St. John's Wort

If you're asking for depression, I have been taking 5 HTP which boosts serotonin levels in the brain. It seems to be working, even if it's a placebo effect. I don't know about taking homeopathic in addition to prescription, but if you're not taking anything else, I am truly impressed at how much better I am dealing with life. The 5HTP was recommended by several mamas, along with many other choices.
Good luck,
S.

If you are on anti depressents, you cannot take St. John's Wort. It has to be one or the other, but not both. Have you spoken to your doctor?

If you are having mild depression, fish oil supplements work really really well. They are totally safe! Go to vitamin cottage as they sell supplements that don't have any mercury in them. I used this (and still do) during a moody pregnancy and it helped keep me off anti-deppresents. If you are postpartum or are really depressed, please go to your doctor right away. There is nothing wrong with getting on a good anti-depressent to get through a rough patch. I had to get on Lexapro after my first child, and it saved me from postpartum depression. Good luck!

It can help with depression. You are probably aware, but just in case you are not, it makes you extra sensitive to the sun, so you'll need to take care to protect yourself from the sun if you're taking it.

You could also research Sam-E.

Hi A.,
My husband has used it for mild depression. It is not for moderate or severe depression and should never be used with prescription antidepressants. It can also make you more sensitive to sunlight. It worked best for him when he also took other supplements like omegas and b complex and stuck with a healthful diet.
If you would like more info on the supplements, let me know.
Victoria

Hi A.,

There is a great book called "Mood Cure" by Julia Ross that talks all about St John's Wort.
L.

It really depends on why you want to take it and what the symptoms are that you are trying to relieve. As with medication, if you take the wrong supplement it can throw you out of balance. If it's the right one then it can work wonders. If it is depression that you are trying to treat it would depend on the physical source of the depression. Depression can be caused by brain chemistry imbalance, thyroid imbalance, adrenal imbalance, and hormonal imbalance. If you tell me more about your symptoms then I could help you further as to whether it could help you. I could also guide you on what other options you might have.
Good luck!
J.

It made me PSYCHO! I didn't realize my diet pills had some in it. They made me crazy. Then I was having a "down" day and tried it alone. SAME reaction. I may be weird, but I had insane mood swings from sobby to angry. I won't take it again, and always make sure its not in any of my supplements.

If you are really depressed, then see a doctor before using herbs. My aunt self-medicated with SJW instead of seeking professional help. She killed herself. Her suicide could have been avoided is she had received proper, professional help.

Even if you have minor depression, it wouldn't hurt to talk to a psychologist. Don't expect an herb to be a miracle cure.

If you are on any medications do not use this. It interacts with many commonly prescribed medications.