St Johns Wort for anxiety - any good?

[WilyKat]

I'm not on any other medication and am thinking about giving these a try but .. is it a bit hocus pocus or does anybody think they help?

it is a real drug. But rather than self-prescribe, please ask a medical professional for help. Can all be done by phone/econsult/video call so safe for you and them.

I hope it all works out, but please seek help.

Oh God, really?! I had no idea! It's just so buyable. So I should ask the GP before taking? Or a pharmacist?

Yes it works for some people very well, but there’s a long list of interactions- if you take any medicine you should consult medical professional first.

Be very careful in the sun even spring sun. It changes something in the skin and can give severe sunburn.

I had absolutely no idea that it was so effective! I assumed it would just be like any herbal remedy. Better do some more research!

It caused me to have hyperpigmentation across my upper lip and forehead.

It can be very effective but you must not take it continuously.

You will need to check but I think you take it for three months then have a break before taking it again.

Why not continuously @Soutiner? Bloody hell, I'm glad I asked!!

I think it can also stop the pill from working (if that’s relevant to you)... probably worth checking.

I've taken it continuously for more than 3 years. There is a lot peer reviewed research on SJW.

Have a google. Make sure it is peer reviewed, nor just Brenda from woowoo.com

Def worthy taking of you don't want to go down the antidepressant route. But as PPs have said you can't take it with some other prescribed medication.

I had absolutely no idea that it was so effective! I assumed it would just be like any herbal remedy.

Around half of all pharmaceuticals are plant-derived. ‘Herbal’ remedies aren’t inherently ‘fluffy’ or devoid of side effects.

OP, if you are clinically depressed the sensible thing to do is to consult your GP.
St John’s wort induces the liver enzymes that break down several other drugs, including the contraceptive pill, risking pregnancy.
As PPs have warned, it can also cause photosensitivity.
It is a weak antidepressant, related to the old fashioned tricyclic group of ADs, and there are far more effective modern alternatives, including SSRIs.

Yes, I'm very naive! Thanks for all the info

Thanks @Babdoc - I don't think I'm depressed but I have high anxiety. I normally manage this but it's just creeping up on me a bit

Sorry, I see your problem is anxiety, not depression. Sertraline can be helpful, as can beta blockers - both available from your GP, and better than St J’s wort.

Really helpful thank you @Babdoc

Lockdown 1 gave me a mild/temporary low mood so I gave these a try as I was sick of feeling down. I felt nervous about speaking to my GP about this and didn’t want to try anything more heavy duty.

I used Boots own brand tablets and think they worked well - I certainly felt normal again. I only used them for a month, as at the time lockdown lifted, so I was naturally happier. I only take the depo provera injection as medication, so no contraindications. I remember the section of the leaflet regarding other medications was quite long, so definitely something to double check first.

Yes to be aware. Of interaction with the pill.

A friend of mine tried SJW for a few weeks, and now has an unplanned,(though much loved) son as a result!

I regularly take it when feeling anxious after weaning myself off anti depressants. I find it helpful and it works well for me. I notice the signs and take it for a week or two, it really eases the anxiety symptoms

My DH takes sjw and passionflower and it's helped him immensely. If he hasn't taken them for a few days it's very noticeable.

It may be "herbal" or "natural" but it's still a drug. Tobacco/cannabis/alcohol etc are all from plants/fruits etc. but no one would deny they are still drugs which can be damaging.

I took StJW several years ago, having talked to my then GP about it because antidepressants had given me the shakes. She said she had had several patients who'd done well on it, and it was worth trying. I found it worked very well for me, with no side effects.
It you need a local anaesthetic at the dentist's you do need to ask for one with no adrenalin in it as it reacts with the StJW.
Unfortunately I can't take it now because I'm on a beta blocker.

If, not It!

Another one to consider is Ashwaganda. You can buy 600mg capsules by Pukka. It's said to be very good for anxiety and shouldn't interact with medications - it can give some people gastrointestinal side affects I have read though. I'm going to give it a go as I'm reluctant to approach the GP just yet (and ours are very difficult to get hold of). There are some good podcasts by Emma Guns and Chloe Brotheridge too if you are looking for some positivity etc.

I take SJW for anxiety and low mood in the winter and it really helps get me through.
I also take beta blockers now and again.
I much prefer to antidepressants - I hated those.
It just gives me the lift I need. Definitely worth a try x