Earth Clinic Mobile: Home Remedies for People and Pets

St John's Wort for Depression

5 star (6)		60%
1 star (2)		20%
(2)		20%

Cynthia (Minnesota) on 09/14/2022:
5 out of 5 stars

St. John's Wort is amazing for depression. And at least for me, it worked quickly. I had tried all kinds of supplements without success. I had crippling brain fog, lethargy, and a general feeling of wanting to give up. Work stress was overwhelming. I started taking 350 mg of St. John's Wort twice a day and the results have been remarkable. Brain fog is gone. I want to tackle my work. I feel interested in doing things that I had given up long ago, things like polishing my shoes, curling my hair, or cleaning out a cupboard. Energy, motivation, positive outlook!

There are lots of reputable brands available. Many people take 300 mg three times a day and for some it takes a few weeks to start working. For me, SJW is as powerful as any RX antidepressant.

Paracelsus (Orlando, Fl) on 09/16/2020:
5 out of 5 stars

If you suffer from the occasional blues or even extended depression, St. John's wort is the herb for you. There have even been scientific studies that show St. John's wort to be as effective if not more effective than Prozac.

My wife and I have been using it whenever needed for years. Always great results. As with all herbal remedies, you probably want to pay attention to the quality and the place or origin. Personally I avoid everything from China. If you can get something locally, I think that is much preferred.

Paracelsus (Orlando, Fl) on 01/15/2018:
5 out of 5 stars

St John's Wort hands down the best

My wife was suffering from depression. She started taking St. John's Wort once or twice daily plus sublingual vitamin b12 and the depression is gone. St. John's Wort has been shown to be more effective against depression than Prozac. Go for the natural stuff, it doesn't cost much and has no side effects. Don't let the big Pharma run and ruin your life.

Heather (San Diego) on 03/07/2013:
1 out of 5 stars

Eagerly tried this years ago. No help with depression, caused acne breakouts which were worse than any I'd ever had. There are better supplements - Mag Citrate, SAM-e, taurine, Ted's alkalizing formula. I've never tried Rhodiola but maybe I will some day.

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Ethan (Nashville, Tennessee) on 06/09/2009:
1 out of 5 stars

I only tried this for about a couple months. I would take 2 pills every day. I was more depressed then when I first started. I have found that other natural cures have been more effective with me such as non processed foods, fish oil vitamins, fresh fruit, leafy green vegtables, and berries. I am trying apple cider vinegar now since it seems to have worked for others that responded here.

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Heidi (Ogden, UT USA) on 03/08/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

WARNING! If you have bipolar disorder, avoid St. John's Wort. My husband has BPD, and used st john's wort for a full year before having any side effects, and when they came, they were a DOOZY!

He said he felt like his brain was sitting on a frying pan and sizzling, and if he'd had a gun, he would have shot himself in the head, not because he was suicidal, but simply to bring an end to the sizzling sensation.

It took a year for the herb to saturate into his system enough to bring this on, but it was a VERY unhappy side effect for him. It lasted an entire afternoon, three or four hours of brain sizzle. Not something he ever wants to repeat.

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Sandra (Inchigeelagh, Cork, Ireland) on 03/07/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to mention a possible side effect of St John's Wort. I started taking a German preparation (they have done some of the most extensive studies on the herb, and regularly prescribe it for depression). 900 mg once a day. I happened to go to my doctor a week after starting. My usually normal blood pressure had skyrocketed to 180/100. I had been feeling a bit jumpy and recognised the feeling as I had previously experienced a massive increase in my blood pressure from taking licorice. I immediately stopped taking St. John's Wort and within two days felt a lot better in terms of the jumpy-ness. I will not have my blood pressure taken for another few weeks, and unless you hear from me again you can be sure it's back to normal.

I've read studies that say the herb does not affect blood pressure, but I can't help thinking that the people in the study were not super sensitive like myself.

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Chase (Las Vegas, NV) on 06/07/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been using St. John's Wort, a natural herb, to help my depression. I was diagnosed as clinically depressed a few weeks ago, and i soon decided that i would battle it naturally. Well, sure enough, the Lord has made a natural fix for it. After just a couple of days of using St John's Wort, I have been livelier, i've had motivation, and I am finally myself again! Thank the Lord! Chase

Ines (Tel Aviv) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I'm taking Saint John's Wort and it is helping to feel better from mild depression -- being prescribed Paxil, Miro and Prozac -- decided to take first Saint John's Wort and so far so good !!!

Catherine (Eureka, MT) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

St. John's Wort works well for me, and I definitely benefit from Sunshine (#5)! plus: Movement. It doesn't need to be strenuous exercise. Animals. Being around people increases my anxiety and depression - they wear me out. Animals are great companions; they're honest, clear spirits, and keep your mind in the present. My depression stems from a spinal cord injury - animals don't recoil from my appearance or look down on me. Riding horses provides freedom - I can't run anymore but I can ride well. If animals aren't your cup of tea, try gardening - it helps, too!!

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