St. John's Wort - 50ml - Botanica

St John's Wort

These lovely flowers can be used for mild to moderate depression as well as nerve pain and more ...
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 number of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. Serotonin is involved in the brain’s response to well-being, hunger, and many other sensations. Trials of St. John’s wort versus recommendation antidepressants have given clinical backing to the use of this herb for mild to 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.