Experience with St John's Wort?

[TitoMojito]

My DP has become really anxious recently. He’s reluctant to go on antidepressants (although I'm on them myself so he knows they are safe, not sure what his reservation is but I was reluctant at first too so I'm not pushing it.) Anyhow, I wondered if St John's Wort would be a good alternative but I've never taken it myself. Has anyone taken it and what was your experience like?

I started taking it in January this year as i was feeling so low with another lockdown. Takes at least a week to kick in and I found it helpful. I guess my concern with your DH is that I was very sure that my feelings were a reaction to an external trigger and I didn't need counselling or therapy. This might not be the case for your DH, however I guess it doesn't hurt to give them a whirl.

In his case, it's stemming from a particular thing happening in his life right now. He’s never had any anxiety issues in the past so I feel like it could be a good thing for trying to get his head back above water until it's all sorted.

I have tried it on a few occasions. It is a potent mood lifter but each time I've taken it, it gives me acne and insomnia. Just like any AD it does have side effects...some people are bothered by them, some people are not.

I’d ask a pharmacist; it can interact with medication.

I'm one of the few who had an allergic reaction to St John's Wort and ended up in A&E.

The irony is I'd put off taking prescribed anti-depressants for over a year because I was terrified of potential side effects.

Thought id go down the herbal route instead and after taking them for only three days I ended up in hospital.