Missionary
Medical
Moment
A brief summary of a current topic of medical interest to missionaries.
Topics are updated frequently; if you have a topic or question, let us know!
|
|
|
MISSIONARY MEDICAL MOMENT
Herbal Supplements for Depression
Saint John's Wort
|
"...and you will be driven away from mankind…you will be given grass to eat like cattle.."
|
| Daniel 4:25 |
|
Missionaries are exposed to cultural stresses, physical risks, separations and
transitions, and spiritual warfare. Symptoms of anxiety and depression may occur;
stress-related disorders are the third most common reason for early return from
the mission field. Depression may be mild and transient, or profound and lasting.
Some types of depression have a biochemical cause or component, which may require
treatment with medication. Although medications known as "antidepressants" are
safe, they can be expensive, may have discomforting side effects, or be difficult
to obtain for the missionary on the field. In recent years, there has been an
increased interest in "natural" remedies; these are often herbal preparations
obtained without a prescription. The most popular alternative treatment for depression
is Saint John's Wort (also called hypericum perforatum).
St. John's wort (several theories exist about the origin of the name; the plant's
yellow flowers are particularly abundant in late June, which is the time that some
churches celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist) has been shown to have
antidepressant properties, although they are typically milder than those of the
traditional prescription antidepressants. It is the most widely prescribed of any
type for treatment of mild to moderate depression in Germany. The active ingredient
is thought to be hypericin, although there are many other substances in the plant
which may contribute to the actions and side effects. This is part of the largest
problem with herbal remedies; trying to standardize a particular pill or capsule
so that it contains a certain amount of the desired substance may yield differing
amounts of other substances. The amount of hypericin in any particular preparation
of St. John's wort is dependent on what part of the plant the extract came from,
what stage of the plant growth and flowering was present, and how the extract was
handled and stored before final preparation. Huge differences in strength and
composition have been found among different brands sold throughout the world.
The desired dose size for St. John's wort is 300 mg of hypericum extract, equal to
.3% hypericin in each pill or capsule; remember, even if the label says "standardized",
there may be other components which are in unknown quantities.
St. John's wort, when obtained in the 300 mg dose, has been most effective when taken
three times daily (it can be expensive at this dose level, and is usually
not covered by any insurance pharmacy plans). It must be taken for six to
eight weeks for any benefit to be seen. Although side effects are not common, some
people complain of upset stomach. Exposure to sunlight can cause a severe skin
reaction in others ("photosensitivity"). The biggest concern with St. John's wort
is that it can have interactions with other medications. In particular, anyone who
is already taking a prescription antidepressant drug should not also take St.
John's wort; the combination could be very dangerous.
Since symptoms of depression can be caused by other medical illnesses, it is
always best to obtain a medical evaluation if such symptoms occur. While
depression is a treatable condition, hopelessness and exhaustion which arise
from living life without a Savior can only be approached by coming to Him
who promises hope: "....Come to Me, all who are weary and
heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you,
and learn from Me....and you shall find rest for your souls.."
(Matthew 11:28,29)
View Other Missionary Medical Moments
|
|
