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[S851]St Johns Wort Benefits

by Alex Matis, Ale

A growing number of depression patients are interested in using herbal depression medicine rather than prescription drugs to treat their condition. While herbal treatment for depression is in many cases not really proven to be effective the herbal depression medicine St Johns Wort is the only one that has been shown to have a positive effect on certain types of depression. So a closer review of this herbal treatment for depression is warranted.

St Johns Wort (Hypericum Perforatum), also known as goats weed, is a perennial herb with small yellow flowers that originally stems from Europe, but was also introduced to the American continent. The plant derives its name from the old tradition of harvesting its flowers on St. Johns day (June 24th). The herb is toxic to grazing animals and invasively replaces other plants wherever it grows. Thus, if not actively grown as herbal depression medicine, it is often controlled by the use of herbicides or by biological means. The use of St Johns Wort as medicinal plant is documented since antiquity, with the first recorded mentioning as herbal treatment for depression in the 17th century. Today St Johns Wort extracts, mostly in the form of pills and tablets, and in some instances teas are used as herbal depression medicine and as treatment for anxiety. Especially in Europe, and in particular in the German speaking countries there is a long tradition of prescribing this herbal depression medicine rather than prescription drugs for mild cases of depression, while in the US there is still some scepticism from medical professionals.

A large number of clinical studies have repeatedly shown that St Johns Wort is as effective as standard prescription medicine and far superior than placebo in dealing with mild to moderate depression. In addition this herbal treatment for depression showed a better side effect profile than conventional anti depressants. However, other clinical studies on the use of St Johns Wort as treatment for moderate to severe depression showed no significant effect of the drug. All in all this indicates that this herbal depression medicine is a treatment of choice for minor depression, but not for more severe cases where more traditional approaches are indicated. As is the case with prescription anti depressants the exact mode of action by which St Johns Wort works is unknown. However, it is believed that the herb and in particular its active compounds hyperforin and hypericin and others act as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. As is often the case with herbal extracts the quality of St Johns Wort extracts can vary significantly depending on where the plant was grown and how the extract was derived at and purified. This has of course implications for clinical studies and for the individual patient taking this herbal depression medicine. Thus, if a patient is successfully using one St Johns Wort-based brand of product he is advised not to switch to other brands. St Johns Wort is usually well tolerated, though side effects such as tiredness, sedation, confusion, photosensitivity and stomach pain have been reported. This herbal depression medicine also interacts with contraceptives as well as with some other drugs, usually decreasing the effect of those drugs.

Concluding it can be said that St Johns Wort is herbal depression medicine that is definitely worth considering for sufferers of mild depression as a great alternative to traditional prescription medicine approaches.

Most smokers find it difficult to quit smoking when withdrawal symptoms set in. Failure to overcome the withdrawal symptoms lead many smokers into relapse. If you want a natural remedy for these symptoms, you can consider St John's Wort.
In Europe, doctors treat people who suffer from depression and anxiety with St John's Wort which comforts them. In scientific terms, St John's Wort refers to hypercium perforatum. It acts as an alternative remedy for commercial drugs such as Prozac. Studies show the effectiveness of St John's Wort in easing the symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression. In major depression cases, however, St John's Wort yields poor results.
Until today, no scientific studies can claim St John's Wort as an aid in quit smoking programs. The only recent study was conducted by Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Although the results of the pilot study appear to be encouraging, more clinical studies are needed to support the effectiveness of St John's Wort in treating nicotine addictions. So, St John's Wort still remains as an unapproved or unlicensed herbal remedy for smoking cessation.
Nicotine helps smokers overcome depression by increasing the levels of dopamine, a body chemical which induces a happy mood. When you give up smoking, your brain adjusts to changes in dopamine. During this transition period, your body undergoes withdrawal symptoms as absence of nicotine causes the dopamine levels to drop. St. John's Wort increases levels of dopamine to counteract your cravings to smoke cigarettes.
Pharmaceutical companies use a standardized extract of hypericin, the active ingredient, to make over-the-counter St John's Wort supplements. They come in different forms such as oil, tincture, and capsule. You can easily buy them from drug stores, grocery stores, health shops, and pharmacies.
Many people assume St John's Wort does not produce side effects because of its natural and herbal properties. However, reports reveal side effects in isolated cases. For example, St John's Wort causes nerve damage or cataract when you expose yourself to too much sunlight. So, avoid exposure to sunshine, tanning rays, and tanning salons. Wear sunglasses when going out in the daytime especially under strong sunlight conditions. Studies caution consumers to be careful with the dosages. You should only take 300mg of standardized St John's Wort either once or twice daily. Read the warning labels on the bottles. St John's Wort also interferes with other medications. You should not take St John's Wort during:
1. Pregnancy
2. Consumption of other anti-depressant drugs, contraceptive pills, and blood-thinning drugs
Start taking St John's Wort the week before your designated quit day. Even though clinical studies to support the effectiveness of St John's Wort in smoking cessation is insufficient, you can consider this herb as an option. Instead of taking prescribed drugs, St John's Wort is safer and costs less. Many people take St John Wort without their doctors' advice. However, consult your doctor first if you plan to use St John's Wort to kick your smoking habit.

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Both Alex Matis & Ailen Mark are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alex Matis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Cure Anxiety and Depression Cure. To get more go to .. Alex Matis's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Ailen Mark has sinced written about articles on various topics from Aerobics, Health Insurance and Dieting. Ailen Mark writes articles on different topics. To know more about ,. Ailen Mark's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.