Question
I have been using st. johns wort for almost 2 weeks now.  I haven't noticed any change in my "well-being".  I am a bit skeptical that this herb works.  I take 3 pills daily, spread evenly throughout the day as the instructions indicated.  Thanks for any feedback you may have.

Answer
Even though a variant of St John's wort is within the Chinese herbal medicine pharmacopia, it is not an herb we often use for depression.  That is more of the western herbal tradition.  We don't advocate taking one herb at a time, nor do we think herbal self-care is the best way to go.

If, on the other hand, you saw an acupuncturist/herbalist, you would get a whole body-mind assessment, and then could be recommended an herbal formula that addresses multiple patterns of imbalance.  That means you'll get more effective herbs that will be less likely to cause side effects.

I'm never surprised when people who self-medicate with single western herbs get no result, or side effects.  Everyone knows that everyone is different, but few people connect that to the idea that everyone needs different herbs, medicines, and foods.  Few people decide to go buy prescription drugs illegally and prescribe them to themselves, but many go and buy themselves single herbs.  You've been misled by popular magazines who seek to capitalize on your interest, but are unable to spend the time to educate you fully.

I'd suggest you read more about all this on my website, pulsemed.org, and consider seeing an acupuncturist/herbalist for a more reliable and comprehensive solution.

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