The plant hypericum perforatrum, popularly known as St John’s Wort, has long been considered a natural alternative to Prozac but now new research from St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, has confirmed its mood boosting properties. Scientists have found that it is just as effective at treating depression as Prozac. It also has fewer side effects than standard drugs given to those battling depression.

The study compared the effects of St John’s Wort with placebos and a range of old and new antidepressants, including Prozac and Seroxat and a new generation of SSRI drugs on over 5,000 patients with mild to severe depression. Overall, St John’s Wort was superior to placebo and similarly effective as standard antidepressants with fewer side effects. 

 

St John’s Wort is contraindicated with a number of medications so do check before taking it.

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