. John's Wort might prove effective in the treatment of HIV patients, and there is some evidence to support the theory that St. John's Wort may be useful in fighting Parkinson's disease.

The main components of the plant are hypericin and hyperforin, which are believed to work as SSRI's to increase retention of serotonin in the brain, as well as dopamine, both of which are mood elevators. It may also increase norepinephrine (noradrenaline) levels causing an increase in energy and alertness.

But recent studies have indicated that other components of the plant likely have depression fighting capacities as well, such as xanthones and tannins. Because of this, whole plant extracts are preferred over hypericin focused extracts.

Users of St. John's Wort attest to its effects in lowering depression and anxiety, and increasing energy, motivation and alertness. These effects of course lead to increased productivity, enhanced sociability and a general sense of well-being.

St. John's Wort is a natural choice for many due to their oft-stated low likelihood of side-effects, and also because of the fact that they are an all-natural but very effective alternative to drugs like Prozac. Most possible side-effects are minor, such as dry mouth, slight dizziness, and nausea.

However, as with any medicine of any type, care should be taken. Pregnant women should never take St. John's Wort, as made clear by the fact that some Native Americans used the herb as an abortifacient. Additionally, high doses of St. John's Wort can cause photosensitivity. Skin damaging sunburns and possibly cataracts can occur. St. John’s Wort therefore is not recommended for anyone who regularly spends much time outdoors in the sun.

Certain medications may interact badly with St. John’s Wort, such as MAO inhibitor, Demerol and the antibiotic Zyvox. If you’re taking any other medication you should check with your doctor before starting a regime of St. John’s Wort.

Additionally the high detoxification effects of St. John's Wort can break down needed medications too quickly, causing them to be ineffective. Again, if you are on a medicine regimen, check with a doctor before using St. John's Wort.

St. John’s Wort is not recommended for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder or other serious mental conditions, and people with Parkinson's Disease should not at this time use St. John’s Wort at all.

St. John's Wort is not recommended for severe cases of depression. Severe depression, or long-term depression which does not respond to alternative medicine, is a need for professional medical treatment.

There are many causes for depression, and every person is different. Help is out there, and there's no reason to let your life slip by. Seek professional advice.

For mild depression, however, or feelings of mild anxiety, St. John’s Wort can be very effective. Seasonal disorders are also reported to respond very well to St. John’s Wort.

You may need to try different brands to find one that works for you. Perika is well recommended, as is Nature’s Resource, Natrol and Spring Valley. Some people prefer to use an extract, alcohol or oil based, but pill form is most common.

The standard recommended dosage of St. John's Wort is three doses a day of 300mg each. Results may be noticed in as little as three days, but it may take up to sixty days for the full effect to be felt. Since risks of side effects increase with dosage, and some users report sufficient results on lower doses, it may be wise to start with the minimal dose and see what works for you.