Q. I have friends in France who take St. John’s wort for depression. Do you think this stuff works?
A. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum or Klamathweed) is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States. However, do not take this product unless you have consulted your family physician.
The St. John’s wort plant has been used as a medicine for many centuries. It was popular in ancient Greece. Today in Europe, it is used widely to treat mild-to-moderate depression.
St. John’s wort is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers. Both the flowers and leaves of the plant are used as medicine. St. John’s wort can be obtained in capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas, and oil-based skin lotions. Chopped or powdered forms of the dried herb are also available.
The plant grows in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the western United States. The plant is often in full bloom around June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of St. John the Baptist.
St. John’s wort has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It fights inflammation and has been used to treat wounds. St. John’s wort may help relieve some types of depression but the evidence is not definitive.
There is some scientific data indicating that St. John’s wort may be helpful in treating minor depression. However, two large studies showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. One of these studies was sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
St. John’s wort contains several chemicals, including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids. Researchers aren’t sure how St. John’s wort works. Some have suggested that the herb acts like antidepressants by making more of the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine available. These chemicals — known as neurotransmitters — are mood elevators.
It should be stressed that the herb can cause serious side effects. In general, herbal therapies are not recommended for the elderly, pregnant women, children, or those taking certain medicines.
It is also important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved St John’s wort for use as an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for depression.
Combining St. John’s wort with certain antidepressants can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase of serotonin. St. John’s wort can also limit the effectiveness of many prescription medicines such as antidepressants, some blood-pressure drugs, birth control pills, the heart medication Digoxin, some HIV drugs, blood thinners, antihistamines, cough medicines, sedatives, some cancer medications, and statins that lower cholesterol.
Other less threatening side effects of St. John’s wort include stomach upset, hives or other skin rashes, fatigue, restlessness, headache, dry mouth, and feelings of dizziness or mental confusion. St. John’s wort can also make the skin overly sensitive to sunlight.
If you would like to ask a question, write to fred@healthygeezer.com.
Cicetti is a health care writer with more than 40 years of journalistic experience.
Hot meals for people 60 or older are served at noon Monday through Friday at Koochiching County Senior Center, 307 Fourth St.
Meals are for anyone, regardless of income. A $4 donation is suggested. Meals are subject to change. Participants under age 60 are welcome at $7.50 each.
For reservations call 283-3460 the day before the meal. Cancellations may be made the day of the meal.
MONDAY
Pulled pork sandwiches
Fresh potato wedges
Baked beans
Fruit
TUESDAY
Turkey
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Dressing
Fresh fruits
WEDNESDAY
Spinach and ham egg bake or alternative
Seasoned fresh fruit
Apple juice
Cinnamon rolls
THURSDAY
Closed
FRIDAY
Fish sandwich on a bun or alternative
Carrot raisin salad
Tater Tots
Tarter sauce
Fresh fruit
The Community Cafe offers free meals, to anyone in Koochiching County, regardless of income, with no restrictions. The program is sponsored by the Falls Hunger Coalition and Citizens for Backus/AB with the support of local volunteers. Reservations are not required. There is no charge for the meals, but donations are accepted. Take-out meals are also available. Meals served on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at Backus Community Center, 900 Fifth St. Call the Backus office for information, 285-7225.
January 1
New Year’s Day — No meal.
January 6
Volunteer Group – First Lutheran Church
Tomato basil chicken
Parmesan angel hair pasta
Fruit
Dinner roll
January 8
Volunteer Group – First Lutheran Church
Roast beef
Potatoes and gravy
Green beans
Dinner roll
January 13
Volunteer Group – St. Thomas Church
Turkey gravy over biscuits
Hash rounds
Peas and carrots
January 15
Volunteer Group – St. Thomas Church
Chicken and wild rice
Vegetable
Dinner roll
January 20
Volunteer Group – Zion Lutheran Church
Chili
Corn bread
Fruit
January 22
Volunteer Group – Zion Lutheran Church
Deli turkey sandwich
Hearty vegetable soup
Fruit
January 27
Volunteer Group — Evangelical Covenant Church
Pasta with sauce and meatballs
Fresh salad
Bread sticks
January 29
Volunteer Group – United Health Group
Chicken Teriyaki
Vegetables
Fruit
Dinner roll
In loving memory of our father, Carl Erling Olson.
One year has passed since you were here,
Oh how we miss you, father dear.
God took you home, it was His will,
But in our hearts you linger still.
Sadly missed by
Tim, Chris, children,
grandchildren and
great-grandchildren
25 YEARS AGO
Tammy Harmening is among 99 individuals who are student teaching winter quarter through a supervised program conducted by the professional education department at Bemidji State University.
Evelyn Stevens, the new owner of Second Act, located in the International Mall, was recognized by the Greater International Falls Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Carol Schumacher and Karen Nellen.
40 YEARS AGO
Falls High debaters captured two trophies during the Smokey Bear Christmas Debate Tournament held in Borderland last weekend. Debaters were Dave Misner, Patty Borden, Richard Oswald, Keir Johnson, Bob Oswald, Tom Williamson, Dan Ganter and Julie Mielke.
50 YEARS AGO
First consolation winner in Virginia’s Early Bird Curling Bonspiel was the International Falls rink skipped by Rube Julien. Curlers are Alec Pleimling, lead; George Ballan, second; Rube Julie, skip; and Paul Reuter, third.
A boy, Charles Edward, was born Dec. 20 to Mr. and Mrs. Herman Steinbach, Loman; 2 pounds, 3 ounces.
Radioman Third Class Bernard N. Walls, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman K. Walls of 1513 Third Ave. E., participated in a joint U.S.-French amphibious assault landing exercise conducted on the Island of Corsica off the coast of Italy while serving aboard the ocean minesweeper USS Assurance.
National Food Stores — Kippered snacks, 10 cents a can; Morton’s frozen cream pies, three for $1; Twin pack Ripple chips, 39 cents a package; cleaned, ready to use shrimp, 1 1/2-pound package, $2.19.
60 YEARS AGO
Gordon E. Lyngstad, 518 Eighth St., is serving in Japan with the base squadron of Marine helicopter transport group 16.
Kenneth Blanchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Blanchard of South International Falls, enlisted in the United States Air Force on Dec. 15.
Joann and Mary Ann Arch are spending the holiday weekend with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Arch, 1114 Sixth St.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Byman, 010 12th St., had a family reunion Christmas Day at their home. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Roger Perle and daughter and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Byman.
70 YEARS AGO
A son was born this morning at Northern Minnesota Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. John Skrumeda of Goldville Addition.
Helmer Oien, who has owned and operated the Diamond Taxi Company for a little over a year, completed transactions this week transferring his interests to Cy Kirvan, former owner of the Kirvan Trucking Company.
Waitress wanted at the Dutch Room. Apply in person to Peggy. Absolutely no phone calls!
Miss Dolores Pagedas, who is a student at the University of Minnesota, was recently elected to Alpha Kappa Gamma, professional dental hygienists’ sorority.
