St. John’s Wort has been used for a long time to treat anxiety. This herb relieves tension and is also used as a pain reducing sedative. It raises serotonin levels and is sometimes used for acute depression. It’s anti-inflammatory internally and externally as an oil. It also eases menstrual pains and helps nervous system control the bladder for bed wetting or related disorders.
Studies and Research on St. John’s Wort:
- Evidence suggests St. John’s Wort is just as effective as antidepressants, but with fewer side effects. (1)
- Double-blind study shows St. John’s Wort is significantly more effective than fluoxetine in major depressive disorder. (2)
- A meta-analysis published in 1996 of 23 studies involving over 1,500 individuals found significantly positive responses to St. John’s Wort based on analysis of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before and after treatment. (3)
Warning: St. John’s Wort should not be taken with other medications.
The researchers reported that the herbal supplement can reduce the concentration of numerous drugs in the body, including oral contraceptive, blood thinners, cancer chemotherapy and blood pressure medications, resulting in impaired effectiveness and treatment failure.