st. John's Wort

[Sunday's Child]

Anyone out there used St. John's Wort? Is it easy to grow? Are there side effects?

[Lavender]

I've used St. John's wort. Are you thinking of using it for depression or anxiety?

It is easy to grow. It was considered a weed, average to poor soil, full/partial sun, can be found wild in fields or meadows. There are many types of St John's wort. The one you're looking for is the Hypericum perforatum. The ornamental St John doesn't have the medicinal qualities. You can tell the difference by holding a leaf up to the light. The little black dots you see on the underside are the glands. You will see little pin pricks of light coming through the Hypericum perforatum...hence the name perforatum (perforated).

St. John's wort is most famous for treating depression and anxiety. Also good for skin problems such as rashes & shingles & is an antiviral. One possible side effects of St John's wort is photosensitivity. Funny that one of the use for the infused oil is for sunburns. If you're using it, make sure you wear a sunscreen when going outside. Also, don't use if you're pregnant.

[Spirahl]

Yes, it is easy to grow, in fact, if it's in too fertile a soil, it can run rampant! Generally it is considered very safe to take, but can lessen the potency of hormonal contraceptives, you should not take with other antidepressants such as Paxil or Prozac, and should discontinue use before surgery.

[Sunday's Child]

Thank you both for your information.. Very useful. I did not realize there was more than one variety. I should have known. Boy, you guys know alot, can I come back for more?
Thanks

[Faery-Wings]

I don't grow my own St J's but I did take it in capsule form. Don't use it if you are on the Pill- it reduces the effectiveness of the hormones. The last thing you need is being depressed, taking St J's and then having an unwanted pregnancy, at least in my book ;)
BTW, I found it to be very effective for Seasonal Affective disorder, but not for a much more severe postpartum depression. Good luck!
Chris

[Yvonne Belisle]

Come back as often as you like and bring all of your questions we may not always have the answers but we will look for them with you if we don't.