Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort to produce as good or better results compared to standard antidepressant drugs, but with significantly fewer side effects. while the dogs in the second group simply lay down and didn't even make an effort to jump over the barrier though they could see the shock-free side of the shuttle box. Seligman and his colleagues went on to show that many humans react in an identical fashion.
The adoption of Seligman's model was revolutionary, as it became an effective experiment for testing antidepressive drugs. |
John's wort extract, or any other herbal medicines. Find a qualified psychiatrist or physician to supervise you if you wish to employ any of these natural supportive therapies. |
John's wort and/or 5-HTP. • If anxiety is a significant factor, kava extract standardized for kavalactone content: 45-70 mg kavalactones three times per day. |
Dr. Julian Whitaker See book keywords and concepts |
This hemisphere controls the left side of the body and is the dominant region for visual-spatial skills, facial recognition, intuition, emotion, and the appreciation of art and music in the majority of people.
St. john's wort. Herb (Hypericum perforatum) used therapeutically to relieve depression. Studies have shown that it works as well as certain prescription antidepressants, without the side effects.
Saturated fat. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
I advise that the following herbal remedies be taken in the following dosages, along with 100 mg of 5-HTP, three times daily: þSaint john's wort (.3% hypericin): 300 mg three times daily for those under 55 þGinkgo biloba (24% ginkgo flavoglycosides): 60 mg three times daily for those over 55
ANTI-ANXIETY NUTRITIONAL TRANQUILIZERS
Those suffering from depression often find it difficult to muster up the energy to do much of anything, and they generally feel emotionally exhausted. If depression is characterized by lethargy of the mind, body, and soul, anxiety is all about tension. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts |
Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet)
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel)
Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack)
Fumaria officinalis (fumitory)
Galega officinalis (goat's rue)
Galium aparine (cleavers)
Geranium maculatum (cranesbill)
Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo)
Grindelia camporum (grindelia, gum weed)
Hieracium pilosella (mouse-ear hawkweed)
Humulus lupulus (hops)
Hypericum perforatum (St. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
You get a better sense of well-being," he explains.
St. john's wort apparently binds more weakly to sites in the brain than its prescription counterparts. In other words, it seems to do its work more gently, says Dr. Merrell. That may be why the herb is more suited to mild or moderate depression for which the strength of prescription drugs isn't required. "Herbs, in general, tend to be gentler than prescription drugs, and that may make them safer, with fewer side effects," he says. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort extract to an antidepressant drug
Bergman109
80
15.4
0.75
6
32/40
28/40 (amitriptyline)
Harrer110
102
19.4
2.7
4
27/51
28/51 (maprotiline)
Vorbach111
135
9.4
2.7
4
42/67
37/68 (imipramine)
Totals
317
101/158 (64%)
93/159 (58%)
* Responder rate: a decrease in the HDS of greater than 50% or achieving a value less than 10 either St. Johns wort extract (0.3 percent hypericin content, 300 mg three times per day) or imipramine (25 mg three times per day) for a period of six weeks. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Tincture is nontoxic (in contrast to many cardiotonics).
St. John's wort: Recently rediscovered for its use in depression. figure 2 profits can be huge. Many former plant-derived medicinal standbys have given way to patentable approximations of the originals. This is unfortunate, since the altered form of the compound will often act in a somewhat different fashion from the original herbal one, and is liable to produce toxic side effects. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort extract as opposed to antidepressant drugs was found to be not so much a difference in therapeutic outcome, but rather a significant advantage in terms w of side effects, cost, and patient satisfaction. The double-blind studies with the highest methodological quality rating are listed in Table 9.
In the study with the highest quality rating, 135 depressed patients were treated with
TABLE 9 Summary of Clinical Trials with St. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort increases sensitivity to light. Photodynamic therapy is a type of treatment based on the ability of cancer cells to selectively take up a specific compound that makes the cancer cells more sensitive to specific wavelengths of light, so that irradiation kills only the cancer cells. In experiments using mice, hypericin was shown to accumulate specifically in tumor tissue. When the hypericin-treated mice were irradiated, tumor growth was inhibited. Similar results have been found in human tumor cells. |
John's wort has an action similar to the commonly prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil).
