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St. John's Wort to Treat Depression?
St. John's Wort, or hypericum perforatum, is a flowering plant known since ancient times for its medicinal qualities. It has been in use in treatment of depression in Europe, most specifically Germany, for many years and has become a suggested treatment for depression in America for some time as well. It is available over the counter, without prescription. It has been controversial for some and readily accepted by others. It is important to note that the way the herb is prepared has a major bearing on its effectiveness, so brand name is relevant. There are few side effects, but these few do need to be taken into consideration. It must never be mixed with the use of prescription anti-depressants because of the potentiating effect; that is, it works in the same way, affecting seretonin levels.
I have not been opposed to the use of St. John's Wort for treatment of mild to moderate depression, but do not recommend it if there is significant, severe depression.
Here is a link to a website devoted to the provision of information on St. John's Wort and its use for depression. The entire text of a book, entitled Hypericum & Depression is available free of charge on line here.
I would suggest staying with the articles listed on the left side of the page. I do not necessarily endorse the news media releases or celebrity stories and conclusions that are listed on the right side of the page.
Hypericum & Depression originally published in 1996
Dr. Harold Bloomfield and Peter McWilliams
Maintained and update on line at www.hypericum.com
Many Christians worry that if
they have DEPRESSION there is something
wrong with their FAITH.
Are you one of them?
These may be your questions (or the person in depression you are trying to encourage) too!
- Have you wondered if feeling discouraged means you are failing God?
- Does taking medication mean my faith is weak?
- Shouldn't Christians who have received the Holy Spirit be protected from depression?
- Do you feel the need to look "perfect" while your friends seem so high in their faith and you feel so depressed?
- Do Christians choose to be depressed or are they being tested by God?
- How do you reconcile unkind or dishonest behavior from those who claim the title of Christian?
- Why do Christians feel so uncomfortable acknowledging depression?
- Does Hebrews 10:26 bother you and seem like a condemnation for one in depression?
- How do I help a friend or relative who is both a Christian Believer and struggling with depression?
After collecting real questions that Christians have, I put my faith and years of counseling and coaching experience to work to respond to these heart cries in a written format. My goal was to provide sound basic information and then address these questions in a conversational style, as though I was sitting together with the questioner.
Now this resource is available for you: one who experiences depression; or a relative or friend of someone in depression. Coaches and therapists may also find it helpful to respond to these difficult issues of the seeming conflict between having faith and experiencing depression.
Click here for a preview and purchase information!
Personal Life Coaching
Specializing in personal life transitions, relationship coaching, coaching for family members of someone in depression and Christian spiritual growth.
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