Mood Lifted, Energy Returned

John was 48 years old and was going through major problems, both in his work and his personal life. He felt depressed, and with good reason. He described it as a "cloud" that he could almost physically feel. He was waking up early in the morning and could not get back to sleep. His energy level was so low that it was all he could do to muddle through the day, and his work, normally a source of pleasure for him, had become a burden. John knew his depression was related to the stresses in his personal and professional life, but that didn't make it any easier to cope.

If John had gone to a conventional doctor, he would most likely have been put on Prozac, the world's most popular antidepressant, and it might have brightened his outlook on life. However, Prozac has a plethora of negative side effects.

When John consulted me, we went right to my first choice for treating depression, the herb St. John's wort. John was truly astounded by the effects of St. John's wort. Within a very short time his mood lifted, his energy returned, and he could clearly see his way through his difficulties. Now, four months down the road, he is doing fine.

— from Health & Healing by Julian Whitaker, MD