Q To avoid large fluctuations in sugar levels, eat leafy vegetables and reasonable quantities of whole grains (almost never more than two to three servings per meal) for fiber. Fresh and dried fruit, while high in fiber, are also high in sugar and should be eaten in very limited quantities or avoided altogether. Also avoid refined flours and sugars. |
John's wort if you are on prescription antidepressants or any medication that interacts with MAO inhibitors. Use it with caution during pregnancy. This herb may increase the chance of developing sun blisters if you are out in the sun for too long.
HERBS TO AVOID
Ll Use immune-stimulant herbs, other than cat's claw, with caution, and inform your physician if using immune-stimulant herbs, if you are on any kind of "cocktail" treatment. For more information regarding individual herbs, see THE HERBS in Part One. |
John's wort indicate that these herbs contain chemicals that reduce the sperm's ability to penetrate the egg, but whether these herbs have the same effect in the human body is not known. For more information regarding these herbs, see the individual entries under The Herbs in Part One.
FORMULAS
FORMULA COMMENTS
Cinnamon Twig A traditional Chinese herbal formula that treats infertility due and Poria Pill to varicocele; increases sperm count and sperm motility.
Improves circulation in the lower abdominal region.
Hochu-ekki-to Japanese herbal formula that helps sperm cells develop properly. |
John's wort Tincture. Take as directed Binds to 5HT3 receptors in on the label. the brain.
Precautions for the use of herbs:
'Do not use chen-pi if you have bloody stool.
HERBS TO AVOID
LJ People who have nausea should avoid using the following herbs internally: butcher's broom, ephedra, horse chestnut, prunella, and uva ursi. (For more information regarding these herbs, see individual entries under The Herbs in Part One.)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Do not use bicarbonate of soda to control nausea (although it may help other forms of indigestion). |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Hypericum (St. john's wort) is the homeopathic remedy used for nerve injuries. It has a great affinity for the nervous system. The herbal tincture has been used extensively in Germany for depression—and is currently being "discovered" in the United States. The homeopathic potencies (usually the 30C) are used for trauma to the nerves. This could be a pinched nerve (with pain from the neck into the shoulder), or it could be a blow to nerve-rich tissues like fingers or coccyx (see Fig. 11).
To explain how such remedies work, the old homeopaths spoke of the "vital force. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Hypericum (St. john's wort), yoga, tai chi, meditation, light therapy. diarrhea Dried blackberry, blueberry, or raspberry leaves, dried blueberry fruit, peppermint tea. headache Press acupoints between eyebrows or in hollows at base of skull on both sides of spine, massage, progressive relaxation, biofeedback, feverfew capsules can prevent migraines, heartburn Ginger tea. high blood pressure Garlic, foods rich in calcium and magnesium, mind-body techniques. impotence Relaxation techniques (ginkgo and ginseng are unproven). indigestion Peppermint or chamomile tea. |
Hypericum (St. john's wort) Possibly the most highly touted herbal remedy in recent U.S. history, this herb has long been popular in Europe as a primary treatment for mild to moderate depression. Experts believe that research underway in North America will substantiate the results of numerous European studies that document the effectiveness of this therapy. People on prescription medication for depression should not try hypericum without first talking with their physicians.
Iceland moss Tea brewed from this herb soothes the dry cough that often accompanies colds and flu. |
Frantisek Stary See book keywords and concepts |
Flavonoids, fla-vonolignans and coumarin derivatives have an important effect on inflammatory processes, liver and gall bladder diseases, some circulatory disorders, and the like (St. john's wort, Agrimony, Milk Thistle, Buckwheat). Glycosides also include saponins, a striking physiological characteristic of which is that they produce a soapy foam. The expectorant action is extremely useful in reducing inflammation of the upper respiratory passages. As alkaloids, glycosides must never be self-administered. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
If your doctor is familiar with the benefits of turmeric, he may prescribe 2,000 milligrams daily, taken in 500-milligram doses four times a day.
St. john's wort. This herb, well-known for its use in treating mild to moderate depression, is also being studied to find out whether it can slow the progression of HIV to AIDS. The herb contains two antiviral compounds that have been shown in animal studies and in test tubes to inhibit the reproduction of HIV.
In a study, 18 HIV-positive participants were given two milligrams of hypericin, a substance found in St. |
Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort, take four drops four times a day. You can use more than one remedy at a time.
