St. John’s Wort and its Uses

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 15 September 2022

St John People may use the natural medicine St. John's wort to ease the symptoms of depression. It might also be helpful for treating some skin disorders and menopause symptoms, but further research is required to confirm these effects. According to Yvette Brazier of Medical News Today, people frequently utilize St. John's wort, derived from a flowering plant known as Hypericum perforatum, as a component of alternative medicine to treat melancholy, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD). It is derived from a flowering plant known as Hypericum perforatum. Additionally, it seems to have antibacterial effects and could have antiviral effects. Hypericin, a substance found in the plant, may be largely responsible for the herb's effectiveness. Flavonoids and hyperforin, among other components, may be important. Though the exact mechanism is unknown, study by Bahtya Peterson and colleagues suggested that the plant may have antidepressant-like effects by making more dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine available in the brain.

The flowers are used to create drinks, tablets, and liquid extracts, a common herbal remedy employed to lessen the effects of depression. Ann Pietrangelo of Healthline claims that St. John's wort has been utilized by people for millennia. Major depression can be successfully treated with St. John's wort, according to a Cochrane systematic review. St. John's wort reduced mild to moderate depression symptoms more than a placebo and was comparable to prescription antidepressants, according to a 2016 assessment of 35 studies. The FDA, however, has not authorized the drug for use in treating depression or any other medical condition. In actuality, the FDA does not classify St. John's wort as a medication but rather as a nutritional supplement. As a result, neither its effectiveness nor safety are tested by the FDA.

St. John's wort may have a number of negative effects, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, including anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, light sensitivity, restlessness, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, skin sensitivities, and stomach distress. Who ought not to go there? St. John's wort use carries certain potential dangers. This herb's use may need to be restricted or avoided by some groups of people since it may reduce the effectiveness of some drugs. They include persons who use oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, digoxin, and anticonvulsants.

It is not also advised for someone who has been diagnosed with depression to substitute St. John's wort for any medically prescribed treatments. Depression could get worse if the herb is ineffective. The safety of St. John's wort during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or chest feeding is also still unknown. St. John's wort is typically taken as a tablet or capsule, although it can also be drunk by boiling special teabags. A person can purchase a tincture, which is an alcohol-based solution of a medicinal extract, for topical treatment. Adults should take the recommended amount of 300 mg in capsule or dry tablet form three times per day with meals, or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

St. John's wort is available over-the-counter and is also a common component of numerous drinks, pills, capsules, and topical ointments. Although there isn't enough evidence to support all of this herb's applications, it is a frequently utilized component in alternative medicine to cure a variety of ailments. For those who have specific mood problems, St. John's wort can also interact with several prescription medications and have a number of negative side effects. Additionally, it might be harmful to breastfeeding or unborn children. But be aware that before using it, a person should exercise caution and speak with a healthcare provider.

ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

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