HealthTip: St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort? We've heard about it, but what does it actually do and what is it used for?

The natural health product has been increasing in popularity and is used widely for treatment of depression and associated conditions such as anxiety, tiredness, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Other uses include treatment of moodiness, symptoms of menopause, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The scientific evidence behind St. John's wort suggests that it is likely effective in treating mild to moderate depression, by improving mood, and decreasing anxiety and insomnia related to depression. It may be as effective in treating depression as many prescription drugs. However, since it causes many drug interactions, St. John's wort may not be the best choice for those taking other medications. Evidence suggests that the health product may be possibly effective in treating menopausal symptoms, and that more evidence is needed to determine its effects on SAD, OCD, and PMS.

Short-term use of St. John's wort is likely safe for most people. It can cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, stomach upset, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, skin rash, diarrhea, and tingling. Taking it in the morning or at a lower dose may help if it causes sleep disturbances.  However, St. John’s wort may be unsafe in large doses and since it is known to interact with many medications, talking to your pharmacist, dietitian, or physician will help you use this supplement safely.

Information Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/329.html