Pure Parents

Question:

See ref. post below re St. John’s Wort: I just read the following in this month’s Weight Watcher’s Magazine: Researchers in Munich, Germany concluded in a recent article (The British Medical Journal) that St. John’s wort (aka hypericum perforatum) might actually help relieve depression and anxiety.  The plant was found just as effective as antidepressants in a review of 23 different trials involving 1,757 patients. I know a cheap place to purchase it too, so let me know if you are interested or check out http://www.vitawise.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(Judith Schwartz) writes: >: Hi All. >: >: Please help if you can.   >: I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a >: treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much >: information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any >: articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the >: articles, please share the information .   >: >: Some other questions of interest: >: -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name >: or scientific name)? >Yes–"Hypericum" >: -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific >: studies? >not entirely sure, but I think the answer is yes.  I think this is one of >those herbs with scientific backing, most likely from Germany Commission "K" >: -Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with >: SJW? >I don’t know all of them, but I think it has some that are similar to >tricyclic antidepressants, which it resembles in some way–the most >immediate one would be sun sensitivity; there may be others.   >: -Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? >I think this is contraindicated, especially if you’re on a tricyclic >(nortryptoline, elavil, etc.) or an MAO inhibitor.  I’m not sure about >the SSRI’s, but I think i’ve read warnings about these too. Definitely >find someone openminded (preferably a holistic oriented M.D.–they do >exist) to help you before mixing this with other drugs. >hope this helps!  –Judy

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I just found a terrific page for parents and medical professionals. I’ve heard about this company and my sister said she has some of their books. She said this page justwent up last week. Here is the link: http://www.vegsource.com/parenting/ Liz

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My 31 year old daughter has been suffering for 8 months with a profound clinical depression.  Antidrepessants seemed to make her worse.  At my insistance she began taking St. Johns Wort about 3 weeks ago and is making a great recovery. Good luck Herbwise

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> My 31 year old daughter has been suffering for 8 months with a profound > clinical depression.  Antidrepessants seemed to make her worse.  At my > insistance she began taking St. Johns Wort about 3 weeks ago and is making > a great recovery. > Good luck > Herbwise

wow thats great,i thought it only helped for mild depression. Ev

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MIC: I am also interested in using SJW and have seen little information regarding this natural ‘prozac’. The only information that I’ve seen was in ‘SELF’ , the november issue for 1996. Page 192. It seems that it is ,or was, used in Germany quite a bit. 3 million prescriptions in 1993. Please let me know if you have any other information ……. PS. its a MAOI type anti-depressant from what other info I’ve found

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If someone has already brought this up, I apologize ahead of time.  I’ve been away for a couple of weeks. Anyway, I went to the site (http://www.hypericum.com) and went through the information.  It was extremely informative, but not necessarily definitive on whether or not people who take an SSRI can also take SJW.  I asked my doctor about it and she said, "sure, it won’t hurt you to take it."  Her lackadasical (sp?) attitude about herbal remedies in general has made me put a hold on any plans that I had to try it. Is there anyone out there who is taking St. John’s Wort and an SSRI?  I would be interested in your experiences. Thanks in advance, Marette

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This site is "wonderful" Thanks, Tammy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Look at the site: http://www.hypericum.com – it’s very good. > : Hi All. > : > : Please help if you can.   > : I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a > : treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much > : information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any > : articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the > : articles, please share the information .   > : > : Some other questions of interest: > : -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name > : or scientific name)? > Yes–"Hypericum" > : -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific > : studies? > not entirely sure, but I think the answer is yes.  I think this is one of > those herbs with scientific backing, most likely from Germany Commission > "K" > : -Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with > : SJW? > I don’t know all of them, but I think it has some that are similar to > tricyclic antidepressants, which it resembles in some way–the most > immediate one would be sun sensitivity; there may be others.   > : -Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? > I think this is contraindicated, especially if you’re on a tricyclic > (nortryptoline, elavil, etc.) or an MAO inhibitor.  I’m not sure about > the SSRI’s, but I think i’ve read warnings about these too.  Definitely > find someone openminded (preferably a holistic oriented M.D.–they do > exist) to help you before mixing this with other drugs. > hope this helps!  –Judy

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>See ref. post below re St. John’s Wort: >I just read the following in this month’s Weight Watcher’s Magazine: >Researchers in Munich, Germany concluded in a recent >article (The British Medical Journal) that St. John’s wort >(aka hypericum perforatum) might actually help relieve >depression and anxiety.  The plant was found just as >effective as antidepressants in a review of 23 >different trials involving 1,757 patients.

