St. John's Wort for Treating Depression

Is it possible to use St. John's wort, an herbal remedy, to treat depression? Millions of people around the world actually do. They see St. John's wort as an alternative or natural treatment for depression.

In America, herbal products and dietary supplements amount to a billion-dollar business. Most supermarkets have sections that resemble a natural pharmacy. They are stocked with row after row of popular herbal therapies, vitamins, minerals, natural enzymes, organ tissues, metabolites, extracts, or concentrates, and more. Some see this "back to nature" trend as part of an increasing demand from people who want to take charge of their own health and healing. And to do that, many of them want to use complementary and alternative medicine -- CAM -- therapies.

If used appropriately, CAM might boost your sense of control over your health, and that can be essential for wellness. Proponents of complementary and alternative treatments claim that these nondrug interventions could allow you to take less medication, have fewer laboratory tests and surgeries, and be an active participant in your own care. However, if used haphazardly, some complementary and alternative medicines are toxic, and some can interact with other medications you are taking. As some have learned the hard way, taking the wrong dietary supplement and having an adverse reaction can add to your laundry list of health problems.

What is a natural dietary supplement?

According to the FDA, dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. They come in the form of pills, liquids, or powders, and people add them to their diets to gain health benefits they believe they are missing otherwise.

What is St. John's wort?

St. John's wort is a wild yellow flower considered to be a weed throughout most of the United States. It has been used for medical purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years. Today, St. John's wort is continually being studied to try to validate its alleged mood-improving benefits.

More than 30 clinical studies have been conducted over the past 22 years to evaluate the effectiveness of St. John's wort. While the true benefits of St. John's wort are still being explored, if you do choose to use it, be sure to learn all you can and check with your doctor before taking it.

Is there scientific evidence that supports the use of St. John's wort for depression?

There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is helpful in treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. NCCAM is currently studying the use of St. John's wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.