An Herb for the Winter Months

If the cold weather and reduced sunlight of the winter months is getting you down, consider trying St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). This extensively researched herb is an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including:

Mild to moderate depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Nervousness

Insomnia

Anorexia

Skin irritation, including herpes simplex

Available in tablets, capsules, tinctures, fluid extract, powdered extract and oil, I recommend products standardized for hyperforin and hypericin. Take 300 milligrams three times a day. As an antidepressant, it may take six to eight weeks to work. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may want to use St. John’s wort in conjunction with a light box or other type of bright-light therapy commonly used for SAD.