St. John's Wort for kids?
 

My 6-yr DD (autistic) has been having trouble with sleep and lately has started with raging. Someone suggested a possible Oppositional Defiant disorder - so I googled it with alternative dxs. Anyway, low serotonin could be a contributing factor - which makes so much sense. (and it looks like autism and low serotonin could be a common link - that's another post).

So, I was wondering if anyone has experience with serotonin/St. John's Wort with their kids? Thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks :heart

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

I read something recently that one herb had been shown to be effective against depression/anxiety in a study but St John's wort hadn't.... but can't remember where.... or what the other herb was :doh

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable using it with C. He's also 6 and has a PDD dx. We have used homeopathic serotonin though. :)

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

my 6yo ASD daughter has the same troubles...no sleep and bad raging :(
Hmm...I wouldn't have thought of St. John's Wort!
I'm going to look into that.

---------- Post added at 07:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 AM ----------

and Amy, where do you find homeopathic serotonin?

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

I got it from my chiro. But you can google homeopathic serotonin and order it online.

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/pr.../sku-3163.aspx

Ok. I asked a trusted family friend and expert...and she gave me some of this. It's awesome already! Most of our supplements are from NS and the products are great!

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

i wasnt comfortable using it with my littles. getting lots of sun is key and with stjohns wort, if i remember right, that was one reason i passed. you could also try a fish oil that has evening primrose oil or holy basil. I highly recommend those two when it comes to controling rages. or you could do the oil along with tulsi tea(which is the tea for holy basil). Im sure you already doing this but of course making sure no dyes sneak into his food. none whatsoever!
food grade diatomaceous earth is a wonderful sleep aid if you wanted to go the mineral route.

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

Over the summer she was outside and I think that's why we didn't see it as strongly as we do now... (I'm in Maine, sun isn't as strong nor is it was warm as she prefers)...

Oh yeah, I really try to keep her away from any processed foods... nasty stuff they add...

I wish I knew more about natural treatments/herbs/minerals... any book suggestions?

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Medicine...9838467&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Special-Needs-...9838518&sr=8-7
This is an awesome resource as it gives suggestions and dosages by symptom. So if you are dealing with anxiety, it gives doses of fish oil, holy basil and others you might try. Also the Dr Sears Autism book is similar, but more focused on biomedical treatments.

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

Thanks! I found them pretty cheap on the used section... can't wait to read them :)
I have Dr. Sears' ADD book (for other DD) - but will look into the Autism book

Re: St. John's Wort for kids?
 

The Dr Sears Autism book is really good. Also this book is excellent regarding supplements and doses.