In Europe, St. John's Wort is used extensively for treating depression. It is said that in the UK more people use St. John's Wort rather than pharmaceutical drugs to treat their depression! St. John's Wort works similarly to a prescription MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor)—it keeps certain neurotransmitters from breaking down in the brain which leads to an increase in mood-enhancing neurotransmitters so you don’t feel depressed. I found some interesting studies on St. John’s Wort at Depression and St. John's Wort.