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July
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St. Johns Wort |
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St Johns Wort is one of the most popular, and controversial, medicinal herbs used to treat depression. It has been shown to be effective for mild to moderate symptoms, but not for major depression. St. John's wort is available by prescription in Europe and is widely used to treat anxiety and depression. European studies suggest that St. John's Wort may work as well as some antidepressants in mild depression and with fewer side effects for short-term use. St. John's Wort is generally well tolerated. In less than one percent of users, side effects have been found to be mild and included dry mouth, dizziness, digestive problems, sunburn, allergic reaction and sexual problems. A frequently cited study disclaiming its effectiveness has been discredited due to flaws in the study's methods. A 3-year federal study is underway. |
The Food and Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory in 2000.warning that St. John's Wort can cause serious interactions with prescription drugs, herbs or supplements. As with any herbal supplement, you should consult with your prescribing doctor before combining treatments. For more information about individual herbs, including safety and side effects, go to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services or the University of Maryland Medical Center Sources
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