St. John's Wort - Nature's Blues Buster by Hyla Cass

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Already widely used in Europe, St. John's wort (wort is an old English word meaning plant) has recently become known and used in the U.S. The plant's main benefit lies in combatting depression, and substantial use of it in Germany has meant that sales of Prozac and other antidepressants are much lower there than in the U.S. Cass, who uses it in her psychiatric practice, points out that it also serves as an antiviral, helps in treating burns, and possibly alleviates the radiation damage of cancer therapy. She describes the plant's chemistry, dosages, and occasional side effects, and precautions and contraindications for its use. She includes 11 pages of references in the scientific literature, some in recognized U.S. journals but many more in obscure European publications. It seems clear, however, that under the guidance of a professional health caregiver, St. John's wort is effective and safe for a variety of purposes.