Strange Famous

I just wondered did anyone have any knowledge about any side affects or risks to this.

On wikipedia it says its pretty harmless, I did a search on google and the top site was one saying there was risks and possible side effects (cataracts, circulation and causing other drugs to have unexpected effects - although I dont take any other drugs/medicines other than Asprin if I have a headache)

__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

The Gospel of Thomas

Baraka_Guru

The mixing with other drugs is a big no no, but you've got that covered.

The thing about the cataracts I've read about. Apparently, it allows proteins in your eyes to be damaged by UV rays. I think if you say out of the sun or if you wear a hat and (proper) sunglasses when you're outdoors then you should be fine.

Of course, you should talk to your doctor to be sure. That is, if he or she is amenable to herbal treatments such as this. I hear it's big in Germany. Not sure about the U.K.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

The_Jazz

On the insurance side of these things, St. Johns Wort is typically excluded from coverage on Product Liability policies covering manufacturers/importers of nutraceuticals.

Read into that what you will.

__________________
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin
"There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush
"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

Baraka_Guru

I think one of the reasons why there is such a high prescription rate for St. John's Wort in Germany is that it's covered by the health insurance system. I think that's the case, anyway. All I know is that many German doctors prescribe this for cases of mild depression. Mild being the operative word. As for the safety or whatever, I'm not sure what their policy is.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

Daniel_

I recall some reports that it's about as effective in use as Prozac, with fewer side effects and it's easier to quit, but I can't find the reference now, so it may be bullshit.

I know several people who swear by it though.

__________________

╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗
Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air,
And deep beneath the rolling waves,
In labyrinths of Coral Caves,
The Echo of a distant time
Comes willowing across the sand;
And everthing is Green and Submarine
╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝

Baraka_Guru

The studies on it are piling up, and so the evidence to its efficacy is becoming clearer.

However, just like other related treatments (i.e. drugs), how much it works or whether it works at all will vary person to person. It also may take weeks before the effect kicks in.

I've read that omega-3 supplementation is highly effective too (comparable to Prozac), especially the high-EPA formulas. The advantage to omega-3 supplementation is that there are fewer side effects than St. John's Wort, plus there are a variety of benefits all to the brain, heart, and joints, etc.

The difference, I'm sure, is that omega-3s are a part of our diet, and many modern diets (especially the disaster that is the North American diet) are now out of whack concerning the ratio between omega-6 intake (inflammatory) and omega-3 (anti-inflammatory) intake. One theory is that depression may be caused or at least is exacerbated by inflammation. Omega-6s are in a ton of junk and convenience foods (baked goods, for example, are a goldmine of omega-6s). Omega-3s have seen a steady decline based on how the food system operates (e.g. grass-fed meat is now a luxury).

Personally, I would start with an indefinite supplementation of high-EPA omega-3 before I would try St. John's Wort. Or at least eat oily cold-water fish twice or thrice a week on a regular basis.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

chinese crested

It makes your moods more even, doesnt zonk you out.
DO NOT TAKE IF ON BP MEDS - if you do, you will suffer from sever tightening of the chest.
If its to improve your mood, you could try Borage or starflower. It increases seratonin production in the brain - as with all herbals, will take a couple of weeks to kick in.

MSD

With anything intended to treat depression or mood disorders, prescription or not, it's a good idea to see a psychiatrist who can keep track of your mental health and will notice any major or minor changes that you may not.
Don't take it if you're on any other medications, it interacts with a lot of stuff, not just BP meds, but a bunch of others like Warfarin (practically everything interacts with Warfarin.)

chinese crested

Of course, you should ask your pharmacist or doctor about side effects in conjunction with other meds. I now have my doctor growing borage, and feverfew. It seems people think 'its just a herb' and therefor assume it is safe - forgetting herbs and such have been used to poison. Few would knowingly and willingly partake of say foxglove (digitalis). Hey look, pretty poppy, must be okay as its from a plant.
Most doctors do not want to know about herbal medicines - it is outside their field of training, but they will monitor your mental state - dependent on your own honesty of course. I know some like seeing shrinks - the couple I have met - more harm than good. One had a high suicide rate - but thats good. If they dont come back, they are cured. The other had no listening skills and was just incompetent - as he caused people to suffer, like the first - how are they still working in the field is what beats me.
I dont use internet for herbs - I have my old herbals.

ZombieSquirrel

When new neurologist #1 said I was depressed, which I didn't think I was, he prescribed Wellbutrin for me. I personally do not like taking these kinds of medications, but I was intrigued by the notion of depression. I looked into some holistic treatments and came across St. John's Wart and Omega-3. I never took the prescription to the pharmacy.

I learned that SJW has similar effects as an MAO Inhibitor. If you're on any meds that are affected by an MAO Inhibitor, then you should consult your doctor. I asked new Neuro #2 if I chose to take wellbutrin or SJW could it be taken with Tysabri (an MS drug I am on) and she said yes.

This is just my personal experience and you should ask a doctor or pharmacist.

__________________
Attack ZombieSquirrels