My son, 11, has ADHD and also has a lot of ups and downs in his moods. The medications the doctors recommended never seemed to work. Then a naturalist recommended St Johns Wort. His moods are a lot better, with no side effects. The only trouble is that it took about 3-4 weeks before we saw a real effect. But now he is doing pretty good. However, I am getting a lot of flack from family, etc, for giving him this. It is so bad that my son is starting to get confused at all the grown-ups disagreements. Does anyone have any experience with St. Johns Wort?
Re: St. John's Wort/moods
Greetings Anikka,
Dr. Amen, nationally recognized for his work with ADD, prescribes St. John’s wort for some of his patients who have Type 3 Overfocused ADD. Dr. Amen states in his book Healing ADD, pages 256-257, that “This type of ADD seems likely due to a relative deficiency of both serotonin and dopamine. I have seen that a combination of St. John’s wort and L-tyrosine is often very helpful. St. John’s wort comes from the flowers of the St. John’s wort plant (“Wort” is Old English for “plant”). It seems to work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. The starting dosage of St. John’s wort is 300 milligrams a day for children and 300 milligrams twice daily for teens. Look for brands that contain 0.3% hypericin, which is believed to be the active ingredient of St. John’s wort. I have done a number of before and after SPECT studies with SJW and I have no doubt that it decreases anterior cingulate gyrus hyperactivity for many patients. It also helps with moodiness and trouble shifting attention. Unfortunately, I have also seen it decrease prefrontal cortex activity. One of the women in my study said, “I’m happier, but I’m dingier.” When anterior cingulate symptoms are present with ADD symptoms, it’s important to use SJW with a stimulating substance like L-tyrosine or a stimulant such as Adderall. SJW may increase sun sensitivity. Also don’t use it if temporal lobe symptoms are present without first stabilizing the temporal lobes.”
I would encourage you to check out Dr. Amen’s website http://www.brainplace.com. It contains an interactive questionnaire to help determine which type of ADD exists but it is not meant to provide a diagnosis. His site also provides information about the medicines he uses - both prescribed and “natural”.
Hope this helps.
Blessings, teresa
Re: St. John's Wort/moods
Teresa-
I went on the “brainplace” website and couldn’t find that questionnaire. Help please! Thanks a million! :)
Re: St. John's Wort/moods
Greetings Bonnie,
Go to BrainPlace.com - the menu is on the left-hand side. Scroll down to the Interactive Amen Brain System Checklist. Complete this checklist, submit, and then you will receive and immediate response.
Blessings, momo
No experience using with kids. But well known to help adults with mood.
Where are you located? In DC-Balto area we have a great resource: Riverhill Wellness Center in Clarksville (sorry I don’t have phone # handy). They have MDs on their staff (including an excellent developmental pediatrician) AND lots of alternatives including herbalist.
So you might want to consult them or someone similar: a pediatrician who knows the ADD/ADHD/LD issues who also appreciates alternatives and natural remedies, and will know which are appropriate (and in what doses) for kids.
Keep us posted.