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Does this stuff really work for depression?
St.John's Wort
- Thread starter Smokescreen
- Start date
In the UK there are some doctors that actually prescribe it to patients instead of your regular drugs... but only for mild to moderate depression. Usually the dose is at around 300mg * 3 doses, spread evenly throughout the day.
As far as I have read (and I've read quite allot on this), the studies on its effectiveness are not as strong as for the drugs themselves, but very convincing none the less.
I personally used it, but only for a month. I did notice I didnt feel as anxious or depressed... but Im not sure if that was a natrual progression or the St John's itself. It is meant to take approx 4-6 weeks to work. I only took it for four. I do know quite a few people who swear by the stuff when their down in the dumps.
Another plus side is it is easily affordable.
If your interested in other herbal anti-depressants run a search on Sam e and 5htp. Hope that helps.
As far as I have read (and I've read quite allot on this), the studies on its effectiveness are not as strong as for the drugs themselves, but very convincing none the less.
I personally used it, but only for a month. I did notice I didnt feel as anxious or depressed... but Im not sure if that was a natrual progression or the St John's itself. It is meant to take approx 4-6 weeks to work. I only took it for four. I do know quite a few people who swear by the stuff when their down in the dumps.
Another plus side is it is easily affordable.
If your interested in other herbal anti-depressants run a search on Sam e and 5htp. Hope that helps.
So do you think that maybe 5-HTP will do the same effect as St.Johns?
Carth. 5-htp works differently than St Johns wort. 5 works by increasing the amino acid which converts to serotonin in the brain, thus increasing serotinin supply in the brain. However they *think* St Johns wort works more like the old style of anti d, but without as many side effects.
5-htp tends to be about 3-5 times as costly as St Johns wort and has no where near the amount of studies to support its effectiveness.
However, of the herbelists I've spoken too they all recommend the 5-htp as much as they do the St John's. I'd go with St Johns because there are more studies that prove its effectiveness, and because its so much cheaper (usually).
5-htp tends to be about 3-5 times as costly as St Johns wort and has no where near the amount of studies to support its effectiveness.
However, of the herbelists I've spoken too they all recommend the 5-htp as much as they do the St John's. I'd go with St Johns because there are more studies that prove its effectiveness, and because its so much cheaper (usually).
Assertive guy pretty much hit the nail on the head. Supposedly SJW works as an MAOI (the generation of antidepressents used before the SSRI such as prozac). Basically it reduces the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as seritonin and dopamine.
Personally, I have found 5-HTP to be cost-prohibitive for even use against occasional insomnia. I have been purchasing natures herbs SJW from DPS, which is dirt cheap.
Personally, I have found 5-HTP to be cost-prohibitive for even use against occasional insomnia. I have been purchasing natures herbs SJW from DPS, which is dirt cheap.
