Saint John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) is a plant which produces a herbal supplement that has in recent years become very popular – sales in the USA alone are thought to be worth around $200 million dollars per year. The extract is most commonly taken in tablet form (such as ... Read review
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A review by Collingwood21 on Hypericum April 15th, 2001
Author's product rating:
Side effects
Hardly any
Effectiveness
Excellent
Advantages:
Effective for most people
Disadvantages:
Expensive, can effect other medication
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Saint John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) is a plant which produces a herbal supplement that has in recent years become very popular – sales in the USA alone are thought to be worth around $200 million dollars per year. The extract is most commonly taken in tablet form (such as that produced by Kira), but it also may be used as a tincture, infusion or massage oil. It is commonly described as being a herbal Prozac, as the best-known use of St John’s Wort is to treat depressive states – but is there any truth in this claim?
In favour of the supplement, many clinical trials do actually show that St Johns Wort can be useful in treating mild to moderate depressive states. Studies in which 3250 patients took this herb found either an improvement in or total freedom from their symptoms in 80% of cases, with only 15% not responding at all to it - the source I’ve got doesn’t mention the other 5%, so I don’t know whether some people found themselves to be worse off after taking it or not. That is an impressive success rate by any standards, though.
In Germany, St John’s Wort is the most commonly used prescription drug (natural or synthetic) given to sufferers of mild depression – 200,000 per month, compared to just 30,000 for Prozac – and this does not even include self selected purchases.
It was from reading an article on the use of this herb in Germany and the success rate that it appeared to be having there that first led me to try it, after I was diagnosed with mild to moderate depression about three years ago. At this point I had been receiving counselling for some time, but had found this treatment to be unhelpful to me and I didn’t really want to start taking strong anti-depressants until I had exhausted other means of alleviating the condition. St John’s Wort seemed to be the perfect answer to my situation, and I started to take it off prescription (self selected) around the time I stopped attending counselling sessions.
The tablets that I bought were expensive, costing around £15 for a box of 60, and as these have to be taken 3 times daily, they last less than 3 weeks. This is not a quick fix approach, though, and treatment is needed over a prolonged period for the effects to become apparent – this time varies from person to person, but you need to allow at least a fortnight. A course of this treatment self prescribed does not come cheaply then, but when I first took it I wasn’t really bothered about this, as long as it worked.
Having never taken a herbal remedy before, I really didn’t know what to expect or even if it would work for me. I was pleased when after a couple of weeks, I did find that my symptoms were gradually improving, and most importantly I began to be able to sleep properly again, which made me feel a lot better. Eventually I found the depression gone altogether – I was one of the lucky people who experienced total freedom from symptoms and it was wonderful! I also was pleased to note that I felt no side effects when taking this course.
St John’s Wort may also be used for other medicinal purposes, although I have never tried them. It can be used as a tincture, infusion or massage oil for rheumatism, wound healing, neuralgia, sciatica, sunburn, post-operative scars, aches and pains, symptoms of the menopause and colic. The red oil from the plant can also be taken internally to heal stomach ulcers.
All of the information I have given above may give the impression that St Johns Wort is something of a panacea with no side effects or disadvantages. This is not the case, and I want to point out that there are some drawbacks to this product, which some members may have read about in media reports over the past year or so. The principle drawback of this herb came to light when a report in the Lancet suggested that it could reduce the effect of some prescription drugs (from oral contraceptives to AIDS medication to cholesterol lowering tablets). The reason for this is that St John’s Wort is an inducer of an important metabolic pathway that many other drugs need to use in order to be effective – this sets up an interaction that can cancel out the prescribed medicine. Therefore if you do want to try St Johns Wort it is very important that you check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you take any other prescribed drugs.
I also want to add that depression is a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. As St John’s Wort can be self-prescribed it is of course possible to take it without any regulation and without consulting a doctor – this is another potential problem with it. Many people with depression find it very difficult to see a doctor in the first place, partly from the perceived stigma still attached to the condition, and partly because it is the nature of depression to make it hard to ask for help - the opportunity to treat yourself with nobody else ever knowing can be very tempting. It is important if you are depressed to seek medical advice, though.
Using St John’s Wort certainly worked for me, and now I am as near to being sane and normal as I think I am ever likely to get!
Advantages: Amazing effect on mild to moderate depression Disadvantages: Takes a few weeks to work
Viridian St. John's Wort not only lifts your spirits, it also allows you to make a donation to a good cause every time you buy it. It's not much more expensive than any other brand (£13 for 90 capsules, as far as I can remember), and yet 50% of profits are donated to environmental, children's and other charities. This is what finally influenced my choice of brand, and I feel that I have made the right decision - this works better than any other anti-depressant ... ...St. John's Wort is more widely prescribed than Prozac or other SSRIs in Germany, which shows that many doctors regard as as powerful as conventional medicines. I usually feel lethargic and slightly unhappy during winter, but within a few weeks of using this product I had more energy and felt better able to cope with everyday annoyances. I also became much more bubbly and outgoing, although I was surprised when someone called me the most cheerful ...
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Advantages: Lifts mild depression without the user realising Disadvantages: Skin can become photosensitive
During the latter part of 2000, i felt myself slipping into a mild depression. I have experienced depression in the past and have been given lots of different treatments, including Valium. (Which, indidently, made me worse). Someone suggeseted that I try St Johns wort, as it is non habit forming and perfectly natural, and has been used for centuries by other cultures.
