St. John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum
Constituents:
*Red pigment, Resin, Volatile oil Carotenes, Taninnin, Flavanoide, antiviral (including human immunodeficiency virus).
- Common use: Antideppression.
- Side effects: photosensivity( rare, with large dose.)
- It is name after St John’s the Baptist because it bloooms around his feast day.
St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum is a perennial plant that grows on sunlit hillsides and forest edges in the wild in Europe and western Asia. it has been used to calm nerves and improve moods in Europe for centuries.
Hypericin is the active consituent in St. John's Wort that may enhance mood and promote feelings of general well-being.*
The mechanism of SJW's antidepressant effects is only partially known. Some in vitro studies demonstrated monoamine oxidase inhibition , but only at concentrations unattainable in vivo. Furthermore SJW is used extensively (66 million doses in 1994 in Germany) without reported side effects. Other reported application include: Tissue healer and anti inflammatory, the red oil of St John's Wort has appreciable benefit for the local treatment of wounds and burns. The herb although it has been seen as Anti –depressive, but the combination of actions has many applications to individual case.
Menopausal depressions, headaches the type accompanying overwork or pressure perhaps at the end of the day or even, when the tension is suddenly let up at weekends. The plant has several useful applications to conditions of digestive system, the combination of relaxant, astringent, analgesic, antiseptic and healing properties makes it a good remedy taken orally for inflammatory events of the gut wall and the visceral spasm and pain that often accompanies them. Gastritis, enteritis (and accompanying diarrhoea), peptic ulceration are all indications.SJW's has the reputation of opening obstructions and dissolving tumours.
Common Names--St. John's wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed
Latin Name--Hypericum perforatum
What It Is Used For
St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.
In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.
Today, St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.
How It Is Used
The flowering tops of St. John's wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.
Science fact
There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
NCCAM is studying the use of St. John's wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.
Side Effects and Cautions
St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills
Antidepressants
When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
St. John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
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