How does St. John’s Wort work on my depression?

St. John’s Wort, also known as Midsummer’s Day herb, is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.1, but depression is the first indication. Based on a grouping of 29 studies listing 5 subjects2, this plant would actually be as effective as synthetic antidepressants, while causing fewer side effects. Hyperforin, an active ingredient in St. John’s Wort, is believed to inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine, as conventional antidepressants do.

However, St. John’s Wort can interfere with certain medicines and cause side effects, including forcing a number of study subjects to stop treatment.2. Side effects include digestive disorders, sleep disturbances (insomnia) and photosensitization, among others. Finally, this plant would only be effective in cases of mild to moderate depression.3, the studies on cases of serious depression not being numerous enough and being too contrasted to confirm its effectiveness.

St. John’s Wort can interact with a number of medications, such as certain oral contraceptives, antiretrovirals, anticoagulants, conventional antidepressants, etc. In these cases, St. John’s Wort should be limited and the prior advice of a doctor is required. .

How to use St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s Wort is consumed mainly in the form of infusions: 25g of dried St. John’s Wort or 35g of fresh St. John’s Wort for 500mL of water, at the rate of 2 cups per day, for an adult weighing 60 kg. It can also be consumed as a mother tincture.