St Johns Wort – Hypericum Perforatum –

Description

1. May Relieve Depression:

Numerous studies show that St. John’s wort is an effective and safe natural treatment for moderate depression.

2. May Help With Menopausal Symptoms

St. John’s Wort benefits the body by helping to protect against menopausal symptoms.

3. Skin Healing Properties

In traditional medicine, St. Johns wort was said to help to benefit skin health.

4. Other Benefits:

Other purported St. John’s wort health benefits include:

• Premenstrual syndrome: A small study of 19 women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) took St. John’s wort extract daily for two menstrual cycles. Findings revealed a significant reduction in PMS symptoms with at least a 50% decrease in symptom severity.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A 12-week open-label trial demonstrated significant improvements in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms with the administration of St. John’s wort. Improvements began as early as week one of the trial and increased throughout.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: A controlled, single-blinded study evaluated the effects of St. John’s wort extract on those with the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The participants were given 900mg of St. John’s wort extract daily, along with light therapy, either bright light or dim light. In both groups, there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.
• Fatigue: An uncontrolled, open study examined St. John’s wort extract on fatigue. Findings showed a significant decrease in fatigue, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety over six weeks of treatment.

Constituents:

St. John’s wort contains a variety of phytochemicals, including:

• Volatile oil
• Naphthodianthones
• Phloroglucinols
• Catechins
• Proanthocyanidins
• Flavonoids

Actions:

• Nervine, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, astringent, vulnerary

Conclusion:

St. John’s wort appears to be a safe and well-tolerated herb when taken at appropriate dosages.

Clinical research shows that hypericum may be an effective and safe treatment for mild-to-moderate depression. However, it may not be as suited for those with significant depression.

As always, consult your doctor before changing your diet or adding a new supplement.