St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum super function.St. John's Wort Extract.

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Why is St. John's wort used as an alternative therapy for depression?

St. John's Wort Extract.INCI Name.HYPERICUM PERFORATUM EXTRACT,CAS.84082-80-4,EINECS ELINCS No282-026-4 photo picture image Some patients who take antidepressant drugs do not experience relief from their depression. Other patients have reported unpleasant side effects from their prescription medication, such as a dry mouth, nausea, headache, or effects on sexual function or sleep.

 Sometimes people turn to herbal preparations like St. John's wort because they believe "natural" products are better for them than prescription medications, or that natural products are always safe. Neither of these statements is true (this is discussed further below).

 Finally, cost can be a reason. St. John's wort costs less than many antidepressant medications, and it is sold without a prescription (over the counter).

 How widely is St. John's wort used for treating depression?

 In Europe, St. John's wort is widely prescribed for depression. In the United States, St. John's wort is not a prescription medication, but there is considerable public interest in it. St. John's wort remains among the top-selling herbal products in the United States.

 How is St. John's wort sold?

 St. John's wort products are sold in the following forms:

 Capsules
 Teas:the dried herb is added to boiling water and steeped for a period of time.
 Extracts:specific types of chemicals are removed from the herb, leaving the desired chemicals in a concentrated form.

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citations1.St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum super function.St. John's Wort Extract.

last edit date:7th,May.2009.