St John's Wort And Menopause Pt IIYes - St John's Wort Can Help In MenopausePart 1 of this article looked at the properties of St John's Wort. this Part 2 looks at the cautions and the dosage of St John's wort to be used, whether during the menopause or not. St John's Wort - CautionsThere have been no reported large scale reactions to St John's wort - but there have been a small number of reactions reported among people taking the herb.
These recommendations about St John's wort apply during menopause and at other times. There are queries hanging over St John's wort with regard to anti-depressants, hypertensive (high blood pressure) drugs, warfarin, AIDS medication, and the contraceptive pill. The concern with anti-depressants, hypertensive drugs, and warfarin is that St John's wort may possibly raise blood pressure, leading to an increased chance of a stroke. With the contraceptive pill and AIDS drugs, there is some indication that St John's wort may reduce effectiveness of the drugs.
However, it would be wise to be very cautious with St John's wort if taking any drugs. If you wish to switch to St John's wort from an antidepressant drug, consult a doctor for advice on how to achieve this safely - probably by phasing the drug out and St John's wort in. Recommendation: Do not take St John's wort together with drugs. If changing to St John's wort from antidepressant drugs, do so only under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified person. If taking St John's wort together with drugs for blood pressure or blood thinning herbs, closely monitor your blood pressure. 2. St John's wort and Epilepsy It is accepted that some anti-depressant drugs can cause fits in susceptible people. There have been a small number of anecdotal reports of epileptic fits occurring in patients taking St John's wort. As St John's wort has anti-depressant properties, it is recommended that it be avoided where there are epileptic tendencies. Recommendation: Do not take St John Wort if you have epilepsy, or a tendency towards fits or seizures.
In other words - sensitivity to light. St John's wort can - rarely - cause a rash when the skin is exposed to the sun. The hypericin from St John's wort travels to the skin where, in a few individuals, the sun changes it to an itchy compound which causes the rash. There are only a very small number of reported cases of this reaction St John's wort; but it does happen. Where it has happened, when the St John's wort has been discontinued, the rash disappears. Recommendation: If you are taking st john's wort use extreme caution when in the sun, and do not use a sun bed, in case you are one of the minority who could develop photosensitivity. If you begin to develop a rash and have been in the sun, stay in the shade and discontinue the use of st john's wort until the rash clears up. 4. St John's wort and Cataract: There was a report in New Scientist recently which stated that the photosensitive properties of the hypericin in St John's wort could promote cataracts in rats. There are no reports of St John's wort causing this in humans. Recommendation: As a precaution, the researchers recommend that if you are in the sunshine, you should wearing 'UV-resistant' wrap-around sunglasses, if you are taking st john's wort. Sunlight shining on the eyes is a cause of cataract in any case, so this is good advice to follow whether or not you are taking St John's Wort. If you have any concerns about taking St John's wort, or if you have any queries about its use, talk to a company to offers unlimited free advice or consult with a qualified practitioner in alternative therapy. DosageThe usual dosage of St John's wort raw herb (ie not 'standardised extract'), is: 1 St John's wort capsule 3 times a day. St John's wort Fluid Extract (1:1) 10-15 drops of St John's wort fluid extract 3 times a day in water or juice, (This form of the herb is not a standardised extract - which is a powder. It is a liquid preparation - usually alcoholic - where 1 litre of the liquid has been made with 1 kilo of the herb. Hence the '1:1'.)
1/2 teaspoon St John's wort tincture, 3 times a day in water or juice. A herbal tincture is made with 250-350g of herb steeped in a litre of alcohol. So it is 3-4 times weaker than the equivalent fluid extract. Extract standardised to 0.3% hypericin Follow the instructions on the St John's wort pack - usually 2 or 3 capsules a day. SummarySt John's wort is a valuable herb with a long history of safe use in Europe, for:
However, it appears that St John's wort can be a very active herb in some circumstances, so we advise avoiding St John's wort without thorough investigation if; 1. You are any taking anti-depressants, warfarin or other blood-thinning medication, AIDS medication, or the contraceptive pill. 2. You have a tendency to fit. 3. You are going to use a sun bed, or to sunbathe. Use with caution if you live in a hot country, or if travelling to a hot country. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor, to a company who offers free unlimited advice or see a qualified alternative practitioner. ResourcesHerbs: Articles: |
1. Drug Interactions with St John's wort 
3. St John's wort and Photosensitivity 1. Subscribe
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