St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum or St. John’s Wort is a perennial shrub, named after St. John the Baptist, which produces an abundance of bright yellow flowers. It grows naturally in most parts of the world including Colorado, southern Oregon and northern California. It normally flowers between June and August and often harvested around St. John’s Day, when it is normally in full bloom.

People have used St Johns Wort for centuries and for an array of different problems throughout history. Some of the less common or less modern uses of St John’s Wort were as painkillers, nerve tonics, and for treating ulcers, nausea, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Today, they commonly use St. Johns Wort to treat anxiety and St Johns Wort to help depression. In addition, other benefits of St Johns Wort include treating ADD with St Johns Wort. ADHD and St Johns Wort also show positive results. A new chapter in St Johns Wort uses is the studies, which are looking into the possibility of it helping people with AIDS and viruses of the immune system.

Depression is a very serious problem in America, with most people experiencing mild to moderate depression at least once in their lifetime. Depression could affect a person’s behavior, physical health, thoughts, and moods. Some common symptoms of depression include continually feeling sad, lack of energy, either difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, feeling guilty or worthless, and feeling very negative about everything. Many people suffering from mild or moderate depression would rather try an herbal preparation, which requires no prescription, costs less, and has a good tract record. The main ingredient in St. John’s Wort is hypericin, which seems to help ease moderate and mild depression in individuals. Both Nature’s Resource St. John’s Wort and TruNature St. John’s Wort are excellent products.

One danger of St. Johns Wort is mixing alcohol and St Johns Wort. Never drink alcohol when taking this supplement. Some of the mild St Johns Wort side effects include dry mouth, anxiety, and dizziness. Some less common St John’s Wort side effects some people suffer are sexual dysfunction, headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Taking St. John’s Wort with some types of antidepressants could cause possible side effects such as confusion, headache, anxiety, or nausea. Talk to your health care provider before you take any supplements or if you are already taking St. John’s Wort, discuss this with your doctor.