Vitamins For Anxiety:
St. Johns Wort

Among the many vitamins for anxiety, St. Johns Wort is one of the most popular. St. Johns Wort is known by several different names: Hyperforin, Goat Weed, Klamath Weed, and Hypericum.

It is a yellow flowering herb and originated in Europe. It gets its name from its typical flowering date which is June 24th or St. Johns Day.

St. Johns Wort can be dangerous for animals, so farmers have to be pretty careful to not allow their livestock to eat it. It can cause sensitivity to the sun, can effect the nervous system, can cause the animal to abort, and can even lead to death.

But, it has actually been shown to be helpful for human ailments throughout the years. It has been used for depression, anxiety, anxiety attacks, mood swings, stress and difficulty sleeping in modern times. However in the past it was also used as an astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and even for red and yellow dye (from the flowers and stems).

How To Take St. Johns Wort

As most other vitamins for anxiety, the most common way to take it is in capsule or tablet form. But it is also available as an extract in liquid form or as a tea.

The dosage will vary depending on where it was grown, and how it was prepared. It can vary from 350 mg all the way to 1800 mg daily. If you take it in dried form, the British Herbal Association Scientific Committee recommends to take it 2 to 4 grams three times a day. They recommended for a liquid extract or tincture to take 2 to 4 mL three times a day.

Over-the-counter brands of St. Johns Wort will vary, so one recommendation can't be applied across the board. And as is the case with any of the natural anxiety cures, you will want to check with your doctor before you take it, especially if you already take another anxiety medication.

Does St. Johns Wort have any side effects?

In most people, St. Johns Wort does pretty well, but some have had side effects while taking it.

Some have had gastrointestinal problems, dizziness and confusion, and fatigue. It can also cause sensitivity to light and to the sun. You would want to be aware of this because many who normally don't have problems with this may get a sunburn while taking this herb. But this side effect seems to be pretty rare.

I hope this has helped in your understanding of St. Johns Wort. If you would like to learn about the other herbal remedies and vitamins for anxiety that are out there, please click here.

Exit Vitamins For Anxiety: St. Johns Wort and Go To Home Page