Happy holidays?
Herbal remedy proves to be as effective as prescription antidepressants
It may be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but the fact is, the holidays can be more than a little challenging for a lot of people — and I’m not just talking about the stress that comes along with shoving your way through crowds at the mall. This time of year is actually one of the most common to find yourself feeling sad and even depressed. But a new review published in the prestigious medical journal the Cochrane Systematic Review adds more weight to the notion that you can get through it — and enjoy your holidays — without prescription antidepressants.
This particular review evaluated the results of 29 different studies on the role of the herb St. John’s wort in depression. And after their thorough investigation, the researchers concluded that not only is the herb effective at lifting mood and easing depression, but that it’s as effective as prescription antidepressants. The only difference the researchers noted between the two treatments is that the drop-out rate for study participants taking St. John’s wort was 76 percent lower than it was for those taking prescription antidepressants.
While the reviewers didn’t offer an explanation for the discrepancy, the No. 1 factor in drop out rates is side effects. So even though this review didn’t say so, the fact that three times as many people taking antidepressants dropped out of their studies certainly suggests that they caused more side effects than St. John’s wort.
But before you pick up just any St. John’s wort supplement, there is one warning the researchers gave that’s important to bear in mind: According to lead researcher Klaus Linde, “Using a St. John’s wort extract might be justified, but products on the market vary considerably.” Herbalist and regular Nutrition & Healing columnist Kerry Bone agrees, and has always recommended consulting with a physician skilled in herbal medicine who can help you find the best-quality St. John’s wort supplement and determine the best dose for you. To find a skilled herbal medicine physician near you, contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians by calling (866)538-2267 or visiting www.naturopathic.org.
Source:
St. John’s wort works for depression, says review,” NutraIngredients (www.nutraingredients.com), 10/9/08
