What is St. John’s Wort used for?

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  1.  Stacy Wiegman
     
    Stacy Wiegman answered:
    St. John's Wort is often used to treat mild to moderate depression. This herbal supplement is also used to treat other conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders and infections. St. John's Wort has additionally been topically utilized to treat muscle pain, inflammation and wounds of the skin, and burns.

    More Related Answers from Stacy Wiegman
    St. John's Wort is often used to treat mild to moderate depression. This herbal supplement is also used to treat other conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders and infections. St. John's Wort has additionally been topically utilized to... More
  2. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
     
    St. John's wort is used to treat depression. In a recent study, St. John’s wort extracts were more effective than a placebo, and as or more effective than standard antidepressants.
    More Related Answers from Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
    St. John's wort is used to treat depression. In a recent study, St. John’s wort extracts were more effective than a placebo, and as or more effective than standard antidepressants. More
  3. Natural Standard, The Authority on Integrative Medicine
     

    Depressive disorder (mild-to-moderate)

    St. John's wort has been extensively studied in Europe over the last two decades, with more recent research in the United States. Short-term studies (1-3 months) suggest that St. John's wort is more effective than placebo (sugar pill), and equally effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate major depression. Comparisons to the more commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac®) or sertraline (Zoloft®), are more limited. However, other data suggest that St. John's wort may be just as effective as SSRIs with fewer side effects. Safety concerns exist as with most conventional and complementary therapies.

    Somatoform disorders

    Somatoform disorders show physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to organic disease and appear to be of psychic origin. Early evidence shows that St. John's wort may help with somatoform disorders. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

    You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Depressive disorder (mild-to-moderate) St. John's wort has been extensively studied in Europe over the last two decades, with more recent research in the United States. Short-term studies (1-3 months) suggest that St. John's wort is more... More