Ashwagandha vs St. John's Wort
Wondering if you should be taking Ashwagandha or St. John's Wort for postpartum depression {PPD} and anxiety?
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I had Postpartum depression was just taking one herbal tincture at a time.
You need a COMBINATION of botanicals when you're struggling with depression and/or anxiety.
But, wait.
Don't overdo it.
Finding a supplement that combines BOTH herbs would be best, rather than taking the full dosing of each herb alone; especially if you're breastfeeding.
So, let's dive in.
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha Benefits
Known to give you the strength of stallions, it's an adaptogen, mild sedative, pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory.
It can re-regulate the thyroid & adrenal glands {a common concern postpartum}
It’s effective in helping if you have anxiety, fatigue, cloudy thinking, and insomnia
It’s rich in iron and can be used to treat iron deficiency when taken as a powder * see below
It can relieve muscle pain and cloudy thinking
Dosing
Take 4-10 ml a day for acute pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, tired and wired, hypothyroidism, PMS, postpartum depression & stress
Breastfeeding safety: Category C or compatible with breastfeeding by Mills & Bones ³
Caution: Keep in mind that it's not to be used during pregnancy, and use caution if you’re taking medications
Is Ashwagandha safe while breastfeeding?
It's considered a Level 1 by the German Commission E. if you’re breastfeeding. Yes, it's safe!
Read this post to learn more: https://taragregorio.com/ashwagandha-while-breastfeeding/
St. John’s Wort for Postpartum Depression
Known as the #1 natural antidepressant
It’s also antiviral (herpes), nervines, and can be used topically as well as a vulnerably
Use St. John's Wort for:
chronic pelvic pain
endometriosis
insomnia
PMS
perimenopause
vulvovaginitis
topically cracked nipples and perineum - Make sure you wipe it off before breastfeeding!
But, if you’re taking SSRIs or other medications, it is the #1 herb/drug interaction, so please consult your doctor before taking
Is St. John's Wort safe while breastfeeding?
The German Commission E considers it an L2/3 while breastfeeding, but there are no known contraindications
>>In one Study, Hyperforin was detected in low concentrations in the breast milk of moms who took 300mg of SJW 3 times a day starting 5 months Postpartum for Postpartum Depression and no adverse effects were found
Watch this video for a more detailed explanation.
What is St. John's Wort good for?
Good for mild/moderate depression
Keep in mind that it's not to be used during pregnancy
Is Ashwagandha or St John's wort better for anxiety?
Ashwagandha can be better for anxiety if you don’t have hyperthyroid and you find it works for you.
Overall, you need a comprehensive approach to healing anxiety, which includes more nervines, nervous system regulation, and gut healing.
I offer this in private consultations and with my online course, The Present Momma.
Ashwagandha and St John's Wort Together
You can also look for blends combining Ashwagandha and St. John’s Wort, or create a blend at home! This would help calm your nervous system and support your liver in releasing excessive estrogens with the SJW.
In Summary
Ashwagandha is more of an adaptogen and nervine; it's great to take when you’re stressed out. It's also considered safe to take while breastfeeding. St. John's Wort {SJW} is more for mild depression, baby blues, and monthly depression and/or liver clearance..
One additional benefit is SJW, which may increase the breakdown of estrogen and therefore may boost progesterone levels - which may be affecting your sleep and postpartum recovery.
Have you tried these botanicals?
I'd love to answer any questions you may have.
Post them in the comment area, and I'll be sure to answer them.
xo
Tara
P.S. What are your thoughts on healing PPD? Let me know in the comment area below. Ready to learn more? Swipe this FREE roadmap for a “root cause” approach to healing your body postpartum. Get it HERE.
Resources
American Herbal Products Associations; Botanical Safety HandbookHales
- more about conventional medication and nursingKellymom.com - great quick reference
Bone & Mills: Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
Aviva Romm: Botanical Medicine of Women’s Health- Categories from the German Commission E. {see below}Brinker, Francis: Herbal Contraindications and drug interactions
More reading
