How Long Can I Take St John's Wort?

History

St. John's wort is a perennial shrub that blooms with yellow flowers. Its use as a herbal medicine dates back to Ancient Greek and Celtic times, when it was often used in religious ceremonies. It is so named because the date of its blooming was around the birth date of John the Baptist, and the word wort was simply the Old English word for plant.

Use

St. John's wort is said to benefit people who suffer from depression. While not the drug of choice for those dealing with severe depression, the herb often acts as a legitimate substitute for those who suffer from mild depression, but who don't want to take prescription drugs. St. John's wort does have some side effects though, such as inducing feelings of tiredness, causing upset stomach, and it often makes the skin and eyes of those who take it sensitive to sunlight.

Time

While St. John's wort has some side effects, there is no set time period for continuing to use it. If you experience no side effects while using St. John's wort, and you feel you still need the herb's depression-relieving qualities, then it is relatively safe to use it as long as is necessary. Women who become pregnant however, and people who have blood or heart conditions, should inform their doctors about their decision to take St. John's wort. Many of those people who have taken the herb for depression have reported that they eventually felt they no longer needed it and ceased to take it. The time period, however, is not universal, and as with most medicines, is different in each person.

References

• About St. John's Wort