Would you recommend St John's Wort?
Question:
Answers:
I've heard that it works but don't actually know anyone who has taken it. I do know that if you are already on anti-depressants, you need to avoid St John's Wort as it has a bad interaction with them.
Although I've been on anti-depressants myself for the past 7 years, I don't consider them a cure or a treatment in themself. I think we are often too hasty to pop pills for everything and expect the pills to do all the work. I think of my anti-depressants as an "assistant" in my healing from / dealing with my depression.
Even if depression is caused by biological or chemical imbalances, there are a lot of personal and environmental things we can, and ought, to do to ease the symptoms.
Exercise is one of the best natural anti-depressants. Even if all you can manage is a five or ten minute walk in the fresh air, that's a good start. If you can walk in a pleasant environment like a garden or park or under an open sky (I sometimes go up on the roof of my building and walk there, it's beautiful to be among the clouds and the blue sky, I walk, think, talk to myself and sometimes even sing up there!)
Drinking plenty of water helps, mainly because it's good for your health and fights fatigue - and when you're tired AND depressed it just feels worse. I drink 3 litres a day (it's also great for your skin, and compliments about how fresh/young you look are VERY anti-depressing!!)
Dealing with your stress of course will make a difference - talking to a counselor or joining a support group can give you more comfort and confidence.
And oddly enough, I find that de-cluttering, even just one drawer or shelf at a time, has a hugely uplifting effect. My favourite book on the subject is "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston. It's an amazing book and is more about why we clutter things up, the effects of clutter, and how to get over our psychological obstacles to de-cluttering. (It's not so much about wind-chimes and ceramic animals, in spite of the misleading name which might put some people off.) It's actually been the most impactful book I've read in the last two years (and I read a LOT) and de-cluttering my home has really had an amazing effect on how I feel about my self and my life. I really do recommend it.
If you're willing to make a holistic commitment to helping yourself in these simple ways, you can make a huge difference in how depression impacts your life. Good luck!
Other Answers:
I've found some mild relief with it.
it didn't help me at all. Herbal remedies are unreliable and can be dangerous due to the fact that they aren't regulated by the FDA. Your safest and most responsible option is to see a mental health care provider. Prescription medicines are not always the answer, sometimes just speaking with a psychiatrist to help you work through depression can be all the help you need.
No, here are some side effects:
St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills
Antidepressants
When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
St. John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
The herbal stuff is not approved by the FDA.
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