Nature's Bounty St. John’s Wort 300mg Capsules, Herbal Health Supplement, Promotes a Positive Mood, 100 Capsules

I've been fighting depression for years; took a number of prescription anti-depressants, tolerated the side effects. Finally, I completely changed my life, moved west, found happiness. Got married, progressed in my career, got my son... everything I wanted. Yay! So why, after 6 years, do I begin to feel down again? Panic attacks at work, can't get up in the morning, life's little joys lack luster... (I can answer that, actually, it's that aforementioned career...). I start considering the medications again, but... I don't want them. I remember how awful they used to make me feel. I remember the dry mouth, the missing libido, the head in the clouds. I don't want it! So I do a bit of research, and find three contenders: St John's Wort, Passionflower, and Schizandra. All are said to combat anxiety and depression. Decided to try the St John's Wort first, since it appears to focus more on depression (the other two appear to be more for anxiety), it's natural (break the capsule and make tea!), and it's been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Here is my experience: St John's Wort is not an upper, it's doesn't sedate. It brings *balance* without the awful side effects that the prescription pills give you. I can still FEEL, which is super important to me. I can still feel sad, anxious, worried. But I am more often happy, excited, calm, and positive. I don't cry at toilet paper commercials, and I can speak with other people at work without panicking. I can fall asleep at night. I can get out of bed in the morning feeling rested. I can handle ... life... again. It's all about that balance. I'm so thankful for this product. Other folks have asked if it continues working over a longer period of time. I questioned that as well at at first. The difference in mood when I first start taking it was NOTICEABLE. I felt much happier. I felt GOOD. After a month or so, the comparison is not so fresh, not so noticeable. And I wondered. I stopped taking it, lessening the dosage over a week. Felt the downward spiral. Had trouble sleeping. I tried the Passionflower extract, and found it gave me insomnia. Not for me. Dealt with misery for a week to clear THAT out of my system, and started taking St John's Wort again. And the balance returned. Let me tell you, if I miss one dose, it's apparent. I can feel my mood falling. It's a slow fall, but if I let it go, hello tears at Harry Potter book reviews. So yes, it still works after a longer period of time. In summary, I am a believer in St John's Wort and love the lack of side effects. Who knew that herbs that have been used for thousands of years could be so beneficial in today's world? ;)

Great quality product. Has a calming effect.

Here in the good ole USA, all supplements are unregulated. Bottle to bottle, brand to brand, you don't know what you're going to get. I am not a doctor so do not take this as medical advice. When in doubt no matter how little, go see your doctor and get a real diagnosis if you have any inkling that you might have an issue going on. Psychotrophic supplements are nothing to mess around with if you have DSM / ICD10 diagnosed issues. Let your doctor know if you are taking this. Seriously. This is very important. St John's wort is thought to have SSRI like effects..incredibly mild, but possible. There are various RCTs which have provide that it was superior to placebo. How much? All depends on what study you read. But at the very least, better than placebo. Assuming you get the right dose and a brand that actually contains what it advertises of course. Now could this be the placebo effect? Sure. But does it help me? Yeah. How much? A bit but enough to notice. Better mood and less anxiety. If you were looking for something along these lines, this is definitely cheap enough to pick up for a trial run. And at the very least the last few bottles (i don't remember how many I bought here or at drug stores) all worked the same. Very consistent. That's very hard to find in any supplement. Consistent efficacy.

It is a good supplement however be warned it does weaken birth control

I noticed improved mood within 30 minutes of my first dose. I did not expect it to feel this noticable. it's not a stretch to say this is magical. Caveat: one of the active ingredients HIGHLY sensitizes you to UV radiation. Taking this and then going outside can cause severe sunburn, even standing next to a window inside can cause DEEP sunburn that damages the nerves since windows allow 75% of UVA radiation through. And it penetrates deeper into the skin. Damaging sensory nerves. You may notice tingling, burning, cold sensitivity or worse if you don't hede my warning.⚠️ Update: because of the issues with UV radiation I just don't take it often at all.

Quality product

Good

It could just be a placebo but as long as I belive it works - it does. I am not on any medications but I know it has interactions with some so be aware before you take it if you are on like permanent medications or ask your doctor