Formulations and Dosage
Since Saint Johns Wort is a natural herb the dosage depends on the hypericin content. It is believed that the hypericin is responsible for relieving mild depression symptoms so it is important to note the hypericin content, whether you take it as a capsule or an infusion.
Most of the studies with Saint Johns Wort have used the standardized extract of the herb with 0.3 % hypericin, the dosage being 300 milligrams three times a day. It may also be taken as 450 mg dose twice a day. However there is also a broad range indicated by others where a usage between 200 to 1000mg is recommended with the standardized hypericin content remaining at 0.3 %.
Each dose should be taken with meals. There is an optimum St. Johns Wort dosing but it may vary individually.
The flowering tops are used to extract the hypericin. It can be taken as
- Tablets
- Infusions (liquid form) to be taken orally
- Capsules
The treatment generally lasts for four to six weeks depending on the individual. So far there have been no reports on the effects of over dosing.
Various preparations in different formulations of Saint Johns Wort that are available include the following -
- St. Johns Wort Oil
- St. Johns Wort Bath
- St. Johns Wort Tea
- St. Johns Wort Tincture
- St. Johns Wort Wine
Perhaps Saint Johns Wort can be the way forward for those with mild depression but it should be used with caution for those suffering from more than a mild form of depression.
The best way to consider Saint Johns Wort or any other herbal medicines is to remember and follow what Michael McIntyre, Chairman, European Herbal Practitioners Association has said. He said "Herbal medicines are potentially very effective and therefore should be prescribed and taken with care. Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe."
