Herbal Medicines and How They Work: St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is another of the most commonly used herbal medicines in the United States. The majority of people who take the herb on a regular basis do so because of the reported benefits of St Johns wort in the relief of depression. Other medicinal uses exist in the treatment of alcoholism and as an antibacterial. On the down side, St. Johns wort side effects may be numerous. It has been shown to interact with a variety of prescription medications and is not recommended for use by people with certain medical conditions, including bipolar disorder.

How it Works as an Antidepressant

The benefits of St Johns wort in relieving the symptoms of depression are believed to be related to a process within the brain known as serotonin reuptake. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter (chemical found in the human body that transmits signals among nerve cells) that plays a role in regulating moods, body temperature, sleep cycles, appetite, emotions and sexuality.

Our understanding of serotonin and other neurotransmitters is limited and sometimes difficult to understand. In simple terms, one nerve cell sends out serotonin. The serotonin floats in a gap (known as a synapse) between that cell and a receiving cell. The receiving cell recognizes the signal and relays the information to other cells. Most of the serotonin is then “taken up again” (serotonin reuptake) by the sending cell and the process repeats.

The theory is that if we can prevent serotonin reuptake, there will be more present in the synapse and the desired signal is more likely to be received by the recipient nerve cell. In the case of depression, the signals that are being sent relate to moods and emotions. Most popular antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is believed that St Johns wort is also a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. All of this is theoretical. SSRI medications and herbal remedies work for some and not for others and no one knows why.

Other Benefits of St Johns Wort

In the treatment of alcoholism, a compound found in St John’s wort may reduce the desire to drink. Known as hyperforin, this compound can also be helpful to men who suffer from premature ejaculation, since it reduces contractions of the pelvic floor. On the other hand, this can cause one of the unwanted St Johns wort side effects that also accompanies prescription antidepressants; difficulty achieving orgasm. Particularly for women, one of the most unpleasant side effects of antidepressants is difficulty achieving orgasm.

Hyperforin has also been identified as a natural antibacterial agent. Ultra-purified concentrations of St John’s wort have been found to kill resistant strains of staphylococcus bacteria.

St Johns Wort Side Effects

In discussing most herbal medicines and how they work, I have not felt it necessary to cover negative side effects, because in most cases they simply do not exist. While studies have shown that St John’s wort is mostly well tolerated, there are a number of possible adverse reactions and a large number of possible drug interactions that I felt should be mentioned.

Negative St John’s wort side effects may include stomach upset, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and even sedation. As with prescription and non-prescription sleep aids, caution should be used if driving is necessary, even in the morning. There have been reports of early morning automobile accidents caused by drivers falling asleep behind the wheel after taking a sleep aid or sedative the night before. Caution should also be used when operating machinery, until you know how the herb will affect you.

Probably because of its antibiotic or antibacterial activity, St Johns wort makes some people sensitive to light and more likely to burn in the sun. Once again, you should use caution until you know how the herb will affect you.

One of the negative St Johns wort side effects that have been studied is possible infertility or at least reducing the fertility of both men and women. So, those of you who are trying to become pregnant, you should avoid this herb. And, as mentioned above, women taking St Johns wort may have difficulty achieving orgasm. Men could too, but it is less common.

In my opinion, one of the worst St John’s wort side effects occurs in people who suffer from bipolar disorder. Anyone who suffers from mood swings, depression, or erratic behavior should have their symptoms evaluated by a physician, one who has time to fully evaluate the symptoms and not simply hand out a package of pills. Bipolar disorder, manic depression and major depressive disorders are serious conditions that can lead to aggressive and violent behavior and possibly suicide. In bipolar patients, St Johns wort has been known to cause manic behavior. This is not an herb to be purchased off the shelf and taken without supervision. It is a mood altering substance that affects people in widely different ways.

In addition, if the St Johns wort side effects are not enough, the herb interacts with more drugs than any other herbal remedy that I know of. Medications for epilepsy, viruses, birth control, hormone replacement, drugs that suppress the immune system (commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.), blood thinners, heart medications and many others can be affected by St Johns wort. In all of these cases, the prescription drugs become less effective.

A final word of caution is that St Johns wort should not be taken along with any other prescription medication, herbal medicine or illicit drug that affects the blood levels of serotonin. A life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can result.

My Suggestions

Most people who take St Johns wort are looking for a natural alternative to prescription antidepressants, often because of the negative side effects of those drugs. I suffered from depression for many years and found St John’s wort to be ineffective. Prescription antidepressants caused me too many other problems and made me feel numb, sleepy and headachy all of the time.

My search for a natural antidepressant eventually led me to 5-HTP. I can say that 5-HTP was effective for me, had no negative side effects and I like the fact that it is a natural compound found in seeds, cheeses, meats and other foods. I would recommend that you use good judgment when purchasing the supplement. There are several products that I would recommend, because I trust the manufacturer and the quality of the ingredients. They are Neuro-Natural Serenity, Neuro-Natural General, Female Rejuvenator and Neuro-Natural Sleep. To learn more about any of these products, just click on the product name. I believe that any of them are safer and more effective than St John's wort.

More Suggestions

Regular physical activity improves mood and helps relieve depression. You don't have to be a body builder, just walk for a couple of miles every day. Depression is a symptom of several vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to take a good multi-vitamin every day, one that contains the B-complex, C and D vitamins. All of those are particularly important for fighting off depression, improving energy levels and overall health. If you are not already taking a fish oil supplement, you should know that research has shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves the symptoms of depression. Along with its many other health benefits.

I know that this has been a very long post, but since I have personally conquered depression in my life, I believe it is important to let people know what worked for me!

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