Hypericum (CT–413)
Saint John’s Wort (Hypericum performatum)
FACTS
Undoubtedly you have seen the signs in natural food stores and pharmacies proclaiming in big letters, “We have Saint John’s Wort.” Saint John’s Wort has become one of the most popular of all herbal supplements and has received much positive attention from the media in recent months. Why all the excitement?
A long-time folk remedy for the treatment of mild depression, Saint John’s Wort has gotten the stamp of approval from the medical establishment. Recently, an article in the prestigious British Medical Journal, reviewed 30 separate studies on this herb and concluded that it is as effective an antidepressant as any prescription drug. In nearly every study, patients taking Saint John’s Wort reported a decrease in feelings of depression and an improvement in mood, but without any of the unpleasant side effects typical of prescription drugs, such as dry mouth, constipation and dizziness.
Another advantage of Saint John’s Wort over prescription medication is that it costs only pennies a day as opposed to several dollars a day. Europeans have been using Saint John’s Wort for decades; it is the leading antidepressant in Germany. In the United States, however, where our health care system is dominated by the pharmaceutical industry, physicians usually prescribe the antidepressant du jour. The word on Saint John’s Wort is so good that the national Institutes of Health will soon sponsor double-blind clinical trials of this herb.
Possible Benefits
Relieves depression.
May help to control appetite.
The Right Amount
Four capsules, three times a day after meals.
Source: Herb
Principal health related actions: Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, astringent, sedative. New research indicates its antidepressant benefits are due to its ‘serotonin reuptake inhibitor’ properties, meaning it keeps the serotonin levels more constant, which is what Prozac does. It used to be thought that hypericin was the active ingredient, but it now appears that a synergy between numerous chemicals of the herb’s complex chemical mixture accounts for its beneficial properties.
Suggested uses: Reduces stress, anxiety and irritability. Ointment alleviates rheumatism and back pain. Promotes a restful night’s sleep. Supports immune system as an antiviral. May benefit AIDS patients by supporting their immune systems. Excellent anti-inflammatory and beneficial on dry skin. It is a muscle relaxer, and is used to treat menstrual cramps. Aids treatment of gastric ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. The oil is used for burns and skin irritations since it has antiseptic and painkilling properties.
Researchers at New York University found it has retrovirus inhibiting properties. In other words, it interferes with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) development into AIDS. The inhibiting properties were also noted in animals.
Caution: Mild reversible side effects have occurred in some users, ranging from gastrointestinal complaints to allergic reactions. Compared to prescription antidepressants, the number and severity of side effects are negligible. Commission E, German’s herb regulatory body, endorses St. John’s Wort for depression. When using this herb for long term relief of depression, as a substitute for another anti-depressant or to treat any serious emotional state, we recommend you seek professional medical help and supervision. If you are severely depressed or suicidal, see a health care professional immediately. Do not stop taking any antidepressant without first discussing this with your doctor or health care profession.