St. John's wort is used to treat anxiety and depression. If it is effective then the maker of Prozac and Zoloft would have been out of business. So is it effective?

According to a large study sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, St. John's wort was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. It is still studying the effect on minor depression.

Picture of St. John's wort

St. John's is ok, but is usally better as part of a formula (Positive Thoughts for example), which blends St. John's Wort B- complex and some amino acids, although it does contain Kava and Valarian.

Sam-E is also very good for mood (and joints), and for anxiety, L-Theanine is fantastic. B-complex is also good for mood support.

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Mongo

Be good. If you can't be good, be careful. If you can't be careful...Name it after me.

I think looking at the yellow flowers of St. John's wort has a better therapeutic effect than to actually consuming it. Can you please tell us more about Kava?

Primarily it is used for Anxiety Disorder, however, it is also used for sleep disorder, stress and as a muscle relaxant.

There have been reports that it negatively impacts liver function, but those were large doses (400mg) over an extended period of time.

Typically, you don't want to take for more than 1 month and usually between 60mg-120 mg per day.

Like many herbs, because it worked well, it was abused...then the negative press comes out about this and that problem. If used correctly, it is fine. (read: clinically proven)

__________________
Mongo

Be good. If you can't be good, be careful. If you can't be careful...Name it after me.