Is St John’s Wort Good For Anxiety

St Johns Wort And Treating Anxiety

A lot of the research surrounding St. Johns wort is for its use in treating depression. However, depression and anxiety are closely linked. An estimated 50 percent of people with depression also suffer from some form of anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Anxiety facts and statistics. .

St. Johns wort is thought to work by keeping the brain from using up neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine. As a result, the neurotransmitters are more effectively used in the brain. This can have an antidepressant and overall feel-good effect in the brain. As a result, a person could experience fewer bouts of anxiety.

Anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines , work on GABA transmitters in the brain. Therefore, many researchers believe that St. Johns wort could have anxiety-relieving effects due to its effects on GABA transmitters.

St. Johns wort is perhaps best known in its treatment for mild-to-moderate depression. A 2017 meta-analysis of 27 clinical trials published in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded that St. Johns wort had a similar level of effectiveness as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating mild-to-moderate depression. Ng X, et al. . Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum in depression: A meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048

Massage The Chest Around The Heart With St Johns Wort Oil To Warm And Relax

Whether its nervousness, inner restlessness, irritability, difficulty in life, contributing to a depressing, energy-sapping and negative basic attitude, before physical consequences arise, take action. Otherwise, individual symptoms quickly turn into depression or inner burnout. Constant nervousness and tension cost us the strength we need to remain effective in the everyday life.

St. Johns Wort, an alternative to heavy medications for sedation

Try to avoid heavy medications for sedation or improved sleep except as a last resort, or in extreme cases. Self-medicating, using alcohol or other substances creates more problems than benefits. The gentle support of nature often achieves convincing and lasting results. Experience has established that St. Johns Wort tops the list of natural remedies to address restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and temporary inability to cope with stress.

Food And Drink Interactionsx

• Food and drink high in tyramine, such as sausage, salami, dried meats, aged or fermented meats, pickled herring, red wine, beer, aged cheeses, sauerkraut, soy sauce, soybeans, miso soup, fava beans, bean curd, or yeast extract. Eating these foods while taking St Johns wort may raise your blood pressure.

• Limit alcohol use. Alcohol can increase the nervous system implications of St Johns Wort, like difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Recommended Reading: How To Deal With Social Anxiety Disorder

St Johns Wort For Anxiety And Depression

The use of st. johns wort for anxiety and depression treatment has been widely studies in numerous scientific research studies. There are mixed studies that show its effectiveness for anxiety treatment.

• In 2009 a systematic review was done of 29 international scientific studies. The report suggested that the use of St. Johns wort may be as effective as placebo and may also be as effective as the standardly prescribed medication for mild to moderate depression.It also showed to have lesser side effects as compared to the standard antidepressants available in the market. The research studies were done in German-speaking countries showed more favorable outcomes than the studies done in non-German speaking countries.
• Another study conducted in 2011 did not show any positive results of the use of both St. Johns wort and antidepressant medicines for decreasing the symptoms of minor depression.
• A study conducted in 2002, the use of St. Johns wort was found to be no more effective than the placebo in the treatment of major depression having moderate severity.
• The preliminary research studies suggested that St Johns wort may help in preventing the nerve cells from re-absorption of certain chemical messengers in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin.

However, the research studies conducted to show effectiveness for these uses have not given any substantial evidence in its support, so far.

What The Science Says About The Effectiveness Of St Johns Wort For Depression

The results of studies on the effectiveness of St. Johnâs wort for depression are mixed.

• In a 12-week, 2011 clinical trial with 73 participants, neither St. Johnâs wort nor a standard antidepressant medication called citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor , decreased symptoms of minor depression better than a placebo. The study was funded by NCCIH and NIMH.
• In a 26-week clinical trial with 124 participants, St. Johnâs wort, a standard antidepressant , and a placebo were similarly effective in treating major depression of moderate severity. NCCIH and NIMH funded this 2012 analysis of data collected in 2002.
• A 2008 review of 29 international studies suggested that St. Johnâs wort may be better than a placebo and as effective as different standard prescription antidepressants for major depression of mild to moderate severity. St. Johnâs wort also appeared to have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants. The studies conducted in German-speaking countriesâwhere St. Johnâs wort has a long history of use by medical professionalsâreported more positive results than those done in other countries, including the United States.
• St. Johnâs wort was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity, an NCCIH- and NIMH-funded study of 340 participants reported in 2002.

The Placebo Effect

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Anxiety For Good

What Dosage Should I Take

St John’s wort is sold in a variety of different forms. The dosages available vary depending on the form and brand that you buy. It is most commonly sold as tablets and capsules. You can also get it as a tea, or as a liquid called a ‘tincture’, which you can take as drops in water.

All medicines carry levels of risk in different circumstances, and can affect people in different ways. There is no standard recommended dosage of St John’s wort in the UK and it is not currently clear what dosage works best.

It is easiest to keep track of what dose you’re taking if you take St John’s wort in tablet or capsule form and if you stick to one particular brand. Be aware that if you buy a different type or brand, the dosage may be different or cause different .

My experience of St John’s wort has been a bit negative. As it’s a herbal medicine, you’re never too sure if you’re taking the right dose.

If you are considering taking St John’s wort, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist first to discuss what dosage would be best for you and check that it will not interact dangerously with you are taking.

Before deciding what dose to take, read the packaging carefully and consider:

On the packaging of some products it might refer to the amount of St John’s wort as ‘aerial parts’. This just means the parts of the plant that grow above the ground.

St Johns Wort Side Effects

People have used St Johns Wort safely for over 2,000 years. And even though its a natural herbal remedy, you should use it with caution and be aware of how it can influence other treatments.

PharmaceuticalsSt Johns Wort can interact with several types of pharmaceuticals. Thats because St. Johns Wort can cause the body to produce a type of enzyme that clears chemicals quickly from the bloodstream. So if your dog is taking meds, St. Johns Wort could lessen their effect. It can also react with common pharmaceuticals, and heart and anxiety medications.

Before using St. Johns Wort, be sure to check with your veterinarian or herbalist about any contraindications. Make sure that you tell them your dogs medical history or if hes on any current meds.

Diabetic DogsIf your dog takes medication for diabetes, ask your vet before using St Johns Wort. The herb can be helpful in lowering blood glucose levels, but it could mean you need to reduce your dogs dose of insulin or other medications to avoid triggering dangerously low blood glucose.

Avoid Before SurgeryDont give St Johns Wort for 48 hours before surgery as it may strengthen the effects of anesthesia.

Other CautionsIn rare cases, some animals can develop a photosensitive rash from St Johns Wort. Use extra caution if your dog is white, has white or pink skin pigment or a short coat. If a rash develops, keep your dog out of sunlight and discontinue use.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Out Of An Anxiety Attack

How Do I Take St John’s Wort

Preparations in the U.S. have different amounts of active ingredient, so be careful to note how much you’re getting in your tablets. Depending on the preparation, St. Johns wort can be taken in any of the following ways:

• 300 mg three times a day for up to six weeks
• 250 mg twice a day for six weeks
• 300 to 600 mg three times a day for six weeks
• 350 mg three times a day for eight weeks
• 300 to 600 mg three times a day for up to 26 weeks
• 400 mg twice a day for six weeks.

What Should I Avoid While Taking St John’s Wort

Do not take St. John’s wort together with other herbal/health supplements without medical advice.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. St. John’s wort can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors.

Avoid taking St. John’s wort with other medicines that can make you more sensitive to sunlight, especially antibiotic medicine or a sulfa drug.

Recommended Reading: Do I Have Mild Anxiety

Overview Of St Johns Wort

St. Johns wort has proven to be a potentially effective treatment for depression. It is thought to increase chemicals in your brain like serotonin and dopamine, which lift our moods while having fewer and milder side effects than other antidepressant medications.

