How to Use St. John's Wort

St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including respiratory problems, dysentery, worms, jaundice and gastrointestinal disorders. Its most popular use today is to treat mild to moderate depression, and in fact, it is the best-selling anti-depressant in Germany.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• St. John's Wort

1. Choose a St. John's wort product that says it has a standardized 0.3 percent hypericin content. The higher the hypericin content, the higher the potency will be per milligram.

2. Make sure you buy a brand that has a standardized concentration. Since herbs are unregulated, this is a way of ensuring you are getting a quality product.

3. Buy St. John's wort in capsules, as a tincture or as a tea. Use according to product directions.

4. Take at least 900mg a day. That is the amount usually needed to be effective. The usual dose is 300mg capsules, taken three times per day.

5. Use sunscreen when taking St. John's wort. It has the potential to increase photosensitivity, although studies have found side effects to be rare.

6. Don't expect an instant cure when taking St. John's wort. It works more slowly than prescription medication, so you may need to take it for several weeks before noticing the benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Possible side effects with St. John's wort include photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset and fatigue. However, side effects are rare and generally mild.
• Consider seeking therapy if you are depressed. If you are severely depressed, you should see a qualified professional. St. John's wort has not been found effective for cases of severe depression.
• Do not take St. John's wort if you are already taking other anti-depressants. Speak with your doctor if you wish to try St. John's wort.
• Do not stop taking anti-depressants without speaking with your doctor first.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[tiwari]

on 7/1/2009 Is St.John's Wort available at CVS/Wall greens? What is its brand name?

[Kcstarrynite]

on 6/29/2009 I have been off of my medication to treat Bi-Polar Disorder and have tried taking St. John's Wort in it's place. I have not noticed a difference, I would like to find other ways of treatment other than medication. If you have any other advice please let me know.

[jeb00f]

on 4/3/2009 You want your St. John's Wort product to have both 0.3% hypericin and around 10% hyperforin. This way you are getting more of the spectrum of active ingredients that exist in St. John's Wort. You also ideally want to make sure that they use HPLC to validate those levels of hypericin and hyperforin verus TLC.

[gururandomous]

on 2/11/2009 St. John's Wort has a powerful effect on how your liver metabolizes other drugs. Always seek advice from a physician if you are on other medications. Always tell your physician you are takin St. John's Wort, even small doses.

on 11/22/2005 After being on St. John's Wort for an extended time I was advised, by my alternative practitioner, to take 5HTP instead. I felt wonderful results, almost immediately. I sleep so much better, too.