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St. John’s Wort, also known as Goat Weed, or technically as Hypercum Perforatum has been used since the middle ages to treat various ailments. This plant is common in parts of Europe and America. Its yellow flowers are the medicinal part of the plant. They bloom in late June, around the day celebrated as St. John the Baptist’s birthday.
Over the centuries St. John’s Wort has been used for a variety of illnesses. Many of these have been studied, and proven to be effective. Today, most physicians in Germany treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and mood swings due to menopause with St. John’s Wort. These problems of course have modern pharmaceutical treatments, but the St. Johns Wort preparations are just as effective for most, and do not carry the same side effects. Other maladies treated with St. Johns Wort are ulcers, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), scrapes and abrasions. It is also used as a muscle relaxant. There is research in progress with HIV and cancer as well.
With so many uses, it is easy to question the effectiveness of this herb. How can it be used for so many different problems? The answer is in its chemistry. For the treatment of depression, anxiety, and mood swings the components of St. John’s Wort are hypericin, psudohypericin, and xanthones. These work to inhibit the chemical monoamineoxidase, and inhibit the reduction of the chemical serotonin. Monoamineoxidase and serotonin are both chemicals found in the brain which should be in a particular balance for a "normal mood." The component hyperforin has a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect. This component can also increase circulation which helps the gastrointestinal system. The anti-inflammatory effect reduces pain, while the anti-bacterial properties promote healing.
How effective can St. John’s Wort be for depression? In studies run by both German and United States based labs, St. John’s Wort has proven just as effective, if not more effective than the pharmaceutical treatments. Both the herbal and the manmade treatments work in the same manner. The biggest differences are their side effects. St. John’s Wort has fewer and less unpleasant side effects than the other treatments.
What are the side effects? With this herb the side effects are few and easily countered. The most common is sun sensitivity. The chemical hypericin is the cause of this problem. Some users of St. John’s Wort report dry mouth, and slight weight loss. This is probably due to the diuretic properties this plant exhibits. Some users report fatigue, or decreased concentration. Another reaction is an elevated reaction to alcohol. Users of St. Johns Wort should avoid drinking alcohol, just as patients taking its pharmaceutical counterparts for depression should. If these side effects become a problem while taking St. John’s Wort, termination of the treatment ends the effect.
St. John’s Wort can be found in a number of forms. Teas, tinctures, decoctions, oils, capsules, and dried flowers for home preparations are all suitable and easy to find forms for use. Many pharmacies, and discount stores now carry a line of herbals. St. John’s Wort is the most prevalent. You may also find this herb through online catalogues, health food, and nutrition stores as well as your local herbalist.
How much should I take? The dosage for your specific problem may vary. The most common suggested dosage for depression, anxiety or mood disorders is 900 mg whole herb per day in capsule form. Progress may show after three to four weeks. For depression, this is the normal amount of time for any treatment to begin making a difference. If you are taking St. John’s Wort for other problems, check with your doctor, or herbalist for dosage amounts. As with any health related problem, get a physician's opinion before treating your symptoms.
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