St John's Wort is used to treat what condition?

• A. Anxiety disorders
• B. Insomnia
• C. Depression
• D. Seasonal allergies

Answer: (C)

St John's Wort helps treat depressive symptoms, especially mild to moderate depression. Its active components are thought to boost mood by increasing monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, which is why it’s considered an herbal antidepressant. Because of that antidepressant effect, it’s used for depression rather than for anxiety disorders, insomnia, or seasonal allergies. Important caution: it can interact with many medicines by altering their levels in the body, potentially reducing effectiveness or causing serious reactions (for example, with birth control pills, anticoagulants, or other antidepressants). Use under medical supervision, especially if depression is moderate to severe or if other medications are involved.