St. John’s Wort Successful For Depression

An all too common problem with prescription drugs is their high degree of side effects, some of which are very serious. Natural remedies, such as St. John’s Wort, can often be as effective as prescription drugs, but without all the nasty side effects. A recent study in the prestigious British Medical Journal compared the success of hypericum extract WS 5570 (St. John’s Wort) with the popular antidrepressant drug Paroxetine (brand name Paxil®). Researchers concluded, “In the treatment of moderate to severe major depression, ‘St. John’s Wort’ is at least as effective as paroxetine and is better tolerated.” If you feel St. John’s Wort might be right for you, please consult your health care professional.