Follow-Up: St John's Wort has been shown to be an effective MILD-antidepressant in proper medical trials. As with most so called natural remedies St Johns Wart also contains a whole range of other chemicals. One of which is a blood thinner. I'm reasonably sure (but can't remember the medical journal off the top of my head) I've read cases where St John's wort has been directly attribuatble for deaths from internal bleeding- especially in heart patients who may also be taking other blood thinners and then die through traumatic injury when their blood is unable to clot. My basic message is that 'natural' drugs really are no more 'natural' than most other drugs. They contain other chemicals that may have unexpected side effects. They will sometimes react with other prescribed medications you may be taking. When a pharmacist or doctor asks you whether you are on any other medication s/he does so for your safety- you must declare other alternative or natural remedies. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing these drugs