St Johns Wort For Depression

While some people find help for symptoms of depression by taking prescription depression medications, others are looking for natural depression treatments, such as St. John's Wort.  Fortunately, many people are able to significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms of depression through natural depression treatments.  Herbs for fighting depression are growing in popularity. Of course, it is important to consult with a medical professional, but there more and more M.D.s and of course natural paths supportive of alternative and good natural depression treatments.

The natural depression supplement with the strongest evidence from research is St. Johns Wort.  More than twenty studies have shown that the natural supplement St. Johns Wort relieves depression. Some studies even showed that it works as well as prescription antidepressants (including Paxil® and Prozac®), but with fewer side effects. Of all the herbs for healing depression, the most popular is Saint John’s Wort. It is the most widely known natural depression supplement. 

Dosage of St Johns Wort

Some recommend a starting dose of St John’s Wort is around 600-900mg daily and increasing to 900-1800mg per day if necessary. It is recommended that you research carefully to make sure you are taking the dosage of St. Johns Wort that is right for you, and again, check with a medical professional. Remember, St John’s Wort for depression usually requires between 4-6 weeks to take it's full effect.

St Johns Wort has an unusual side effect in some people- it can cause mild or even severe photo-sensitivity. This is a temporary condition where the skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.  Some people taking Saint John’s Wort to help depression, especially those with fair skin, find that even with sun screen the photosensitivity is too great.  However, for most taking Saint John’s wort for anxiety or depression, this isn’t a significant problem.