3 minEveryone has periods when they don't feel so good, and that's perfectly okay. But sometimes you stay in that gloomy valley for longer, such as with mild or moderate feelings of depression. Mental health is extremely important, which is why more and more people are looking for solutions that suit them.
One of the best-known natural options is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). This herb has been used for centuries to treat mental health issues. In countries such as Germany, it is even a recognised treatment, and it is also widely recommended in traditional medicine, such as Chinese medicine. But what does science actually say about the effectiveness and safety of St. John's Wort? In this article, you can read everything you need to know!
In this article, you will learn:
- What St. John's Wort is and how it works.
- How it can help with mild to moderate feelings of depression.
- What scientific research says about its effectiveness and safety.
- Why it is important to be cautious when combining St. John's Wort with medication.
What is St. John's Wort?
St. John's Wort is a yellow-flowering plant that owes its name to its flowering around St. John the Baptist, at the end of June. It is known as an herb that helps with all kinds of complaints, from anxiety and sleep disorders to mild and moderate depression. The main active ingredient in St. John's Wort is hypericin, which, according to researchers, affects the serotonin system in your brain, which is thought to have an antidepressant effect.
Hyperforin and hypericin
St. John's Wort contains the active substances hyperforin and hypericin, which have a direct influence on brain function. Hyperforin works primarily by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. These chemical messengers play a key role in mood, motivation and emotional well-being. By inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, hyperforin can help improve signalling between nerve cells, often resulting in a more stable mood and a reduction in mild depressive feelings.
Hypericin contributes to these effects and also has mild antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, hyperforin and hypericin can modulate the activity of certain receptors and the neural network in the brain, which can reduce the stress response and support mood and energy balance.
St. John's wort for depression
St. John's wort is mainly used for depression and is often seen as an alternative to regular antidepressants. However, many doctors also use it for other complaints, such as anxiety, nervousness or even physical complaints without a medical cause (somatic disorders). Exactly how it works is not yet entirely clear, but there are indications that the combination of different active substances in the herb work together to relieve symptoms.1
What does science say?
Research shows that various active substances contribute to its effectiveness. Studies have shown that St. John's wort has antidepressant effects and works better than a placebo. It works about as well as regular antidepressants, but with fewer side effects.1
A large meta-analysis in 2017 2 shows that St. John's Wort can work just as well as commonly used antidepressants, which are often the first to be prescribed for depression. This large study of 27 trials and 3808 patients showed that St. John's Wort is equally effective in treating mild to moderate depression. Although it seems promising, more research is needed to assess the long-term effects and safety in severe depression.
Risks of St. John's wort
As with other herbs and medicines, it is important to be careful when using St. John's wort. The biggest risk is that it can affect the way other medicines work. For example, it can interfere with the effectiveness of contraceptive pills or blood thinners. It is therefore essential that you tell your doctor that you are using St. John's Wort. If properly monitored, St. John's Wort can be a safe and effective treatment when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.1
How quickly does St. John's wort work?
That is a question many people ask. It usually takes a week or two before you notice the first effects. It can even take up to four weeks before you really feel a difference in your mood and energy levels.
Conclusion
It is completely normal to feel down from time to time, and it is important to know that it is okay not to always feel on top of the world. When feelings of gloom persist, it is good to keep talking to those around you and possibly seek additional support. This can be through regular treatment with your doctor and antidepressants or through natural options such as St. John's Wort. It is important to know that there are different ways to support your mental health, and it is perfectly fine to ask for help when you need it.
If you decide to try St. John's Wort, it is always wise to discuss this with your doctor first, especially if you are already taking other medication. St. John's Wort can affect the effectiveness of some medications, such as contraceptives. Your doctor can help you make the right choice and together you can find the best approach for you. The important thing is that you feel supported and receive the care you need to regain your balance.
