Herbal Supplements

St. John's wort is probably most recognized for its role in the management of mild depression. Several studies have been performed to back up this claim, although studies have not been able to show that St John's wort is effective in moderate or severe depression.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is shrub-like plant that has bright yellow flowers. This plant is known for its various medicinal uses when dried. Europeans used the herbs to soothe nerves and heal wounds. In Germany, this herb is widely used as antidepressant, more than Prozac and Zoloft because of its minimal side effects.

St. John's Wort is the subject of several researches and studies. Hypericin, a pigment, is the key medicinal component of this herb. Exactly how it works, nobody can ascertain. Although, it is believed that there are other compounds that have contributed to St. John's wort effectiveness. There is a number of health benefits one can derived from St. John's wort. Among them are:

* To relieve depression ranging from mild to moderate. St. John's wort promotes sleep thereby helping those who suffer from fatigue, low energy levels and insomnia due to depression. It also treats chronic fatigue syndrome and seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

* It eases anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

* It prevents infections since it has antibacterial and anitiviral characteristics.

* It relieves hemorrhoids. St. John's wort cream or ointment can be used to treat hemorrhoids and the burning and itching sensation associated with it.

* It controls some type of PMS and fibromylagia. The active ingredients in St. John's wort could ease depression associated with PMS. In fibromylagia, it not only eases depression but also improve tolerance to the muscle pain linked with this condition.

St. John's wort comes in tincture, tablet, softgel, ointment, cream and capsule. There are some things to keep in mind when considering St. John's wort for use. These include:

* Depression, PMS and other ailments, take 900 mg a day- use it as 300 mg three times a day or 450 mg twice a day. If you are using tincture, follow the label's instructions.

* To treat fibromyalgia, take 450 mg twice daily.

* To treat skin infections and hemorrhoids, apply ointment three or four times a day.

* There are some indications that hypericin is not the only substance that makes St. John's wort effective. Some suggested another substance called hyperforin which contains more forceful mood-enhancing characteristics. Due to this, it is advisable to look for an extract that contain 0.3% hypericin and hyperforin (3.0%).

* Do not take St. John's wort together with tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics since they have the same effect which is to increase the skin's sensitivity to sun.

* St. John's wort may lessen the effect of oral contraceptives.

* St. John's wort may lessen the effect of protease inhibitors such as indinavir and saquinavir.

* It is probably not safe to combine it with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

* It takes time for St. John's wort to work. So wait for four weeks to see if it works for you.

* Take it with meals to lessen stomach irritation.

* Consult your physician if you plan to take St. John's wort. There are rare cases of serious reactions when St. John's wort is combined with Prozac and Zoloft.

There are possible side effects that can occur with use of St. John's wort. Rare cases of fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation and upset stomach have been reported. Sensitivity to sun could be another. Some preliminary studies also indicate that St. John's wort could have a negative effect on irinotecan which is used as a treatment for cancer. Always, consult your physician before using St. John's wort for treatment.

And remember when using St John's wort for therapeutic applications, such as to treat mild depression, to allow time for the herb to balance the body and produce results. It may require several weeks of daily use before feeling the desired result.