My sister is a psychiatrist. She was not the first person to tell me that SJW works the same way that SSRI's do (inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin). She does agree with that, and told me that there is strong evidence that it works. She also told me that there were side effects. She mentioned the numbness in the extremities before I told her that I had that - I hadn't realized that it was a side effect of SJW. Another possible side effect she mentioned is photosensitivity (basically it is easier to get sunburned). That one is better known. While my sister admits that SJW is effective, she is not particularly happy that I am self medicating. She would rather have me go to a psychiatrist, even if I am just going to take SJW, just to be monitored for side effects, but I'm not going to do that. What I am doing is working and I'm not going to go pay somebody to mess it up.

SJW is not the complete answer for me, however. I have also had years of therapy (still going for the moment), and relied on therapy alone up until this past winter/spring. I'm using light therapy also (just started that three weeks ago).

I use echinacea too and have for some time. It does clear up many infections. There are other herbs that I use too. Chamamile and sometimes valerian for sleep, slippery elm for sore throats, ginger for upset stomachs (also as a preventative against car sickness - ginger cookies work for my kids). Herbs work. I think that doctors know it too, whether they like it or not. Most that I have talked to about it, including my sister, just say that since herbs are not monitored by the FDA you can't be as sure about how well the dosages are standardized. I understand that it is not legal in the United States for anyone, including doctors, to prescribe herbal remedies. But in other countries herbs are included in the mainstream practice of medicine.

<font color=blue>Life is filled with tragedy; if you let it overwhelm you, you cannot enjoy life's innocent pleasures. -Robert Heinlein</font color=blue>