At least one out of every 20 Americans gets depressed each year, and many rely on anti-depressants to help them cope. A new study shows the herb, St. John's Wort might be just as effective, and with fewer side effects.The August 3, 1996 issue of the British Medical Journal contains an analysis of approximately 25 studies that suggest that St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is just as helpful as commonly used drugs, without side effects such as headaches or vomiting.
Dr. Cynthia Mulrow, one of the studies' authors, says the findings are not surprising. "Some of the commonly used medicines have a basis on herbs or have a basis in plants, and some of the ones were developed using plants". Although not well known in the United States until recently, researchers in Europe have been studying it for decades. Doctors in Germany have been prescribing it for depression and insurance companies have been paying for it. It has been available in herb shops in Europe and the United States, but recently has been selling out as word has been getting around about its effectiveness. It comes in liquid, capsule and dried form.
St. John's Wort contains hypericin that inhibits monoamine oxidase, a body chemical associated with depression. It appears that hypericin does not act alone. Like many herbal medicines, St. John's Wort relies on the complex interplay of many constituents for its antidepressant actions. Patients suffering from depression received relief, increased appetite, more interest in life, greater self-esteem and restoration of normal sleeping patterns.
Dr. Donald Brown of Bastyr University recommends that persons with fair skin avoid exposure to strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light when taking St. John's Wort because of some cases of photosensitivity that have been reported. He also advises avoiding foods that contain tyramine, alcoholic beverages and medications such as tyrosine, narcotics, amphetamines, and over-the counter cold and flu remidies while taking St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort should not be taken while also taking prescription antidepressants.
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