Do you sometimes feel sad, lonely, or overwhelmed? Or do you just feel like you're bored with life? At times like these, many people look to something 'natural' or 'herbal' as a solution. You've probably heard of the herb "St. John's Wort," which is said to be used for depression. So today, let's get to know it better. What exactly is it, how effective is it, and what are the things to be careful about when using it?
What is St. John's Wort?
Simply put, St. John's Wort is a yellow flowering plant. It grows as a weed in some countries. However, for thousands of years, people around the world have used it as a medicine for various ailments.
These are usually available in the market as pills, capsules, liquid, or dried herbs that can be made into a tea and drunk. But the important thing here is that these are not like the regular medicines we buy at a pharmacy. These are called "dietary supplements." That means they come to the market without the strict testing and regulation that a doctor prescribes. Therefore , the amount of active ingredients in them can vary from one product to another.
Is this really good for depression?
This is the most important question. There has been a lot of research done on St. John's Wort.
The best part is, some research has shown that St. John's Wort can be as effective as some of the antidepressants prescribed by doctors for mild to moderate depression .
But we also need to know the other side of the coin. Two major studies have found that St. John's Wort is not effective in treating severe depression. In other words, it is a placebo.
Therefore, it can be very dangerous to decide for yourself what level of depression you have and resort to this. Only the doctor who examines you should make that decision.
Things you should be careful about when using
Imagine that you and your doctor have decided to use St. John's Wort. If so, you should be aware of these facts. It is not like a regular medicine, and it can interact dangerously with other medications and foods.
| Risk or problem | Description and what you need to know |
|---|---|
| Taking with other antidepressants | This is the most dangerous thing. Never take St. John's Wort with antidepressants (such as SSRIs) prescribed by a doctor. Doing so can cause excessive levels of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. |
| Problems with other medications | St. John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of many other medications you are taking. This means that those medications may not work as well. Examples: - Birth control pills - Medications for heart disease - HIV medications - Drugs that prevent rejection after organ transplantation - Medicines that prevent blood clotting |
| Some foods and drinks | It is dangerous to take St. John's Wort with foods that contain a chemical called tyramine. This can cause serious conditions such as high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. These foods include: - Aged cheeses - Cured meats such as sausages and ham - Soy sauce, tofu - Beer and wine |
| Photosensitivity | Especially if you have fair skin, your skin may burn, turn red, and blister easily when exposed to the sun while taking St. John's Wort. So, be sure to cover up well if you're going to be in the sun. |
Are there any other side effects?
Yes, there are other side effects that can occur when taking St. John's Wort. If you experience any of these, stop taking the medicine immediately and tell your doctor.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling uneasy or anxious (Anxiety)
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Allergies such as skin rashes or itching
- Feeling tired
The most important thing is, don't use these just because you see something on the internet or in advertisements that says "it cures all mental illnesses." Always seek scientific, reliable information and only discuss this with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- St. John's Wort is an herb that may be helpful for mild depression , but it has not been proven effective for severe depression.
- This is not an ordinary herb. It contains powerful chemicals. Therefore, never use it without the advice of a doctor.
- If you are taking birth control pills, heart medications, or any other medications, taking St. John's Wort may make them less effective.
- Never, for any reason, take St. John's Wort with antidepressants prescribed by a doctor. It can be life-threatening.
- If you think you may be depressed, the best thing to do is to talk about it with a loved one and see a qualified doctor as soon as possible for advice.
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