St. John's Wort Supplements Wheat Ridge CO

St. John's Wort

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By Einav Keet

A plant people have used for centuries to ward off evil spirits has a new stamp of approval from today’s researchers working on depression relief. More than 16 percent of Americans will experience the symptoms of depression—constant sadness, tension, lack of energy and concentration, and decreased interest in hobbies—sometime in their lives. Those seeking treatment with prescription antidepression drugs may face a less-than-uplifting set of side effects, such as nausea, insomnia, and a muted sex drive. Physicians in Germany treating patients with mild to moderate depression have found that those taking a 612 mg daily dose of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) stacked up well against those taking 50 mg of the prescription drug sertraline (Zoloft). The study traced 241 people taking either treatment for 12 weeks, and found comparable improvements in symptoms between the two groups. Even better, the St. John’s wort group had milder side effects. When participants chose to continue their treatment for another 12 weeks, the study found that 48 percent of those taking St. John’s wort and 36 percent of those on Zoloft were no longer diagnosed as depressed. Doctors remind us to read up on all the possible side effects and drug interactions, even with our flowery little friend.

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