St. John's Wort Anxiety Uses

Although the pharmaceutical industry can provide many options that may support the treatment experience of those who live with anxiety and depression disorders, many of these medicines can cause side effects or have a prolonged period of adjustment. In either case, patients may opt for natural alternatives — which has prompted the medical community to explore the efficacy of supplements and other alternative treatments.

Below, we’re exploring what St. John’s wort is, possible efficacy it may have across mental health disorders and scientific support that is currently available for this form of treatment and support. 

What is St. John’s wort? 

St. John's wort is classified as an herbaceous plant that is generally identified by many via its bright yellow flowers and shrublike appearance. This particular plant has been used in a medicinal capacity for centuries — offering a historical use for many as a tool to support conditions such as depression and insomnia, and externally as an aid in healing wounds.

The plant may be used as a capsule, as well as a tincture or paste to treat various ailments.

St. John's wort is not generally classified as a pharmaceutical drug, as this supplement does not require a prescription or evaluation from a healthcare professional. We do want to note, however, that you may find more safety and benefit from seeking a professional medical opinion before beginning any course of treatment or supplementation, including St. John's wort. 

St. John’s wort used for anxiety and major depressive disorder

Systematic reviews have demonstrated the efficacy of St. John’s wort (versus placebo) when treating mild to moderate depression. (Studies have yet to prove that it can treat severe depression.) Researchers in one review found that St. John’s wort produces similar effects to antidepressant medications, concluding that it is not only as effective as but also safer than prescription medications used to treat depression. However, according to practice guidelines developed by the American College of Physicians—and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine—cognitive behavioral therapy and second-generation antidepressants are still considered primary treatment modalities, over complementary and alternative medicine options like St. John’s wort. 

In addition to treating mild to moderate depression, St. John's wort can help those living with insomnia and obsessive compulsive disorder better manage their mental and physical symptoms. St. John's wort has also historically been used as a supportive therapeutic supplement for some experiencing menopause. Typically used to alleviate hot flashes and mood swings, St. John's Wort has been clinically suggested as an effective supportive therapy to address menopausal symptoms. It can also be of use to some individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety disorder as a result of menopause by treating the bodily changes brought on by menopause. 

Overall, though, research into the efficacy of St. John’s wort when treating anxiety has produced mixed results. There is evidence that it can relieve symptoms of anxiety that arise out of a depressive disorder. However, there is limited proof of its effectiveness for individuals living with anxiety disorders alone. For example, in a placebo-controlled pilot study, researchers found that St. John’s wort failed to improve symptoms of social phobia. Additional research continues to be done, though. 

There is also evidence that St. John’s wort can improve mood in people who aren’t living with a mental health challenge. In one study, researchers found that healthy volunteers experienced a positive shift in emotional processing.

Can you use St. John’s wort as your main anxiety disorder treatment method?

While a successful and helpful treatment protocol looks different for each patient based on their own unique experience, St. John's wort can be used by many as a helpful addition to other types of treatment methods, such as talk therapy or pharmaceutical intervention. Speaking with a clinician may help you to determine if this supplement is an appropriate form of intervention to be used exclusively or if you may benefit from pairing it with other supportive therapy types. 

How does St. John’s wort work? 

St. John's Wort's active components can increase your brain's ability to send and receive messages, which can elevate the presence of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. 

Having a lack of these critical neurotransmitters can be linked to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 

Supporting your brain's ability to communicate and more effectively support the production of these neurotransmitters can elevate your mood, may increase your body's ability to both fall and stay asleep and may create greater stability in mood as a whole. 

How much St. Johns wort is best to support those living with anxiety disorders?

Cleveland Clinic’s study suggests that an effective dose of St. John’s wort for many ranges, and can be taken as a tablet, tincture, ointment, or oil. Before attempting any sort of supplementation or therapeutic regimen, however, you may consider seeking professional medical care and support to determine if supplementation is a good choice for your personal health needs. 

It might not be right for everyone 

St. John's wort can negatively interact with numerous pharmaceutical medications, including antidepressants, contraceptive drugs, some heart medications, photosensitizing drugs, organ transplant medications, drugs that treat HIV (e.g., protease inhibitors), and blood thinners. Misuse of this herbal supplement can result in life-threatening conditions or complications, which is why you may benefit from the diagnosis and support of a medical professional prior to starting any form of treatment or supplementation with St. John’s wort or similar natural medicines. 

Because of its antidepressant properties, St. John’s wort might exacerbate or cause manic symptoms. Additionally, according to an article published by the National Institutes of Health, using St. John’s wort with other drugs for depression can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a serious condition that occurs due to elevated neurotransmitter levels. Drugs used to treat migraines can also cause serotonin syndrome when taken alongside St. John’s wort.  

What are the benefits of online therapy for anxiety disorders?

For those experiencing the symptoms of anxiety disorders, stepping outside the home or being in an unfamiliar location can feel overwhelming. These feelings of overwhelm may limit the therapeutic benefit of a therapy session or heighten other somatic experiences and psychological symptoms of anxiety. With online therapy, however, patients can minimize this risk, holding therapy sessions in the comfort of a familiar space and their own environment(s). They will also be able to connect directly with therapists via convenient in-app messaging, which can help them to have a better overall experience where they may feel supported than in traditional therapeutic models.

Is online therapy effective for anxiety disorders?

In a meta-analysis of over 20 quantitative studies, online therapy was shown to be comparably beneficial when compared to in-person methods of therapeutic intervention. The test groups across the many studies reviewed showed improvement in function and quality of life, which suggests that online therapy may be an effective method of support for those experiencing the symptoms of anxiety disorder. 

Takeaway