St John's Wort is the Herb of Happiness
Relaxing Herb has a Long-Lasting Tonic Effect on the Nervous System
Oct 12, 2008 Harry P. Schlanger
St John's Wort extract derives from a yellow-flowered hedgerow plant, which blooms around St John's Day - June 24. It is not only soothing to the nerves but according to scientists, it is thought to be as effective as Prozac for treating depression. Another natural substance, SAM-E, has recently being touted even more effective.
Botanical Background
St. John's Wort is native to Europe, but is now found growing in dry areas such as at the edges of fields and along roadsides in many temperate climates throughout the world. It thrives in areas with either a winter- or summer-dominant rainfall pattern. The plant's botanical name Hypericum Perforatum is from the Greek language, meaning "to place something above a picture" - an ancient practice to ward off evil.
Active Ingredients
The major active ingredients in St. John's Wort include:
- Hypericin (an antibiotic substance)
- Dianthrones (photosensitizing plant substances)
- Flavonoids (pigment that may have pharmacological action)
- Xanthones (organic compounds having medical uses)
- Hyperforin (main constituent responsible for antidepressant effects)
For many years researchers believed the antidepressant properties of St. John's Wort were a result of its hypericin content and the inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. More recent research suggests that antidepressant actions may be a result of other active constituents, such as hyperforin and flavonoids.
Health Benefits
The main health benefits of St John's Wort are as a tonic for the nerves and importantly, to treat depression.
- Nerve Tonic. If long-term stress has led to nervous exhaustion, St John's Wort will often help. The extract offers a persistent, gentle nerve tonic, boosting the whole nervous system.
- Antidepressant. One of the best known uses for St John's Wort is for helping banish depression. According to a recent report, it can be as effective as Prozac. The herb also has fewer side effects than many standard drugs used to help those battling despair.
Other benefits claimed of St John's Wort have been toward helping the following conditions: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, menopause symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), migraine, and nerve pain.
Dosage and Precautions
A common recommendation for taking St John's Wort as a nerve tonic is 200 - 1000 mg. Start at the lower dosage and work up slowly over an extended period of 3-6 months. Results may be noted within two weeks (or longer) of administering the herb.
It is important that one should seek medical advice before starting supplementation with St John's Wort, especially in view that the herb has been shown to interfere with at least fifty drugs available on the market . In particular, St John's Wort should not be taken by patients on blood thinners or antidepressants, as in combination with the herb, this can bring on strokes.
Summary
St. John's Wort is a herbal remedy that is typically used to promote mental health. It is most often used as a tonic to treat nervous disorders and depression, but it has also been used to treat a range of other well known psyche or nerve-related conditions. St. John's Wort has minimal side effects when used on its own but can interact with medicines, therefore medical advice should be sought and caution exercised.
The reader may be interested in finding out more details , or perhaps learn about the so-called "miracle herb", Spirulina. He/she might be also like to learn about the remarkable Budwig diet as a health supplement for the relief and cure of most diseases, including for cancer treatments.
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