Can NOW Supplements St. John's Wort Help with Depression?
Research Authors
No researchers found for this ingredient and symptom.
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
No researches found
N/A
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 74 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
St. John's Wort Extract(Hypericum perforatum) (Herb) (min. 0.3% Hypericin)
300 mg
*
Most Useful Reviews
10
No more anxiety
83 people found this helpful
No More Depression or Anxiety attacks! My family has a strong history of depression, and I began to notice signs in myself around age 35. My doctor prescribed various medications, but they didn’t work well and caused severe anxiety attacks. After reading about St. John’s Wort's success in Europe, I decided to try it. I stopped all prescriptions and have been using St. John’s Wort for 15 years now. I am free from depression and anxiety attacks, feeling quite mellow instead. I take 2 in the morning and 1 at noon. I’m very pleased with the quality and price of the Now Foods brand.
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7.5
Calmer and brighter
71 people found this helpful
I did not expect such an effective result. I feel calmer, and my sleep has improved significantly. The depression has largely disappeared. After two weeks, I forgot to take it regularly, as I had developed interests and energy I had lacked before. Now, I only take it occasionally when my nerves act up.
Read More
9
Life feels brighter
40 people found this helpful
Good stuff! I have been taking this for a couple of weeks alongside 5-HTP, and I genuinely believe it is helping with my depression. I recently expressed to my husband that "things seem brighter", and it’s true. Walking outside, the sky appears bluer, colours are more vivid, and my outlook on life is much more positive. I recommend trying this before prescription medications to avoid the awful side effects and costs!
No More Depression or Anxiety attacks! My family has a strong history of depression, and I began to notice signs in myself around age 35. My doctor prescribed various medications, but they didn’t work well and caused severe anxiety attacks. After reading about St. John’s Wort's success in Europe, I decided to try it. I stopped all prescriptions and have been using St. John’s Wort for 15 years now. I am free from depression and anxiety attacks, feeling quite mellow instead. I take 2 in the morning and 1 at noon. I’m very pleased with the quality and price of the Now Foods brand.
Read More
7.5
Calmer and brighter
71 people found this helpful
I did not expect such an effective result. I feel calmer, and my sleep has improved significantly. The depression has largely disappeared. After two weeks, I forgot to take it regularly, as I had developed interests and energy I had lacked before. Now, I only take it occasionally when my nerves act up.
Read More
9
Life feels brighter
40 people found this helpful
Good stuff! I have been taking this for a couple of weeks alongside 5-HTP, and I genuinely believe it is helping with my depression. I recently expressed to my husband that "things seem brighter", and it’s true. Walking outside, the sky appears bluer, colours are more vivid, and my outlook on life is much more positive. I recommend trying this before prescription medications to avoid the awful side effects and costs!
Read More
10
Feeling normal again
27 people found this helpful
Excellent Product! I have battled depression for most of my life, but this product has enabled me to live, work, play, grow, learn, and feel "normal" again!
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9
Boosted mood
26 people found this helpful
This exceeded my expectations! I was dealing with a severe case of SAD. After just one week of St. John's Wort and 5-HTP, my mood shifted dramatically from "devastated" to "cheery" and it has remained positive ever since.
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and it goes beyond just feeling down; it can interfere significantly with daily life, impacting relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Symptoms of depression may include changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness or suicide.
The causes of depression are complex and may involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. While it's a serious condition that can be debilitating, the good news is that it is treatable. Various treatment options are available, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking help from a healthcare professional is a crucial step toward recovery.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant that has been utilized for centuries for its medicinal properties. Traditionally used as a natural remedy for depression and anxiety, this herb is thought to work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Its bright yellow flowers and distinctive leaves have made it a popular choice in both herbal medicine and dietary supplements.
Research has shown that St. John's Wort may be effective in treating mild to moderate depression, with some studies suggesting it can be as effective as standard antidepressants but with a potentially lower incidence of side effects. However, it's important to note that St. John's Wort can interact with various medications, including antidepressants, birth control, and certain heart medications, leading to decreased effectiveness or adverse reactions. As with any supplement, consulting a healthcare professional before beginning treatment with St. John's Wort is essential for safety and effectiveness, especially if you're currently taking other medications.
St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy, has been studied for its potential effects on mild to moderate depression. Some research suggests that it may be as effective as standard antidepressants for treating depressive symptoms, particularly in cases of mild to moderate depression. Its effectiveness is believed to stem from its active compounds, which may influence neurotransmitters in the brain, similar to how conventional antidepressants work. However, it’s essential to note that results can vary significantly among individuals, and this herb is not typically recommended for severe depression.
Before considering St. John's Wort as a treatment option, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, especially since it can interact with various medications, potentially diminishing their effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects. Additionally, due to the variance in product quality and potency, it's advisable to choose supplements from reputable sources to ensure safety and efficacy. While St. John's Wort may offer benefits for some, it should be approached with caution and as part of a broader treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Based on user reviews, most people report noticing significant improvements in their mood and reduction in depression symptoms within two to three weeks of starting St. John’s Wort. For instance, one user mentioned a dramatic shift from feeling "devastated" to "cheery" just one week into the experience Read Review. Another user saw changes within two weeks, stating they felt more energetic and their mood improved Read Review.
