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St. John's Wort.

(10 Posts)
petra Fri 31-Mar-17 07:41:33

Has anyone taken more than one a day. I have a friend who is going through a rough time and I suggested St. John's Wort. She says they kick in after a couple of hours and then she's very down again come early evening. She doesn't feel that this warrants a doctors visit as when the problem calms down she will be ok.

vampirequeen Fri 31-Mar-17 08:13:45

I'm not sure it's a good idea to take more than the recommended dose of St John's Wort.

harrigran Fri 31-Mar-17 09:02:15

Not something I would take, need to be particularly careful if taking prescription drugs too.

Karanlouise Fri 31-Mar-17 10:58:17

Still John's Wort is a very strong preparation you should never take more than the recommended dose. It also can effect other drugs you are taking (even at the recommended dose). It might be worth a visit to the doctor even if it is only short term problem, they might be able to help and can check any interaction with other meds.

Cherrytree59 Fri 31-Mar-17 11:12:06

I have taken St Johns Wart and found it very helpful
However I agree a visit to the doctor is sensible if the effects of johns Wart is not lasting the day .

BlueBelle Fri 31-Mar-17 14:34:36

I too have taken St. John's wort and found it helpful but never knew it had an instant effect plus a come down effect like your friend is experiencing Could that be from something else ?

MargaretX Fri 31-Mar-17 16:32:43

I have read that it needs 600mg per day to work and usually under prescribed. I have 450 mg from Holland & Barret and took one morning and one afternoon and the next day only one.
I have found it very soothing for High BP and sleep problems. I it is to help against really psychological problems then you would need to take it for 2 or 3 weeks and it can upset your sleep patterns.
Both my DDs had a first baby within 6 weeks and coping with these new babies and new mothers took its toll.
I took St Johns Worts beforehand and during the first weeks and then I didn't need it any more.

petra Sat 01-Apr-17 10:52:58

MargaretX Thats interesting. I've looked at my packet ( from H&B ) and it says 425mg. I find it a wonderful 'drug' for when you know ' this soon will pass'
The trouble is, you can't be in someone else's head and know exactly how bad it is.

Ginny42 Sat 01-Apr-17 11:36:19

Has she tried Rescue Remedy by Bach? She can buy it at a chemist. I found it took the edge of my anxiety when I was coping with a very distressing situation, especially when I was feeling tearful at work. I also had acupuncture for wellbeing.

petra Sat 01-Apr-17 14:39:36

Ginny I had completely forgotten Rescue Remedy. Years ago I wouldn't be without it. Not only did I use it on myself but I would treat my elderly cat as she used to have fits. It was miraculous to see her come out of them within seconds.
I remember using it on a young child who was very distressed after a fall.