Has anyone used St John's Wort successfully

[cocolepew]

for mildish anxiety/depression?

I used it a looonnng time ago and I thought it made a difference

For the blues

I use it every couple of years - it works for me. Better to use it this time of year, as useage can cause sensitivity t sunlight. Obviously, be careful if you are on the pill - it can adversely affect pill performance.
Allow a couple of weeks to feel the benefot and don NOT take on an empty stomach - it made me feel really queasy when I forgot to eat brekfast.

Thanks, sensitivity to sunlight in what way? Will I fry?!

Sorry, this was something I have been told when I bought it, but having just googled to check my facts, it apparently is a really rare side effect!

Also anyone using it should be aware to check with GP if on any other medication, esp for anxiety/depression, as it can interact

Little bump.

St. John's wort has been shown in quite a number of peer-reviewed publications to have an effect of mild/moderate depression.

However, it induces the activity of several major drug metabolising enzymes (meaning that the metabolism of a number of other drugs can be affected when taking St. John's Wort), so that efficacy of many other drugs taken at the same time will be reduced. One of the affected drugs is oral contraceptives, so take care there.

If you are on any other medication speak to your pharmacist or GP rather than buying it from the health food shop as they will have the knowledge and skills to advice you appropriately.

"to have an effect of mild/moderate depression."

Sorry, i obv meant to have an effect on mild/moderate depression. Didn't mean to imply that it causes depression .

My husband, and I can vouch that it does work for him. Be careful of the strength you're taking - some of the cheaper brands contain too low a dose apparently.

Thank you

Yes I have used it a couple of times when I felt low and it definitely helps.

i started using it and it gave me the most horific eggy farts so after a week of embarrassing situs i gave it up - i also googled extreme side effects and scared the shit out of myself.

have used it for several years and it definitely makes a difference ... I have tried stopping several times and notice that I am feeling worse after a couple of weeks...but as has been said already, watch what other medications you are taking at the same time. It was originally suggested to me by my GP as an alternative to going on anti Ds btw.