Does St. John’s Wort Help With Depression?

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herb that’s sometimes used effectively for treatment of depression. It is believed to contain ingredients that may help the brain produce more serotonin, which produces feelings of well-being in the body.

The plant is named after St. John, the Baptist and produces yellow petals in groups of five that resemble a halo.

Red sap runs from the plant and is said to be a symbol of the blood of St. John. Part of its scientific name, Hypericum, means “greatest health” in Greek.

For many centuries, St. John’s Wort has been used as a sedative and to treat wounds, burns and sleep disorders.

Now, St. John’s Wort is believed to be valuable in treating anxiety, sleep disorders such as insomnia and depression.

St. John’s Wort can be purchased in capsules, extracts and teas. In the United States, it’s not sold as a prescription, but can be purchased over-the-counter.

In Europe the herb is prescribed by physicians for depression and other illnesses.

Even though St. John’s Wort has been tested and scientifically researched it’s never safe for you to diagnose your own illness.

Here are some things you need to consider before taking an herbal remedy - or any type of medication:

• If you’re severely depressed and have suicidal tendencies, consult a health professional before taking St. John’s Wort.

• Don’t take St. John’s Wort if you’ve been diagnosed as bipolar.

• Don’t stop prescription medications – consult a health professional first.

• If you’re pregnant or lactating, don’t take anything without first consulting a health professional.

Some side effects associated with taking St. John’s Wort are mild to severe allergic reactions, sensitivity to light, tiredness and nausea. You could also experience a lessened libido, headaches, dizziness and dry mouth.

If you’re thinking of taking St. John’s Wort, seek the advice of a health professional before you begin as it may react dangerously with some medications and ingredients in food.

Whole Foods That Help Relieve Stress

When you plan your daily menu, you might not stop to think that what you put into your body can deliver stress-reducing benefits, but it can! Stress is a common problem in almost everyone’s life.

Some people endure more stress than others, while other people can’t seem to handle even small bits of stress that enter their lives.

Your consumption of whole foods could help alleviate the anxiety and depression you feel so that you don’t crumble under chaotic conditions.

Broccoli - Broccoli holds a good amount of B vitamins. These vitamins are known for their ability to help increase the levels of serotonin within your body. Serotonin is what raises our mood levels and helps us cope with everyday life.

Fish - Fish is excellent for vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. These will enable you to relieve some of the effects that stress has on your body.

Fish is well known as a brain food, which helps you to think clearly and focus on the task at hand.

Almonds - These are good resources for vitamin B2, vitamin E, Zinc and magnesium. These vitamin-rich nuts are excellent mood regulators. They help to raise the levels of serotonin your body produces to help lower your levels of stress.

Add the almonds to a broccoli dish and increase your chances of becoming almost stress-free just through your food choices!

Whole Grain Rice and Pasta - Even though pasta and some rice dishes are known for their high levels of carbohydrates, they’re still two of the best stress relievers out there.

Eat the whole grain versions because they’re much healthier than the white ones, where nutrients are stripped out. The carbohydrates in pasta will break down into sugars within your body and your energy levels will increase, thereby decreasing your stress levels.

Blueberries - These are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are lethal combinations for high levels of stress.

Blueberries are also high in fiber, so they can help keep your colon healthy in the process.

Beef - Beef is another excellent resource for B vitamins and zinc. It also provides you with a nice amount of iron - all of which tackle the high levels of stress within your body.

Be sure to pick lean cuts of beef since the fat can contribute to heart disease, which will put stress on your body.

Cottage Cheese - Cottage cheese is a rich, dairy product that provides us with a lot of B vitamins.

The B vitamins increase your serotonin levels, which are what counteracts the effects of the stress. Double your benefits by adding some fruit like cantaloupe or maybe some blueberries to the cottage cheese.

It’s natural for us to pick foods we crave as comfort after a long day at work, but you have to realize that if you make the wrong kind of food choices, you might add to your stress levels in the long run. Choose whole foods instead and reap the long-term rewards they have to offer!

When Alternative Depression Treatments Cause More Harm Than Good

Depression is a serious illness that causes isolation and withdrawal and sometimes thoughts of suicide. It’s widely treated today with anti-depressant medications that are highly effective, but can have serious side effects.

Prescribed anti-depressants are very expensive and those who lack health coverage may be tempted to try alternative depression treatments.

CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) treatments such as herbal remedies have been proven effective in treating depression, but can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.

Many people who suffer from depression have vitamin and mineral deficiencies and when corrected, the depression lessens and the person feels better almost immediately.

Fortunately, there is little danger from taking vitamin supplements that help depression, but large amounts of anything can cause serious problems and imbalances to your system.

Below are some common alternative treatments for depression and the dangers of taking them:

• St. John’s Wort – This herb has had much success in treating depression, but it can be dangerous to certain people. It’s a drug that’s regulated in some countries, but not in the United States because it’s considered a “natural” product.

St. John’s Wort can be dangerous when it blocks the molecule, “tyramine.” Tyramine affects blood pressure and when blocked, blood pressure can increase and a stroke may occur.

• Ginkgo Biloba – If you’re taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin, interaction problems could result from taking Ginkgo Biloba. You might also suffer an allergic reaction if you’re also allergic to mango, sumac, poison ivy and oak.

• Ginsing – This is an herb that could be dangerous if mixed with prescriptions drugs and caffeine drinks such as coffee.
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You should always exercise caution when taking any alternative treatment. Remember, even if a product is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to take – especially if you’re taking prescription medications or have a condition that might react negatively to the treatment.

Want additional ideas for useful alternative health practices? Check out:

Alternative Health Practices Guide

Energy Healing Practices Guide

Natural Herbal Remedies Guide

What are your thoughts about this?
Do you agree or disagree with using alternative health practices?

Leave a comment below…
Cheers, Helene Malmsio

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