Facts About St. John's Wort and Depression
Depression, which affects millions and is two times more common in women than in men, can be a crippling disease. There are many types, symptoms, and causes of depression, and it can last anywhere from a few hours to years. People suffering from depression withdraw from and lose interest in the world around them. St John's Wort is a helpful and affordable herb for treating depression. Its side effects are mild, and in over 25 double blind studies of over 1,500 people, St John's Wort's demonstrated its effectiveness in improving mood, lessening anxiety and preventing sleep disorders. Caution: St. John's Wort is not recommended for people who are taking monamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Many studies in which patients where given St. John's Wort or a placebo showed that St. John's Wort was superior to the placebo in relieving depression. Also, participants experienced far fewer side effects from St. John's Wort than from standard antidepressant drugs.
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