St Johns Wort and Fibromyalgia
St Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal supplement that is used for depression, to aid sleep and for nerve pain. It has far less side effects than the standard antidepressants (SSRIs or tricyclics), sleeping pills and tranquilizers and pain killers.
It is believed that St Johns wort works by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain, thus helping to boost mood. This in turn promotes better sleep which lessens day time fatigue and the associated pain that goes with that in Fibromyalgia sufferers.
St. John's wortSt Johns wort is a European native plant that has bright yellow flowers that are said to bloom on the feast of St. John the Baptist around the summer solstice of 21st June. St Johns wort is a European native plant that has bright yellow flowers that are said to bloom on the feast of St. John the Baptist around the summer solstice of 21st June. It is said that when the buds and flowers are squeezed, a red pigment flows out that represents the blood of St. John the Baptist. Wort is an old English word for plant.
Research looking into many studies throughout the world entitled St John's Wort for Major Depression found that the herbal supplement was just as effective as standard antidepressants such as Prozac and has fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.
St Johns Wort Effectiveness
Even the NHS admit to the effectiveness of the herbal supplement to treat depression, despite not prescribing it to patients.
“This comprehensive, well-conducted systematic review and meta-analysis provides the best evidence to date of the effects of St. John’s wort in people with mild to moderate major depression and moderate to severe major depression.”
In Germany St. John’s wort it is more likely to be prescribed than standard antidepressants.
It is worth noting that if you are considering taking St. John’s wort you are aware of the interactions with other drugs you may be taking.
Antidepressants - it is not advisable to take St. John's wort at the same time as any other antidepressant.
Contraceptive Pills - St. John's wort can lessen the effects of some contraceptive pills.
Anesthetics - it is important to inform your anesthetist if you are undergoing local or general anesthetic.
Other drugs may interact with St. John's wort so it is important to inform your GP if you intend to take it.
I started taking St. John’s wort to brighten my mood but mainly as a possible pain reliever and sleep aid. I have to say that after just 2 weeks or so I felt considerably better. My husband also decided to take St. John’s wort and he reported that his mood had brightened too.