INTERACTION CONCERNS WITH ST JOHN’S WORT?
St John’s Wort has a long history of traditional use, dating back to the ancient Greeks. A long traditional history is always encouraging to see as it indicates general safety.
General safety isn’t all there is to safety though. So, let’s talk about medication interactions with St John’s Wort. This is the main safety concern with this particular herb.
SO, ARE THE INTERACTION CONCERNS WITH ST JOHN’S WORT (SJW) VALID?
Short answer: YES.
LONGER ANSWER...
It isn’t completely understood, but it is known that SJW interacts with many medications.
What is known is that SJW acts on certain metabolic pathways in the liver. These same pathways are used in the metabolism of many other medications. Thus, the potential for interaction!
SJW also has a tendency to increase the effects of antidepressants. At a glance, this may seem positive. BUT, it can actually be life-threatening. This is because the combination of antidepressants with SJW can cause Serotonin Syndrome.
SJW tends to either decrease or increase the actions of a variety of different medications.
MEDICATIONS THAT SJW DECREASES THE ACTION OF
Antihistamines (“Anti-allergy” medications)
Medications that contain Digoxin (e.g. Lanoxin)
Immune Suppressive Medications (e.g. Cyclosporine)
Antiretroviral medications (HIV medications)
Oral Contraceptive Medications (“the pill”)
Reserpine (A blood pressure medication)
Alprazolam (Xanax) (An anxiety medication)
Theophylline (A asthma medication)
Warfarin (A blood-thinning medication)
MEDICATIONS THAT SJW INCREASES THE ACTION OF OR INCREASES THE SIDE-EFFECT RISK FOR
Antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs)
Plavix (Clopidogrel) (A blood-thinning medication)
Cough medicines that contain Dextromethorphan
Sedative medications (e.g. Benzodiazepines)
Triptan Migraine medications
(The above is by no means an extensive list of potential interactions).
I like to play safe. So, my general approach is to only prescribe SJW for patients who are not medicated. Fortunately, although SJW is an incredible herb, it is DEFINITELY NOT “the only herb” that can be used in depression. Phew!
THERE ARE MANY NATURAL "ANTI-DEPRESSANTS" THAT CAN BE USED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SJW.
(Researched, evidence-based natural alternatives).
Such as
B12
(Again, the above list is by no means extensive. Make sure you get a qualified practitioner on board for safety and to ensure you get the best outcomes.)
BUT, coming back to the principles of naturopath. I want to address the underlying cause(s). So, the real question is "what's the root(s) of your depression/anxiety?". If we can address the underlying cause(s), this is when we can TRULY get healing happening. I strongly dislike band-aid approaches in mental health. Band-aids don’t fix the problem, they just hide it. I see incredible results with a deeper, comprehensive, and more holistic approach. I LOVE helping people transform their mental health stories.
WHY SEE A NATUROPATH FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
Take a holistic, deep-diving, comprehensive approach
Guide you as to most appropriate testing to get to the root cause(s) in your mental health story
Refer you for advanced, functional testing (Hair Testing Mineral Analysis or a Full Microbiome Panel)
Develop a highly-personalised body blueprint from your test results
Create a beautiful, individualised game plan to transform your mental health
Help you a gain a deeper connection with your body
Reduce side-effects plus dependence on medications
Ready to transform your mental health story? Reach out to me here.
I only work with a handful of clients in this space. This ensures that they receive the in-depth support they deserve to transform their mental health story. Especially if we are reducing dependence on their medications.
So if you’re ready to transform your mental health story, fill this form in (like right now) so you don’t miss your chance!!
AUTHOR: Talitha
I specialise in mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety), gut health (IBS), and women's health (preconception, fertility). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
