Conditions St. John's Wort Helps Treat

St. John’s wort is a yellow, flowering plant native to Europe and the United States. It has been used for a variety of therapeutic purposes in the Mediterranean for millennia and has been widely studied and used clinically in Europe for decades. In the United States, St. John's wort is still awaiting approval from the Food And Drug Administration, but is available as an over-the-counter supplement from many alternative medicine suppliers and health food stores.Get to know some of the biggest purported benefits of St. John's wort and learn about the conditions it helps treat now.

Mild To Moderate Depression

Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated St. John's wort is almost as effective as a prescription antidepressant for reducing sadness, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Additionally, the medicine appears to ease many of the symptoms that often accompany depression, such as sleeplessness and poor appetite. The key ingredient is believed to be hyperforin, a phytochemical (plant-produced chemical), which may act upon the presynaptic nerves in the brain to build up serotonin levels, much like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor would. The exact mechanism of hyperforin hasn’t been definitively identified, but there is enough positive data to declare St. John's wort an effective antidepressant therapy. Hyperforin has a short half-life, so St. John's wort should be taken at the recommended dosage three times daily.

Be aware St. John's wort does entail some drug interactions, thus it's essential to check them against the interaction list, and consult with a doctor before trying St. John’s wort.

Continue reading to reveal more about what St. John's wort can help treat.