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Home >
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ST. JOHN'S WORT
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
These lovely flowers can
be used for mild to moderate
depression as well as nerve
pain and more ... |
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ST. JOHN'S WORT |
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St. John's Wort is a
safe & effective
alternative for
elevating mood |
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St. John’s wort is
one of the top
selling natural
health products. It
is also one of the
most well studied
plants, with many
scientific trials
attesting to its
efficacy as an
infection fighter,
anti-inflammatory,
wound healer and
anti-depressant.
Its medicinal value
has been attributed
to a chemical called
hypericin.
Hypericin has shown
to have anti-viral
activity, including
anti-HIV activity,
by stimulating
killer T cells. |
T cells are immune
cells that respond
to viral infections.
It inhibits the
hormone cascade that
results in
inflammation, heals
tissue and improves
nerve conduction.
As an
anti-depressant hypericin increases
the amount of
neurotransmitters in
the brain, including
serotonin.
Serotonin is
involved in the
brain’s response of
well-being, hunger
and many other
sensations. Trials
of St. John’s wort
versus prescription
antidepressants have
given clinical
backing to the use
of this herb for
mild top moderate
depression. St.
John’s wort is
recommended by
natural health
practitioners for a
variety of other
conditions
including,
internally, for
viral infections and
anxiety, and
externally for wound
healing, skin
infections, nerve
pain, bruises and
muscle soreness.
St. John’s wort can
be purchased as a
loose herb,
encapsulated herb,
tablets, oil,
extract or
tincture. Internal
preparations should
be standardized to
assure the consumer
that the preparation
would yield
medicinal effects.
St. John’s wort's
red coloured oil is
used topically,
although it stains
so use it
carefully. It can
be rubbed into the
affected area at
full strength or
diluted in a carrier
oil (any food grade
oil will do). St.
John’s wort is found
in formulas for
infections,
inflammation, stress
and depression.
Do not use St.
John’s wort in
pregnancy.
Internally,
supplementation for
4-6 weeks is
necessary to see
results. May cause
drowsiness or sun
sensitivity. Not
for use in severe
depression. May
cause increases in
liver enzymes and
should be used with
caution by
individuals with
liver disease. Due
to its activity in
the liver St. John’s
wort can affect the
levels of these
medications:
sedatives,
photosensitizing
drugs,
antidepressants, MAO
inhibitors,
narcotics,
analgesics, digoxin,
HIV medication,
anti-rejection
medication and oral
contraceptives. If
you are taking
medication it is
always best to
consult a
practitioner before
taking St. John’s
wort. |
St. John’s
Wort– QUICK
FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Flowering
buds, oil. |
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APPLICATIONS |
·
Viral
infections,
inflammation,
nerve pain,
muscle
injuries,
wounds,
anxiety,
mild to
moderate
depression.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
Topically
apply oil as
needed.
Oral
300-900mg
daily
(standardized
to 0.3-0.5%
hypericin or
3-5%
hyperforin).
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Colloidal
silver,
vitamin C,
bioflavinoids,
hops,
chamomile,
valerian. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
There are
many
interactions
between St.
John’s wort
and
prescription
medications.
Read the
article for
more
details.
·
Do not use
St. John’s
wort in
pregnancy.
·
Supplementation
for 4-6
weeks is
necessary to
see results.
·
May cause
drowsiness
or sun
sensitivity.
·
Not for use
in severe
depression.
·
May cause
increases in
liver
enzymes and
should be
used with
caution by
individuals
with liver
disease.
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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