Before taking the plunge to buy the product, I did my homework via the internet, ... ...that the Wort my induce. These included the skin being particulaly sensitive to the sun (i imagined photosynthesis occuring and sprouting buds!)
Careful consideration led me to the conclusion that anything is worth a try. I chose the product from a reputable health food store and , somewhat grudgingly, paid the £10 for the 100 capsules. I started the course of treatment immediately I got home. I felt no different for 6 days, then on the 7th day ...
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Advantages: Good for mild to moderate depression & SAD Disadvantages: Possible interactions with other medications
...Prozac.' The main ingrediant is Hypericum & you should always look for the Standardised Extract (the best is .3%)
As already mentioned in other op's SJW is more widely prescribed than prozac in Germany where they recognise it's benefits for helping with mild depression. It is recommended for MILD to MODERATE depression & especially SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder).
If you are suffering from serious depression & are suicidal, SJW will probably not ... ...your GP.
There were a lot of scare stories in the press last year after over the counter sales were banned in Ireland, leaving it only available on prescription. One of the main concerns was that it affected the Contraceptive Pill. This came about after 1 study showed a very small number of women got pregnant. No link has yet been proven, however we advise against taking SJW if you are on the pill. Better safe than sorry.
It should state on all ...
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Advantages: chemical free and works a treat Disadvantages: avoid a mix with other herbs (i.e Kava Kava)
As you probably picked up from the title, i am a BIG fan of this 'natural herb' i would like this opportunity to bow down and thank St John *just kidding*
Firstly, to anyone out there paying £10-12 for your st johns wort, i haven't paid or consumed this rather expensive version of the drug, and can't comment on it, but, i am on version called 'valuepak' and it costs £2.25, contains 333mg of Hypericum. only one a day and abracadabra, the best i felt ... ...I started on St Johns briefly whilst waiting to start 'Lustral' a medicinal brother to 'Prozac' and after a week of starting the drug, life just seemed that little bit brighter, dramatic i know but this enthusiasm is called for. Once i started the 'Lustral' i decided to try both together and one seemed to nulify the other, so i dropped the 'St Johns Wort' After about 8weeks of taken my new prescribed drug, i quit and went back to 'St John' and once ...
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Advantages: Natural remedy,easily available Disadvantages: Expensive;not suitable for everybody
I had read quite a bit about St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and as I am prone to bouts of mild depression I decided to give it a try. I purchased from Holland and Barrett their own brand of the herb, containing the standardised extract of the active ingredient hypericin (0.3%) It is not cheap, costing £8.00 for 100 tablets and the recommended dose is 1 tablet 3 times a day, with food. I did consult with my GP, who.although sceptical, did not ... ...of weeks before I noticed a subtle lifting of my mood, which pleased me, and so I continued with the tablets. I had been advised that the herb could produce side effects, but I can honestly say that I noticed nothing untoward. However, I was careful not to take any other medication at the same time just to be on the safe side. My depression continued to improve, and although it could be argued that this was a placebo effect, my own opinion is that ...
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Advantages: Ideal first aid remedy for all kinds of injury, including concussion. Disadvantages: Seek professional advice before taking.
...St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)
St John’s wort is a bushy, flowering shrub with yellow flowers which can be found the world over however, in many countries it is regarded as a weed. The tops of the plant, which should be picked when in full flower, are used as the herbal remedy.
The name St John’s Wort originates from John the Baptist, and the black marks which the leaves have were said to be a symbol of his beheading at the insistence of King Herod’s daughter, Salome.
It is an easy plant to grow, but you must ensure that you choose the right species, which is Perforatum. This species is identifiable by the oil glands in the leaves which, when held up to the light, show up as transparent dots.
St John’s wort is a very versatile herbal remedy as it can be used for many ailments – its...
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Advantages: Has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties Disadvantages: Has a rather lot of side effects
...'s won't advise you to take it as a treatment for depression as it's not nationally recommended as a treatment for depression, but of course they are quite happy to give you some Prozac.
There is a few side effects ranging from dizziness, tiredness, dry mouth, and even a lack of sex drive :(
Well enough of that…let's get to the review
St John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum
***The Plant***
St John's Wort is also known as Warriors wound, Amber, Touch and Heal, Grace of God and Herb of St John. There is a bit of a magical story behind the herb, whoever treads on St John's Wort after sunset will be swept up on the back of a magical horse that will charge around the heavens until sunrise then returns back to earth and place the rider back on the ground.
Hypericum has medicinal properties and is known universally as "Grace of God...
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Advantages: Improve your mood, concentration and increase your vocabulary Disadvantages: They're a bit pricey and information is limited
...St John's Wort is a common perrenial herb, AKA Hypericum, which comes from the Greek meaning 'Over an apparition'. Way back when, the Greeks believed that if an evil spirit took a sniff of it, it would make them fly away in disgust and repulsion.
The reason it's more commonly known as 'St John's Wort' is because of it's asscociation with St John the baptist, on whose birthday it was said to have first bloomed.
The Chinese say that it promotes concentration and feelings of well-being and studies have shown that it helps those with mild depression and has less side effects than those anti-depressants given through prescription.
I've tried to find more info about the herb, but the sites I've looked at have limited information about it, except to sell it you at a bargain price, but aswell as the above it can also help against bed...
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