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In response to Lego Lewy's article, St John's Wort will work in some circumstances for some people. In my experience, Jesus Christ was not all that helpful, he doesn't even have a 24 hour helpline number like my shrinks...

Anyway...

St John's Wort comes from the Hypericum Perforatum, a flowering hedegrow plant. The name 'hypericum' is Greek for 'greatest health'.

It is known as the 'herbal Prozac' and is available from health food shops, chemists and supermarkets, without prescription.

Studies have shown St John's Wort to be effective in relieving the symptoms of mild to moderate unipolar depression. However, studies in America show that it is not useful in conjunction with severe depression.

St John's Wort is thought to work on the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline, prolonging and increasing their activity. This is in a similar way to standard antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors).

St John's wort can be purchased in the form of a tea (it doesn't taste too great though), capsules, tincture or powdered. The recommened dose is around 900mg of total extract. Usually it takes about four weeks to take effect and, as with most medicines, patients are recommended to stick with it at least two months.

There are few contraindications for St John's Wort, patients should take caution when pregnant or breast-feeding, doctors advice should be sought.

BiPolar (manic-depression) sufferers should avoid St John's Wort, unless recommended by their GP as it can lead to rapid 'switching' between moods.

St John's Wort should not be taken at the same time as SSRIs or MAOIs (mono-amine oxide inhibitors - I think). It can also have anaesthetic properties, so if you are receiving an anaesthetic you should let the anaesthetist know.

St Jonh's Wort has also been said to lower the levels of oral contraceptives in the blood, therefore making them less effective and possibly causing spotting.

Side Effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, allergic reactions, fatigue, dizziness, confusion and dry mouth.

Some people have reported sensitivity to sunlight, however, this seems to be only in high doses, people taking it should increase their sun protection and avoid strong sunlight.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Starlet.
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