The herb St. John's wort can effectively treat major depression, researchers recently reported in a Cochrane review.
This conclusion was reached after a combined analysis of data from 29 separate studies. These studies altogether included 5,289 individuals with major depression symptoms and compared the herb's effectiveness with both placebos and standard treatments like prescription antidepressants.
The St. John's wort extracts used in the studies were better than placebo and equally as effective as antidepressants in relieving depression, said the study author. In addition, they had fewer side effects than the drug treatments.
The author noted that most of the studies included in the analysis dealt with patients with mild to moderately severe depression symptoms.
Americans who are considering trying St. John's wort should be advised that the quality and potency of the St. John's wort products available in the U.S. are not as well regulated as they are in some of the countries where the various studies took place so there is no guarantee than any St. John's wort product that you buy will have the promised amount of the herbal extract in it. In fact, if you have tried St. John's wort in the past without good results it may be because the product you purchased did not measure up to its labeled potency.
As with any medication, herbal or otherwise, you should always let your physician know what you are taking as it could potentially interact with your other medications.
I have good luck with tyrosine (amino acid available as a supplement at health-food type places). Even stabilizes my mood when I have PMS.
The Mind and its Illusions..
when a cell stops producing a substance
it is very doubtful, that any exterior supplement
will have any benevolent effect at all…
Activating and balancing Gene Expression is the real way.
The larger sense of Placebo is
The need of the troubled mind for Opiates
Prayer is the most potent Placebo…
Loving and caring relationships do even more miracles…
Raginald, Biochemist,Ph.D.
There is a lot you can do short of taking antidepressants for depression. Nutrition and a good diet is of importance. For some teenage girls, eating three balanced meals a day is a priority. Some teenage girls who suffer with depression aren’t eating regularly.
One Duke University Study found that exercise was more effective than antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression.
Another study found that “green therapy” was effective.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another option.
The preceeding comment mentioned prayer, and that also can be of help, giving attention to spiritual needs.
I tried it and wound up hospitalized for the first time for suicidal ideation. I do not think it would be good for someone with a serious depressive disorder. Be very careful if you do decide to use it.
dear seanette i also take l-tyrosine & can’t tell if its working or not how much do u take & how long do u think it was b 4 it started working ? thanx denise