Here is some background info on this herb
St. John's Wort
Overview
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. St. John's wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John's wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States.
In recent years, St. John’s wort has been studied extensively as a treatment for depression. Most studies show that St. John's wort may help treat mild-to-moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other prescription antidepressants. But it interacts with a number of medications, so it should be taken only under the guidance of a health care provider.
For Dogs and Cats
There are 2 specific conditions in which you should consider using this herb for your pets
Anxiety Disorders
One early open-label study found that taking St. John's wort 450 mg, 2 times a day for 12 weeks improved OCD symptoms
In our dogs, think of separation anxiety and related conditions. In cats think about recurrent FLUTD which is linked to anxiety.
Topical for allergies and Wounds
Eczema, wounds, minor burns, hemorrhoids: St. John's wort has antibacterial properties and may also help fight inflammation. Applied topically (to the skin), it may relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation.
Other Uses for people
St. John's wort has also shown promise in treating the following conditions, a few of which are related to depression.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Research suggests that St. John's wort may help relieve physical and emotional symptoms of PMS in some women, including cramps, irritability, food cravings, and breast tenderness. One study reported a 50% reduction in symptom severity.
Menopause: There's some evidence to suggest that St. John's wort, combined with black cohosh, helps improve mood and anxiety during menopause.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Used alone, St. John's wort has improved mood in people with SAD, a type of depression that occurs during the winter months because of lack of sunlight. SAD is usually treated with light therapy. Research shows that using St. John's wort together with phototherapy works even better.
What's It Made Of?
The best-studied active components are hypericin and pseudohypericin, found in both the leaves and flowers. However, researchers are not sure whether these components are responsible for St. John's wort's healing properties. Scientists are studying St. John's wort's essential oils and flavonoids.
Available Forms
St. John's wort can be obtained in many forms: capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas, and oil-based skin lotions. Chopped or powdered forms of the dried herb are also available. Most products are standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin.
How to Take It
Adult
Dry herb (in capsules or tablets): The usual dose for mild depression and mood disorders in people is 300 mg (standardized to 0.3% hypericin extract), 3 times per day, with meals. St. John's wort is available in time-release capsules.
The dog and cat dose would be 15mg/10lbs daily
St. John's wort is also available as a liquid extract or tea.
Tincture doses are 1/2ml per 20lbs twice daily
Tea dose are 1 teaspoon/10lbs twice daily
It may take 3 to 6 weeks to feel any effects from St. John's wort.
Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Side effects from St. John's wort are generally mild and 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, called photodermatitis. If you have light skin and are taking St. John's wort, wear long sleeves and a hat when in the sun, and use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 or higher. Avoid sunlamps, tanning booths, and tanning beds.
Since St. John's wort can interact with medications used during surgery, you should stop taking it at least 5 days or more before surgery. Make sure your doctor and surgeon know you are taking St. John's wort.
Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John's wort.
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