St John’s Wort (SJW) – Hypericum perforatum
has varying actions, but is most commonly known for it’s anti-depressant actions. Being something that I’ve taken and still do, I’ve found it literally to be the sunshine herb. Helping with my S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) throughout winter, and allaying many peoples feelings of melancholy, relieving panic attacks and anxiety as well as helping with deeper depression.
A trial in Germany (among many) showed that SJW was beneficial for depression. Mannel M, Kunn U, Schmidt U et al. J. Psychiatr Res 2010: 44(12):760-767
Another study comparing SJW to SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and found that SJW was as efficient and had fewer side effects. Rahimi R, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M et al. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2009; 33(1):118-127
As well as a study in the U.S. which compared the activity and safety of SJW with a placebo and fluoxetine. SJW was found to be safe and well tolerated. The authors concluded that SJW as significantly more effective than fluoxetine. Fava M, Alpert J, Nierenberg AA et al. J.Clin Psychopharmacol 2005;25(5):441-447
This is a small sample of many trials & studies into SJW. Feel free to contact if you would like to talk further to see if it is the herb for you (if on pharmaceutical medications please contact me first or check with your practitioner before using) – otherwise feel free to purchase at the following link:
