St. John's Wort

St. John's wort (wort is an old word for plant) is the herbal equivalent of the prescription anti-depressant Prozac, which made more headlines than any other drug until Viagra came along. In some countires, it may be legally prescribed.

You won't feel better immediately after taking St. John's word, a warning also given with prescription anti-depressants. But, most people will feel a change of mood after a few weeks. The good news is that St. John's wort is used to treat infections as well as emotional problems.

During a particularly stressful period of my life (Stress? Who? Me? I taught high school for twenty years), I tried to take St. John's wort, but as with so many substances, it drove up my blood pressure and increased anxiety. As my students might have said, I was wired, and that happened after just three weeks. So, remember, if a medication (prescription or not) is not strong enough to have a side effect, it's not strong enough to have any effect.

If you should decide to take St. John's wort--and I am not recommending that you do--don't expect a quick fix, and allow for the possibility of side effects.

This information is for educational purposes and not as a recommendation as a cure for any disease. It is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified licensed health provider who understands your needs and individual condition.