Saint Johns Wart for Depression
The
first recorded use of Hypericum for medicinal purposes dates back to
ancient Greece, and it has been used ever since. The herb was also used
by Native Americans internally as an abortifacient and externally as an
anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic. The aerial parts of the
plant can be cut and dried for later use in the form of herbal tea,
which has long been enjoyed both for its pleasant (though somewhat
bitter) taste and for its medicinal properties.
In modern medicine, standardized Hypericum extract (obtained from H.
perforatum) is commonly used as a treatment for depression and anxiety
disorders. In homeopathy, Hypericum is used in the treatment of
numerous medical problems, yet the rate of success has not been
adequately documented. Historically, the flowers and stems of St John's
wort have also been used to produce red and yellow dye.
St. John's wort is today most widely known as a possible treatment for
depression. In some countries, such as Germany, Hypericum is prescribed
for mild depression far more commonly than conventional antidepressant
medication. In most countries, standardized extracts are available over
the counter – usually in tablet or capsule form, and also in
teabags and tinctures.
The most widely
recognized of the natural depression supplements is St. John's Wort. Growing numbers
of studies suggest that this natural supplement helps relieve
depression as effectively as some of the primary prescription
antidepressants, and with fewer and less severe side effects.
It has been prescribed by
doctors in Europe for years, and many people report positive results.
While some people market St Johns Wart as something to be
taken to immediately relieve tension, anxiety and
depression, it often takes three weeks or more to have its full
effect.
Recommended
dose of Saint Johns
Wart
Some
recommend a good starting dose of Sant John's Wart is around
600-900mg daily and increasing to 900-1800mg per day if necessary.
Others recommend less. It is suggested that you research
carefully to make sure you are taking the dosage
of
Saint John's Wart that is right for you. Also, speak
with a medical professional who supports natural remedies for
depression.
Some people report becoming photo-sensitive- a temporary
condition in which their skin reacts much more quickly to the sun.
This is more likely to be a problem with fair skin, and in
very sunny climates in the summer months, but it can be such a strong
condition that even sunscreen is of little help.
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| Saint johns
Wort:
Hypericum
perforatum is a yellow-flowering, rhizomatous, perennial herb
indigenous to Europe, which has been introduced to the Americas and
grows wild in many meadows. The common name comes from the fact that it
traditionally flowers by and is harvested on St John's day, 24 June.
The genus name "hypericum" is derived from the Greek words hyper
(above) and eikon (picture) in reference to the traditional use of the
plant to ward off evil, by hanging plants over a picture in the house
during St John's day. The species name "perforatum" refers to the small
windows in the leaves, which can be seen when they are held against the
light.
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