Some individuals report feeling benefits almost immediately, while others note that it took a bit longer for the effects to manifest. For example, another reviewer highlighted significant improvement after six weeks of consistent use Read Review. Therefore, while many users experience results fairly quickly, the timeline can vary, and consistency in usage seems key to achieving the best results.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report substantial improvements in their symptoms of depression and anxiety after starting to use St. John's Wort. One user shares a transformative experience, stating that after two weeks, they felt notably calmer, had better sleep, and found their depression largely dissipated Read Review. Another user detailed a significant shift in their mood, noting that they felt "cheery" only a week after beginning to take the supplement Read Review.
Additionally, users have indicated that the product not only alleviates depressive symptoms but also enhances overall well-being. For example, one reviewer mentioned a vivid improvement in their perspective, claiming that "things seem brighter," as their outlook on life became more positive Read Review. Others noted immediate relief from postpartum depression and anxiety after integrating St. John's Wort into their routine Read Review. However, it's important to remember that individual responses may vary, and while many experience relief, others may require a personalized approach to find the best solution for their mental health needs.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report positive outcomes when combining St. John's Wort with other supplements for managing depression. For example, one reviewer noted significant improvement in mood and well-being when taking St. John's Wort alongside 5-HTP, mentioning that it helped her feel "brighter" both mentally and emotionally Read Review. Another user shared a similar experience, stating that this combination dramatically lifted their mood and diminished their symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) after just one week of use Read Review.
Moreover, users have reported that integrating St. John's Wort with supplements such as L-theanine has provided them with complementary benefits, enhancing their overall mood and reducing anxiety Read Review. Similarly, the combination of St. John's Wort and L-tryptophan was highlighted as effective for boosting serotonin levels, contributing to a steadier improvement in mental health Read Review. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially when combining products, to ensure safety and efficacy.
Based on user reviews, there seems to be some variation in the reported effective doses of St. John’s Wort for treating depression. One user found success with a dosage of 300 mg taken twice daily alongside L-theanine, claiming it was transformative for their long-standing anxiety and depression challenges Read Review. Others reported taking between one and three capsules a day, suggesting that dosage may be adjusted depending on individual need and the severity of symptoms. For example, one user mentioned they take three capsules daily and have experienced significant relief from moderate depression Read Review.
Several users noted improvements and feelings of positivity within a few weeks of starting St. John’s Wort, highlighting the herb's rapid effectiveness when taken consistently. One reviewer stated they took it three times a day for postpartum depression, reporting immediate relief Read Review. Consistent use seems to be a common theme, with various users adjusting their intake based on their personal experiences. Given the reports of individual adjustments, it’s clear that while a baseline of 300 mg per day seems frequent, users might find different dosages work best for their unique conditions.
9
Boosted mood
26 people found this helpful
This exceeded my expectations! I was dealing with a severe case of SAD. After just one week of St. John's Wort and 5-HTP, my mood shifted dramatically from "devastated" to "cheery" and it has remained positive ever since.
9
Effective natural remedy
5 people found this helpful
St. John's wort is known to be an antidepressant, supported by numerous studies for treating mild to moderate depression. I began using it and instantly regretted not starting earlier. Changes were evident within two weeks: my mood improved, I felt more energetic, my sleep quality increased, and fatigue lessened. One must be cautious, as it can affect drug metabolism and make skin more sensitive to UV rays. I do not take medications, but those who do should consult a specialist.
9
Natural substitute
1 people found this helpful
It has aided me significantly. After 6 weeks of use, I felt much better; I suffer from depression and anxiety. Due to negative reactions to antidepressants, my psychiatrist advised this natural alternative. After almost a year, it remains the only effective option for me. I highly recommend it.
7.5
Calmer and brighter
71 people found this helpful
I did not expect such an effective result. I feel calmer, and my sleep has improved significantly. The depression has largely disappeared. After two weeks, I forgot to take it regularly, as I had developed interests and energy I had lacked before. Now, I only take it occasionally when my nerves act up.
9
Life feels brighter
40 people found this helpful
Good stuff! I have been taking this for a couple of weeks alongside 5-HTP, and I genuinely believe it is helping with my depression. I recently expressed to my husband that "things seem brighter", and it’s true. Walking outside, the sky appears bluer, colours are more vivid, and my outlook on life is much more positive. I recommend trying this before prescription medications to avoid the awful side effects and costs!
10
Effective herbal remedy
4 people found this helpful
After learning about this herb, I started taking St John's Wort tincture three times a day about a year after giving birth. It immediately alleviated my postpartum depression, lifting my mood and thoughts. I truly love this herb and, having taken prescription antidepressants previously, I found this worked much better. Highly recommend it.
9
Synergistic effect
4 people found this helpful
I've battled anxiety and depression since my teens, impacting various life aspects. After years of using the SSRI sertraline, which has many side effects, I find St. John's wort equally effective. It took some adjustments to find the right dosage, but combining it with l-theanine boosted results tremendously. For me, 300 mg of St. John's twice daily, alongside 100 mg of l-theanine, has been transformative.
9
Positive changes
1 people found this helpful
Initially sceptical, I found that after starting St John’s Wort, I felt calmer, slept better, and was less depressed! It’s positively affected my happiness, and I’ve been combining it with L-tryptophan for boosting serotonin. The capsules are of good quality, causing no stomach pain, and are an acceptable size!
9
No side effects
3 people found this helpful
I am grateful to iHerbs for the swift delivery. St. John's Wort is a brilliant alternative for those, like myself, struggling with moderate depression. Unlike prescribed antidepressants that come with side effects, this has none and effectively alleviates anxiety. After years of use, it remains my go-to, especially in winter. I take three capsules a day and feel fantastic. The pricing is reasonable and I highly recommend it.