I’ve been taking it for 2 weeks, it’s helped me go on a diet; helped from day one. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I know a cheap place to purchase it too, so let me know if >you are interested or check out http://www.vitawise.com >(Judith Schwartz) writes: >: Hi All. >: >: Please help if you can.   >: I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a >: treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much >: information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any >: articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the >: articles, please share the information .   >: >: Some other questions of interest: >: -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name >: or scientific name)? >Yes–"Hypericum" >: -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific >: studies? >not entirely sure, but I think the answer is yes.  I think this is one >of >those herbs with scientific backing, most likely from Germany >Commission "K" >: -Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with >: SJW? >I don’t know all of them, but I think it has some that are similar to >tricyclic antidepressants, which it resembles in some way–the most >immediate one would be sun sensitivity; there may be others.   >: -Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? >I think this is contraindicated, especially if you’re on a tricyclic >(nortryptoline, elavil, etc.) or an MAO inhibitor.  I’m not sure about >the SSRI’s, but I think i’ve read warnings about these too. >Definitely >find someone openminded (preferably a holistic oriented M.D.–they do >exist) to help you before mixing this with other drugs. >hope this helps!  –Judy

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> > -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific > studies? > In my own "controlled" study, it didn’t do jack.  

You have to be sure to get a standardized extract, which, I believe is

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For great scientific and up-to-date info on Saint John’s Wort, go to http:www.hypericum.com

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Look at the site: http://www.hypericum.com – it’s very good. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : Hi All. > : > : Please help if you can.   > : I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a > : treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much > : information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any > : articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the > : articles, please share the information .   > : > : Some other questions of interest: > : -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name > : or scientific name)? > Yes–"Hypericum" > : -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific > : studies? > not entirely sure, but I think the answer is yes.  I think this is one of > those herbs with scientific backing, most likely from Germany Commission "K" > : -Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with > : SJW? > I don’t know all of them, but I think it has some that are similar to > tricyclic antidepressants, which it resembles in some way–the most > immediate one would be sun sensitivity; there may be others.   > : -Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? > I think this is contraindicated, especially if you’re on a tricyclic > (nortryptoline, elavil, etc.) or an MAO inhibitor.  I’m not sure about > the SSRI’s, but I think i’ve read warnings about these too.  Definitely > find someone openminded (preferably a holistic oriented M.D.–they do > exist) to help you before mixing this with other drugs. > hope this helps!  –Judy

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The best site I’ve seen, which I actually think is very good, is www.hypericum.com Worth checking out. Lots of scientific studies etc. freelance writer,               tech writer, ghostwriter

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MIC asks: > I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) > as a treatment for depression.

This herb is scientifically called "hypericum".  You’ll find a ton of information on this at            http://www.hypericum.com Best of luck, George Cortes Bedford, Texas USA

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: Hi All. : : Please help if you can.   : I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a : treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much : information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any : articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the : articles, please share the information .   : : Some other questions of interest: : -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name : or scientific name)? Yes–"Hypericum" : -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific : studies? not entirely sure, but I think the answer is yes.  I think this is one of those herbs with scientific backing, most likely from Germany Commission "K" : -Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with : SJW? I don’t know all of them, but I think it has some that are similar to tricyclic antidepressants, which it resembles in some way–the most immediate one would be sun sensitivity; there may be others.   : -Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? I think this is contraindicated, especially if you’re on a tricyclic (nortryptoline, elavil, etc.) or an MAO inhibitor.  I’m not sure about the SSRI’s, but I think i’ve read warnings about these too.  Definitely find someone openminded (preferably a holistic oriented M.D.–they do exist) to help you before mixing this with other drugs. hope this helps!  –Judy

