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St John's wort
Hypericum perforatum
Overview
St John's wort is one of the most thoroughly researched medicinal plants in the world, but is also an invasive weed, threatening grazing pasture in some parts of Australia.
Usage
St John's wort is highly regarded as a natural antidepressant that also helps relieve ANXIETY and STRESS, and restore emotional balance. It has been the subject of extensive research, which supports its traditional indication as a herb to aid the management of mild-to-moderate DEPRESSION.
In some clinical studies, St John's wort has proven to be just as safe and effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate DEPRESSION as some prescribed drugs for the condition, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Despite the research, scientists have still not fully determined how St John's wort works. A number of mechanisms of action have been identified, some of which are similar to those of key groups of prescribed antidepressants.
St John's wort is specifically indicated when ANXIETY or DEPRESSION are associated with hormonal imbalance, as sometimes occurs in premenstrual syndrome and MENOPAUSE.
In the case of premenstrual syndrome, St John's wort is often combined with the herb Vitex, which has a balancing effect on the female hormones, and helps relieve premenstrual mood problems as well as PERIOD PAIN, headaches and hormonal acne. Taking the nervous system tonics Rehmannia and Oats at the same time may also be beneficial, especially for those suffering from FATIGUE, or who feel unable to cope with STRESS.
For menopausal ANXIETY and DEPRESSION it is sometimes taken with Motherwort, which is traditionally used to help manage hormonal problems that are associated with STRESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION or nervous tension, and may be particularly beneficial if palpitations or HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE are present.
If the patient is prone to becoming worked up or overwrought, additional nervous system tonics that may also be combined with St John's wort include oats, Damiana, Lemon balm and valerian.
St John's wort has also traditionally been used topically to promote wound healing and relieve neuralgia (nerve pain) in conditions such as sciatica.
Instructions
- To aid in the management of mild-to-moderate DEPRESSION and ANXIETY, take up to 6g of St John's wort per day, either alone or with herbs such as oats, Lemon balm, Damiana, Motherwort, Rehmannia and valerian. In the case of premenstrual ANXIETY and DEPRESSION, look for a product combining St John's wort and Vitex
- To promote wound healing and relieve symptoms of neuralgia, apply a cream containing St John's wort to the affected area up to six times a day
Cautions
- St John's wort should not be relied on as the sole treatment for DEPRESSION; consult your healthcare professional for more information
- St John's wort may interact with many prescribed medicines, including the oral contraceptive pill; consult your healthcare professional for more information
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight while taking St John's wort
- Consult your medical practitioner prior to taking herbs during pregnancy or breastfeeding
