| St John's Wort. Often
described as "The Prozac of herbs" we list below some of the claims
that have been made of this herb. St John's Wort is an extract from the
plant Hypericum perforatum a two foot tall, deep green shrub with yellow
flowers. Initially active ingredients were extracted by brewing a
tea from the leaves of the plant. Even today there is no clear definition
of which compounds found in this very complex herb are responsible for all of
the antidepressant effect many claims that it has. Research is still continuing
and many of the claims and lores surrounding this herb is being explored in an
attempt to fully understand this very complex substance, its benefits and risks,
if any. St. John's Wort use and application:
People are using St
John's Wort for:
Insomnia
Stress (bereavement and other loss,
unemployment, work related stress)
Depression
PMS
Tiredness and fatigue
Social
related phobias and disorders
Panic disorder St John's Wort Side
effects:
Reported side effects that we have found (this may not be a
complete list):
Gastrointestinal irritations
Skin sensitivity and other
allergic reactions
Restlessness All of the above side effects are
claimed to be very rare but we strongly recommend that a medical practitioner be
consulted before use of this herb to ensure that dosages and effect is monitored
professionally. Like most herbal medicines there are still many areas,
effects and applications of this herb that has not yet been explored. One of
these is the claim that this herb is also effective in the treatment of wounds -
a use of the herb that goes back some two thousand years - as well as its use as
an antiviral aid. Other areas where St John's Wort is claimed to have
beneficial effects:
"Thinking more clearly" in aged people
Improvement
of sex drive and enjoyment as well as improved sexual functioning
Improvement
of concentration on complex issues.
Use with other medication:
We
have to stress that we have found very little information on the use of this
herb with other medication. It is essential that, prior to taking it, any
medication must be discussed with your medical practitioner and this is even
more important if you are already taking prescription drugs.
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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