In Germany, over 50% of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders are treated with hypericin, an extract of St. John's wort. Prozac is used in just 5% of cases. Why are German doctors using an archaic herb as a depression treatment? It certainly isn't through superstition, yet this is how the herb was used in the past. Back in medieval times St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), named after the Baptist not the Beloved, was thought to save the life of a dying man if a piece was placed under his pillow. Now, there is good scientific evidence to show that the yellow flowers of this shrub can be made into an effective depression treatment. You have to eat it though, rather than put it under your pillow.

Properties of St. John's Wort Useful in Depression Treatment(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Depression.html)

The yellow flowering tops of St. John's Wort contain hypericin and pseudohypericin, both of which are helpful in depression treatment and a variety of other nervous system disorders. It was in 1994 that physicians in Germany recommended 66 million doses of St. John's Wort to be made available for the population as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. The reasons why are due to a number of hypericin's properties that make it an excellent depression treatment.

St. John's Wort Controls Neurotransmitters

Consumption of St. John's Wort can treat depression by modifying the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and activating the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. All of these neurotransmitters improve mood and are therefore vital in depression treatment. St. John's wort has been known to reduce feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and sadness(all common symptoms of depression), while improving sleep, and preventing exhaustion((a common trigger for bouts of depression)).

St. John's Wort Maintains Nervous System's Health

St. John's Wort produces long-lasting good effects on the entire nervous system. Hypericin has the ability to increase alertness, energy, and sociability in a person, making St. John's wort an excellent depression treatment(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Depression.html). It is also used as a valuable relaxing herb, which can reduce nervous exhaustion caused due to long-term stress.

St. John's wort Eases Menopause Symptoms

St. John's Wort can reduce the anxiety, insomnia, and night sweats in women who are undergoing the menopause. It is important for women going through the change to consider depression treatment as menopause symptoms can be a major cause of anxiety depression(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Depression.html). A clinical study in Germany on 111 women aged from 43-65 years showed that 75-80% of women felt a marked improvement after consuming St. John's Wort for 12 weeks.

Dosage

St. John's wort extract can be taken in the forms of capsules, tablets, liquids, and teabags. An average daily dosage of this herb is usually around 300 mg, 3 times a day for 4 to 6 weeks. This dosage can not only be used in depression treatment, but also in helping deal with hemorrhoids, hypothyroidism, insomnia, headaches, and kidney disorders. For depression treatment, a good dosage of St. John's wort can be used alongside other supplements for a natural alternative to medications.

Forget the archaic name, or the way it was used in the dark ages, there is real evidence that St. John's wort is an effective depression treatment.