St. John's Wort

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dennis,



Does St. John's Wort heal deppression permanently, or is it a temporary fix?



The patient is 24 years old, and the depression is mild.



What else should I know about it's usage?





ANSWER: Hi Yehuda,



First off, I would say no. Secondly, I'm not a big fan of St. John's Wort for depression. Although, with certain conditions it does act in the same way as monoamine exidase inhibitors (MAO) do, but less harshly. See how the patient reacts to this, if it helps, go with it. It can be used for a long time, just beware of its effects.



L-Tyrosine - Up to 50mg per pound of body weight daily. Take on an empty stomach with 50 mg vitamins B6 and 100-500 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Best taken at bedtime. This alleviates stress by boosting production of adrenaline. It also raises dopamine levels, which influence moods. Caution: DO NOT TAKE tyrosine if you are taking MAO inhibitor drug.



Ginger, gingko biloba, licorice root, oat straw. peppermint, and Siberian ginseng may help.

Caution: Do not use licorice root for more than seven days in a row. Do not use if patient has high blood pressure.



Kava kava helps to induce calm and relieve depression.



Sorry for the delayed response, I just received the question. It has been held up in cyber space.



Dennis







---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------



QUESTION: Thanks for your reply! You wrote:



See how the patient reacts to this, if it helps, go with it. It can be used for a long time, just beware of its effects.



1. How long should it take to see results? -and

2. What are the possible side-effects you mentioned? (so I can beware)



Thanks again!




Answer
Hi Yehuda,



Always give herbs thirty days to see their effects. They are slower working than drugs.



Sorry. I meant to refer to the side-effects but skipped right over them.



St Johns Wort when taken in large amounts, can cause heightened sensitivity to the sun, especially in fair-skinned people.



It can also interfere with the absorption of iron and other minerals.



Best wishes,



Dennis