Healths Harmonys St. Johns Wort supplement offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product, no questions asked.

If you are wondering if this supplement might work for you, read on for a thorough St. Johns Wort review.

St. Johns Wort Review Health Web Magazine Images

Doctor Warns Against St John’s Wort For Anxiety

Date:

Saint Louis University

Summary:

In a broad-based review of studies focused on drugs that treat anxiety, a doctor found no evidence supporting the use of so-called “natural” treatments in combating the effects of anxiety.

In a broad-based review of studies focused on drugs that treat anxiety, a Saint Louis University doctor found no evidence supporting the use of so-called “natural” treatments in combating the effects of anxiety.

St. John’s wort, kava extract and valerian, herbal remedies touted on the Internet, have not been proven to be effective in treating anxiety wrote Kimberly Zoberi, M.D., associate professor of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Additionally, she raised concerns about the safety of valerian, particularly lacking any long-term studies of the herb.

“Patients should be extremely cautious about garnering medical advice from the Internet,” says Zoberi. “There is no evidence that those medications are effective. If a patient wishes to avoid drug therapy, her doctor can suggest alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy.”

Zoberi found that medications from the anticonvulsant class of drugs are among the quickest and most effective ways to provide relief to patients in distress without the side effects of other first-line treatments. The downside is that these prescriptions are fairly expensive compared to other treatments.

Story Source:

You May Like: How To Relax Your Anxiety

Makes Some Drugs Less Effective

St. Johns wort also induces the metabolization of certain medications. This means the body breaks them down faster than usual so they may not work as effectively. For this reason, doctors dont usually recommend taking St. Johns wort if a person takes medications such as:

• indinavir
• cyclosporine
• birth control pills

If you take St. Johns wort , make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist. Your doctor can make sure St. Johns wort wont interfere with the medications you take currently.

Symptoms Of Generalized Anxiety

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if you are finding that your feelings of worry are intense, persistent, and occur frequently, it might be time to get in touch with your doctor. Signs of clinical anxiety can include: nervousness, restlessness, tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders, feelings of impending danger, increased heart rate, fatigue, inability to concentrate, rapid breathing, trouble sleeping, and difficulty controlling worry. If these sound familiar, it may be time to seek professional help.

Don’t Miss: Can Anxiety Cause Nausea And Dizziness

Risk Of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome occurs when the level of serotonin in your brain gets too high. It can happen with the use of St Johns wort and some medicines such as SSRIs or the pain relief medication, tramadol.

• You are at risk of serotonin syndrome if you just started taking or increased the dose of your St Johns wort or if you are taking St John’s wort with other medicines that also increase serotonin levels.
• Symptoms can range from mild, such as shivering and diarrhoea , to severe, such as muscle rigidity, fever and seizures.
• Milder forms of serotonin syndrome may go away within a few days of stopping the medicines that caused your symptoms.
• Severe serotonin syndrome needs hospital admission and can be fatal if not treated.
• Read more about serotonin syndrome.

St John’s Wort For Anxiety: How To Achieve A More Relaxing Sleep

If you experience anxiety, you could benefit from supplementing your diet with St Johns wort to help you sleep better.St Johns wort is a herbal medicinal supplement derived from the flowers of the plant by the same name . It is commonly used as an over-the-counter treatment for mild depression, anxiety and sleep problems.Here, we provide an in-depth explanation of how St Johns wort can help you achieve a more relaxing sleep, as well as how best to take it.

Also Check: Can You Have An Anxiety Attack For No Reason

Interactions With Other Medicines

St John’s wort interacts with a large number of medicines. In some cases, St. John’s wort makes the medicines less effective and in other cases, it may make the effects of a medicine stronger, which can lead to more side effects.

• dry mouth
• feelings of dizziness or mental confusion.

Your skin can become more sensitive to sunlight. If you have light skin and are taking St John’s wort, wear long sleeves and a hat when in the sun, and use a sunscreen with at least SPF15 or higher.