St. John’s Wort Dosage
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name Not Given
Posted on: July 22, 1998

I need to know what the correct dosage of St. John’s Wort would be for a 24 year old female who suffers from mild to moderate depression. Also, should she quit taking it after a certain amt. of time? Does it build up in your system?

St. John’s Wort does not build up in your system, and can be safely taken for a period of time. I would suggest 3 months, when appreciable effects should be noticed. St. John’s Wort nourishes the nerve tissues, so the effect is lasting. As well as taki ng the herb, causes of depression should be examined and supported by counseling, support groups or change in life style (including a well balanced diet and daily exercise) so that depression does not reoccur.

The dosage is a heaped teaspoon of dried herb steeped for fifteen minutes, covered, in boiling water, one half cup three times a day, or 3 ml of tincture made with 1 part St. John’s Wort to 10 parts alcohol.

Does the dosage apply to capsules that are bought in a bottle? Please inform me on the dosage suitable for such capsules.

As a dried powdered extract, the dosage is 500mg three times daily. In other forms you should ask the equivalent at health food store. Question the brand of the product before purchasing to ensure that the manufacturer has a reputation for supplying effective medicinal constituents in their products.

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