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi All. >Please help if you can.   >I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a >treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much >information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any >articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the >articles, please share the information .   >Some other questions of interest: >-Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name >or scientific name)? >-Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific >studies? >-Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with >SJW? >-Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? >Thank you in advance for your assistance, >MIC >– >MIC >From reference file: >St. Johnswort >Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, nervine, >vulnerary. The calming properties of St. Johnswort have been useful in >treating bedwetting, insomnia, and other nervous conditions, as well >as some forms of melancholy. An oil extract of the herb can be taken >for stomachache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for >congestion in the lungs. A tea made from the flowers is good for >anemia, headache, insomnia, jaundice, chest congestion, and catarrh. A >tea made from this herb has been used for uterine cramping and >menstrual difficulties. The oil extract also makes a good external >application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and other skin >problems. CAUTION: St. Johnswort has sometimes poisoned livestock. Its >use may also make the skin sensitive to light. >Preparation and Dosage: >Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in 2 cup water for 5 minutes, >covered. Take warm, 1 cup >before breakfast and 1 cup when going to bed. >Oil Extract: Take 10 to 15 drops in water. To make, put fresh flowers >and leaves in a jar and fill with olive oil. Close the jar and leave >it in a sunny or warm place for 6 to 7 weeks, shaking it often. The >oil will turn red. Strain the oil through a cloth. If a watery layer >appears when the oil has stood a while, decant or siphon it off. In a >dark container the oil will keep for up to two years.

In the last year over 2 million in Germany have been prescribed SJW for depression , as I understand it. Supposedly it has over 50% of the antidepressant marketover there and Prozac has only 7%. Why did you neglect this timely and pertinent info, or were you not aware of it? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->—– >Don >Herbs, Minerals & Goods >Herbs, Essiac Tea, Essential Oils and Absolutes, Health Minerals >http://www.top.net/harouffd/

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi All. >Please help if you can.   >I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a >treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much >information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any >articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the >articles, please share the information .   >Some other questions of interest: >-Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name >or scientific name)? >-Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific >studies? >-Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with >SJW? >-Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? >Thank you in advance for your assistance, >MIC >– >MIC

From reference file: St. Johnswort Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary. The calming properties of St. Johnswort have been useful in treating bedwetting, insomnia, and other nervous conditions, as well as some forms of melancholy. An oil extract of the herb can be taken for stomachache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for congestion in the lungs. A tea made from the flowers is good for anemia, headache, insomnia, jaundice, chest congestion, and catarrh. A tea made from this herb has been used for uterine cramping and menstrual difficulties. The oil extract also makes a good external application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and other skin problems. CAUTION: St. Johnswort has sometimes poisoned livestock. Its use may also make the skin sensitive to light. Preparation and Dosage: Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in 2 cup water for 5 minutes, covered. Take warm, 1 cup before breakfast and 1 cup when going to bed. Oil Extract: Take 10 to 15 drops in water. To make, put fresh flowers and leaves in a jar and fill with olive oil. Close the jar and leave it in a sunny or warm place for 6 to 7 weeks, shaking it often. The oil will turn red. Strain the oil through a cloth. If a watery layer appears when the oil has stood a while, decant or siphon it off. In a dark container the oil will keep for up to two years. —– Don Herbs, Minerals & Goods Herbs, Essiac Tea, Essential Oils and Absolutes, Health Minerals http://www.top.net/harouffd/

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> -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name > or scientific name)?

The name of the plant is hypericum perforatum. The putative active ingredient is hypericin. Recommended dose is 300-600 mg/day. > -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific > studies?

In my own "controlled" study, it didn’t do jack.

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Hi All. Please help if you can.   I’m seeking information about St. John’s Wort (SJW) as a treatment for depression.  I’ve been unable to find much information through Medline and the Web.  If you know of any articles about SJW and can provide the references and/or the articles, please share the information .   Some other questions of interest: -Is there another name for St. John’s Wort (i.e., a chemical name or scientific name)? -Has SJW been found to be efficacious in controlled scientific studies? -Are there any side effects/contraindications associated with SJW? -Can SJW be taken with other antidepressants? Thank you in advance for your assistance, MIC — MIC

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