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Rooted

Nervous / Mental

Mild depression (adjunct)

3 plants

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SJW ≈ low-dose SSRI efficacy in some mild–moderate trials and induces CYP3A4/P-gp. Transplant, DOAC, OCP, HIV, chemo: contraindicated territory. This is never a substitute for assessing SI and bipolar. Saffron has smaller human data and a cleaner interaction profile.

Primary plants

  1. St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
    1
    St John's wortHuman data

    Hypericum perforatum

    Hypericum has meta-analytic antidepressant data in mild–moderate depression. Induction of CYP3A4/P-gp is the practice-changing fact.

    Typical. Standardized extract often 300 mg tid (0.3% hypericin / hyperforin-containing products as studied).

    Safety. Avoid with CNIs, DOACs, warfarin, OCP, ARVs, many chemo agents, SSRIs (serotonin). Photosensitivity. Not for bipolar.

  2. Saffron (Crocus sativus)
    2
    SaffronHuman data

    Crocus sativus

    Crocus stigma extracts have small–moderate RCTs on depression scales. Expensive, adulteration-prone.

    Typical. Trial doses often 30 mg/day extract.

    Safety. Quality/adulteration. High-dose uterine traditional caution in pregnancy. Not a SI plan.

Supportive plants1
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
    LavenderHuman data
    Lavandula angustifolia

    Anxiety-predominant mixed pictures.

    Typical. Silexan 80–160 mg.

    Safety. Not an antidepressant replacement.

Clinical notes

  • Never combine SJW with an SSRI/SNRI/MAOI/triptan/tramadol as a home stack.

When this is not enough

  • SI with plan, psychosis, bipolar, postpartum, failure of two antidepressants — not this page

Rooted is a private clinical reference for licensed practitioners. It is educational, not a treatment protocol, and not a substitute for the chart, the exam, or pharmacy review. Plant medicines interact with drugs and can harm liver, kidney, heart, pregnancy, and children.

All nervous / mental diagnoses