HERBS TO USE WITH ST.JOHNSWORT FOR DEPRESSION

{ These notes were taken in Michael Vertolli’s herb class.
Michael Vertolli is my herb teacher
and a wonderful source of information
on diverse aspects of alternative medicine.
Email:lharmony@aracnet.net}


St. Johnswort might be used as a "primary" herb:

		%30 to %40



The following nervines might be used with St. Johnswort:…


Bugleweed

Catnip

with female hormonal imbalance,
or with stomach problems

Damiana

with female hormonal imbalance,
but not for :"hyper" patients

Ginkgo

with problems with memory or confusion
Gingko can be used as a "catalyst" -
%10 to %15 of formula

Hyssop

as a lift, a mood elevator
but for short periods only!
No more than two weeks.  
Hyssop has some liver toxicity!)

Kava kava

for very blue, anxious, down,
lethargic patients,
but not for "hyper" ungrounded
or potentially psychotic patients!
Caution: Kava kava may "alter consciousness",
causing a dissociative state when first taken
during the first few days or weeks!

Lavender

aromatic up-lifting herb
(very strong tasting
so only use a little
if you are taking it as a tea).
general supporting herb.
Always useful.

Lemon Balm

aromatic up-lifting herb

Motherwort

a general supporting herb.
Always useful.
And always to be thought of with
female hormonal imbalance,
stomach complaints,
cardiac complaints.

Rosemary

as a catalyst (%5 to %10).
Think of Rosemary, for instance,
if there is poor peripheral circulation. 

Scullcap


for example:

St. Johnswort, Motherwort, Lemon Balm might be mixed.