• Scotch broom, for severe pessimism—the feeling of "What's the use? |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts |
Chemistry and biology of Hypericum perforatum (St. john's wort). In: Lawson LD, Bauer R, eds. Phytomedicines of Europe. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1998.
14. Woelk H, Burkard G, Grtinwald J. Benefits and risks of the Hypericum extract LI 160: drug monitoring study with 3,250 patients. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology 1994; 7(suppl 1): S34-S38.
15. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et al., eds. American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts |
Hypericum (St john's wort)
In 23 randomized trials with a total of 1,757 patients on Hypericum, the botanical was more effective than placebo and similarly effective to standard antidepressants but with fewer adverse events.267
Magnesium
Dosage: slowly increase dose up to 1,000 mg / day. Research review:
• Fifty-nine per cent of HIV+ patients had low concentrations of magnesium compared with 9% of controls. It may be particularly relevant to HIV-related symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, and impaired mentation. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
The herbal action of St. john's wort enhances serotonin levels by artificially keeping the inter-neuronal levels high like Prozac does, but without the side effects of Prozac. Neither substance speaks direcdy to the core of the problem, although either may ameliorate it.
My approach to depression is holistic in that I look at all the contributing factors. A red flag goes up if the person has a parental history of drug or alcohol usage or any mental or emotional disorder, especially depression. There is a very high correlation between such a history and neurotransmitter deficiencies. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts |
John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Clusiaceae (synonyms hypericaceae and guttiferae)
State of Knowledge: Five-Star Rating System
Clinical (human) research * * * *
Laboratory research :* * * *¦
History of use/traditional use * * * *
Safety record :* * * *:
International acceptance * * * *
PART used: Flower, leaf
Primary Uses Internal (extract)
• Depression
• Anxiety related to depression
• Insomnia and fatigue related to depression External (oil infusion)
• Wounds (traditional)
• Bruises (traditional)
• First-degree burns (traditional) t. |
Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts |
Our greatest success in the treatment of shingles is by applying a blend of 50% Ravensara aromatica and 50% Calophyllum inophyllum (related to St.John's wort). Drastic improvements and complete remission occur within seven days."
Skin Conditions
Essential oils are also utilized for skin problems based on their skin-friendly properties. |
To treat ear infections, he uses a combination of goldenseal, mullein, and hypericum (St. john's wort) to reduce ear pain and help draw excess fluid out of the ear. Echinacea and goldenseal can also be used as antibacterials, adds Dr. Hibbs.
Echinacea is an immune-enhancing herb that is an antimicrobial agent, destroying bacteria and viruses found in the body. Echinacea has anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates tissue repair at injury sites. It also increases bacterial and viral resistance. |
Biofeedback Training and Neurotherapy / Fasting / Yoga
AROMATHERAPY: Chamomile, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper, lavender
HERBS: Combine equal parts of the tinctures of St.John's wort, skullcap, oat, and Siberian ginseng. Take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day. This may be made stronger, if there is much pain, by the addition of valerian or Jamaican dogwood. Externally, peppermint oil can be applied as a mild local anesthetic.
HOMEOPATHY: Belladonna, Aconite, Mag phos., Phytolacca, Chelidonium, Lycopodium, Arsen alb.
HYDROTHERAPY: Contrast application (apply daily). |
James Green See book keywords and concepts |
Peppermint dry herb
1:4
40-60%
1-3 ml: 3x a day3
Plantain fresh herb
1:2
100%
2-3 ml: 3x a day
St. john's wort fresh flowering tops
1:2
100%
1-3 ml: 3x a day
Herbs on the "35 Herbs and a Fungus" List That Are Wetl Prepared As a Tincture, continued plant part weight to % of alcohol adult dosage volume in menstruum
Saw Palmetto fresh berries semi—dry
1:2 1:5
80-100% 60-80%
2-5 ml: 3x a day
Scullcap fresh herb recently dried
1:1. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort can provide the necessary serotonin boost to support making important changes in diet and lifestyle.
Rule Out an Underlying Cause
Depression can often be due to an underlying organic (chemical) or physiological cause. Identification and elimination of the underlying cause should be the primary therapy. Failure to address an underlying cause will make any antidepressant therapy less successful. |