St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

 

Note: Don't use St. John's Wort if you are taking prescription

medication for depression, anxiety or insomnia...

 

Cindi

 

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

 

St. John's Wort is a perennial herb that is prevalent in the western

part of the US and Canada. It spreads readily and is often considered

an invasive pest or weed. It's bright yellow flowers begin to bloom

around the summer solstice and they continue blooming through July.

 

St. John's Wort was named centuries ago for Saint John the Baptist

whose birthday was celebrated June 24 when the flowers were in full

bloom. ( " Wort " is a Middle English word meaning " plant. " )

 

History shows that for 2,400 years it has been used as a safe and

effective herbal medicine. Hippocrates himself, in 350 B.C. prescribed

the herb's extracts for relief from ailments such as tuberculosis,

jaundice, colds, insomnia and hysteria.

 

Today this highly publicized herb has a reputation as the best natural

anti-depressant around. It has been challenged in clinical studies

against some of the best know pharmaceuticals such as Prozac, Zoloft

and Paxil for mild to moderate forms of depression. The findings have

been undeniable. It works just as well without the serious side

effects pharmicutials often have.

 

St. John's Wort is not a sedative and it's very discrete. You do not

feel the effects, but you will notice the changes in yourself. Getting

upset easily, emotional ups and downs from stress, menopause, and PMS

are all alleviated with this herb.

 

Other benefits not often mentioned are it's ability to strengthen the

immune system, giving you more energy, and over prolonged use,

increasing mental clarity. Side effects are few and the benefits are

many. No wonder so many are experimenting with this natural, easy

growing herb.

 

Scientists still have not discovered why and how this herb works

although it is believed that it increases the availability of

serotonin in synapses. And it also increases the availability of

norepinephrine, which increases energy and alertness and dopamine,

which increases the feeling of well-being.

 

St. John's Wort contains flavonoids and xanthones that are MAO

inhibitors. MAO inhibitors increase the level of nerve impulse

transmitters in the brain that maintain normal mood and emotional

stability.

 

The medical research conducted today is focusing mainly on its

anti-depressant abilities, however this herb has many more therapeutic

values worth mentioning.

 

St. John's Wort has been demonstrated to increase theta waves in the

brain. Theta waves normally occur during sleep and have been

associated with deep meditation, serene pleasure and heightened

creativity.

 

It has been used to relieve menstrual cramping, arthritis and more. It

soothes the digestive system, being used for ulcers, gastritis,

diarrhea, and nausea.

 

It's antibiotic properties help heal cuts, wounds, bruises, skin

ulcers and shingles.

 

St. John's Wort has a large list of healing benefits including:

 

Promoting restful sleep

improved capillary circulation

cardiac circulation

eases gastrointestianal distress

relieves discomfort associated with PMS

 

It's emotional benefits include:

 

relieving tension

anxiety

fatigue

insomnia

seasonal affect disorders

irritability

 

It enhances sociability, increases alertness, improves mood,

productivity and motivation. Great for use with pre-menopausal women

and alleviating the symptoms of hormonal change and treating decreased

vitality. It seems to take the edge off a bit.

 

St. John's Wort is currently available over-the-counter in several

forms: Capsules, Tea, Oil and Tinctures.

 

The capsules include the active ingredient hypercin. Make sure you

check the label for standardized at 300mg; 0.3 hypericin content.

 

The tea is made from the whole herb. There is no standardization and

all the healing benefits of the plant are intact.

 

The infused oil is the yellow flowers infused in olive oil. It is red

in color and an excellent antiseptic. Used externally as a massage oil

to ease joint pain, inflammation and sprains, bruises, wounds, and

hemorrhoids.

 

Tinctures are crushed flowers steeped in alcohol. Used externally to

disinfect wounds and first-degree burns. Also improves capillary

circulation.

 

St. John's Wort is a very safe herb with few side effects. However, be

aware that it may cause photosensitivity. It is important to avoid

overexposure to direct sunlight from activities such as skiing,

sunbathing or light boxes when using this herb. Also do not take St.

John's Wort if you are already taking a prescribed anti-depressant.

 

It is important to note: it takes from 2-6 weeks for St. John's Wort

to accumulate in the body and for the effects to take place. Be

patient, many people notice the effects much sooner.

 

Dried St. John's Wort Usage

 

Bath - Great for skin problems and healing inflammation and wounds.

Make an infusion and add to bath water.

 

Tea - Mild in flavor. Use up to 1 teaspoon dried herb per cup of tea.

Easily mixed with other herbs to increase consumption. Drink 3 cups

per day for depression, anxiety and to boost the immune system and

increase mental clarity.

 

Compress - Make an infusion of the dried herb. Can be used hot or cold

for headaches, wounds and rashes.

 

Infused Oil Usage

 

Massage - To ease joint pain, inflammation and sprains. Also for

varicose veins, scalds, arthritis and more.

 

Skin Healing - Good to use topically for wounds, sunburn, burns, and

post-operative scars.

 

There is a lot of information on the internet about St. John's Wort.

If you want to read more about the herb and the scientific findings,

visit any of these great sites devoted to St. John's Wort.

 

St. John's Wellness -

http://www.stjohnswellness.com<http://www.stjohnswellness.com/>

 

The Hypericum (St. John's Wort) & Depression Home Page.

http://www.hypericum.com<http://www.hypericum.com/>

 

Kelly's St. John's Wort pages

http://www.sjwinfo.org/geninfo.htm<http://www.sjwinfo.org/geninfo.htm>

 

 

 

--

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown