St Johns Wort Supplements
Hypericum perforatum or St Johns Wort, is a medicinal herb used for treatment of anorexia, nervousness, skin irritation, winter blues and depression. It is a wild-growing plant and characterized as short with yellow flowers.
Health Benefits
St John’s wort is highly popular for its treatment of depression.
Some studies show that this herb has active ingredients that can alter the balance of brain chemicals such as the noradrenaline, serotonin, gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA, and dopamine.
In doing so, it has been found to be as effective as some prescription drugs in the treatment of some cases of mild to severe depression. And even more promising is the evidence showing that Saint John’s Wort has fewer side effects to that of the typical antidepressants and is well tolerated even when used over a one year period.
However, the results of these studies were less consistent when it was used to treat all types of depression.
As with other herbs, St John’s wort extract has many uses. It is purportedly good for ADD, fatigue, pain, phobias, PMS and wound healing although the scientific evidence in support of these health benefits are not very strong.
St Johns Wort Side Effects
Although this herb is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects you should heed. Possible adverse reactions include abdominal discomfort, dizziness, dry mouth, decreased libido, hypertension, tiredness and increased sensitivity to sunlight (photo-sensitivity).
Another risk it poses is its reaction to other drugs.
St John’s wort’s may reduce the effect of drugs like anticonvulsants, anti-HIV, cyclosporin, theophylline or warfarin while it may impose addictive effect if taken together with SSRI antidepressant like sumatriptan for migraine.
It should not be used by people using anti-arrythmics or blood-thinning medications. It is also unsafe to take this herb while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Although, it can treat depression, you should consult your doctor if you believe you are depressed.
*** Highly Recommended ***
St Johns Wort Herbal Supplement – Tinctures, Tea and Capsules
Natural Depression Supplement that contains Saint John’s Wort herb and other ingredients thatpromote balanced mood and emotional health
