Are There Alternative or Complementary
Therapies?
By Bobbie Hasselbring
You've
probably heard about the
herb St.-John's-wort since it is touted in the media as a
cure for
depression. In some European countries, St.-John's-wort is
more popular than many newer antidepressants and is covered
by health insurance. In some studies, the herb has proven
to be as effective as
tricyclic antidepressants. Unfortunately,
these were not well-controlled studies. Many
researchers are skeptical because the
placebo may have had a strong effect in this
research. In the United
States, the National Institute of Mental Health is
conducting the first controlled studies of St.-John's-wort.
The herb appears to have only minor side effects, but no
one knows if there are long-term side effects.
St.-John's-Wort
What it is. The herb is sold in
health food stores as a liquid extract or in capsules that
contain the crushed flowers and leaves of the plant.
How it works. Hypericin,
believed
to be the active ingredient in St.-John's-wort, apparently
enhances
serotonin activity in the brain and may
also have the properties of other antidepressants.
Who should not take it. If
you are currently on any medications, or you have taken any
medications in the past 5 weeks, you should not take
St.-John's-wort and should talk with your doctor.
St.-John's-wort can interact with many medications,
including
those used to treat depression. Remember, moderate and
severe depression isn't something you should try to
self-treat. Before trying this or any other remedy,
talk
with your doctor.
