St John's Wort scientifically proven at last!

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been a natural alternative for depression for a long time. However, being a herb there has been much sceptism on it's effectiveness.

However, a recent Cochrane Review, found that there was a 95% decrease in the melancholic symptoms associated with depression (ie lack of energy, enthusiasm and eagerness for activity). They found this was the case when comparing St John's Wort with a sugar pill (placebo) and also St John's Wort with standard prescription medications).

A bit more on this review at http://www.slideshare.net/Cochrane.Collaboration/linde-johanniskraut-webseite-080402-378667

Great to see some solid scientific evidence for the herbal treatments come through at last!

On another note, a lot of people taking St John's Wort think that because it is a herbal medication, it is completely safe. However, St John's Wort can interact with other medications so make sure you always check your medications with a pharmacist before commencing it. Feel free to post me if you want to check your own medications.

Iron can turn things black

Many women are deficient in iron. The general name for iron deficiency is called anaemia. A primary reason for this is due to blood loss during menses. For other women, a diet low in iron is to blame. Inadequate iron consumption a common cause, and is often due to a women attempting to keep her body weight low.
Iron is important for a number of roles in the body. One of the main roles of iron is to ensure the blood is healthy and that it is capable of fulfiling it's primary purpose - that is, to get oxygen to all parts of the body. Without iron, a person can suffer a large number of symptoms; including tiredness, lack of energy, fainting, and shortness of breath. Often the person is very obviously pale, although this is not always the case in less severe deficiencies.
Luckily, many cases of anaemia can be corrected by simply taking an iron tablet. These are available from pharmacies. The most common side effects are problems with the tummy, that is, either constipation or diarrhoea.
The other less known side effect of iron supplementation is black stools. Many people may become alarmed by this side effect and stop taking iron. However, this side effect is completely harmless, normal, and completely reversible when the tablets are ceased.