valerian & st John's Wart

[buzzyb]

Does anyone know if it is safe to take valerian and St John's Wart at the same time?

I've been taking valerian for about a month to help me sleep but fell I need a bit of help with depression. I'd rather take St John's than go to my GP and get antidepressants

Any advice is appreciated

[Postdog]

They are natural remedies and so I reckon your safe. In fact, come to think of it, I took them both a few years back when I was depressed - didn't want to go down the prozac road.

[237SJ]

I would have thought it`s more important to check out if either of those herbs conflict with any conventional drugs you are taking, rather that with each other. Not all herbs are completely harmless and if you feel you are suffering from depression, the drugs the GP would prescribe could be just as safe as herbal ones (and clinically proven)

[Buenchico]

You might find these useful. (I use them from time to time):
http://www.hollandand...sp?pid=435&prodid=505
They contain valerian together with extracts of passion flower and hops.

Chris

[buzzyb]

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies.

I have a history of depression and don't want to go back on anti-depressants hence my initial question.

I know it's ok to mix most vits and herbs but wasn't sure about valerian and st john's as these affect our sleep pattern and mood.

[Answerprancer]

To have this answered properly, you need to see a qualified herbalist IMO.
Some alternative 'natural' remedies can contain strong alkaloids that you don't want to mess with.

[Sqad]

Dont mix them. There have been case reports of untoward reactions with Valerian and St Johns Wart.

237SJ is correct........there could also be interaction between the two above drugs and certain conventional drugs.

[rowanwitch]

St Johns wort is one of the few herbs where there has been research as to its effectiveness but it did throw up a lot of info about interactions....it doesn't go well with very much at all... I would suggest if you want to go down the herbal route switch to st johns wort after about a 5 day break then use something gentler to help you sleep like hops and possibly very weak passiflora and lavender oil on your pillow You may find once the St Johns Wort has kicked in for the depression your sleep pattern will improve anyway...

[Bbbananas]

Don't take St John's Wort if you also take the oral contraceptive pill buzzy x

[Bbbananas]

I did - I got pregnant and was very depressed about it all.....

(S0rry - sick attempt at a sick joke.)

[buzzyb]

evening all,

many thanks for all your advice, very much appreciated

b
x