Topical forms of St. John's wort have been possibly effective in healing skin wounds, or treating skin irritation caused by psoriasis. Uses for St. John's wort St. John's wort has long been used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory for strains, sprains, and contusions. St. John's wort is widely believed to boost mood and provide some relief from depression, but it's not exactly clear how it works. 2011;11(1):14-17. doi:10.1093/bjaceaccp/mkq046. Although dozens of people swear by it, St. John's wort is still considered an alternative therapy by many experts. Preparations in the U.S. have different amounts of active ingredient, so be careful to note how much you're getting in your tablets. Apaydin EA, Maher AR, Shanman R, et al. But if you are not interested in herbalism, you will probably find greater value in relatives of the same genus. St Johns Wort is a medicinal plant Extremely powerful for its action on the deep depression, the chronic insomnia, fears paranoid, fight against the intense stress, anxiety and the loss of joy in life. 2008 Oct 8 (4):CD000448. The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills, and teas. 'St John's Wort has gained a reputation as an anti-depressant for mild to moderate depression ,' says Spence. St. John’s wort has been associated with very serious and potentially dangerous interactions with many common drugs. Natural Medicines Database. Use 4 oz of oil to 1/2 oz of beeswax, optionally you can also add a few drops of vitamin E to help preserve the oil. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements don't always come in child-proof containers. A few examples are St. Johns Wort, echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger, and blue cohosh. Syst Rev 5, 148 (2016) doi:10.1186/s13643-016-0325-2, Linde K, Berner MM, Kriston L. St John's wort for major depression. The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of St. John's wort in both cell-free and human vascular tissu … It's best to work with your doctor, pharmacist, and/or an alternative health practitioner to personalize your dose to ensure effectiveness and safety. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking St. John's wort or any other herbal product. What Is St. John’s Wort? St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant. Begin the New Year on a Bright Note with St. John’s Wort; My Top 3 Uses. The appropriate dose of St. John's wort for you will depend on several factors including your age, biological sex, and medical history. The strength may also vary from one supplement brand to another. Greek and Roman medical sources report the use of St. John's wort as a topical treatment for healing wounds and for treating kidney stones, sciatica, menstrual problems and snakebites. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/16/2017. This label also provides information about other ingredients the supplement may contain. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, fever, hallucinations, nausea, loss of muscle coordination, sweating, and shakiness. It may help to reduce mild to moderate depression. Two studies in the United States found that St. John’s wort was no better than a placebo for treating moderate to severe depression. The onset of the effect can be expected within 4 weeks of treatment. Additionally, the herb appeared to have fewer side effects. St. John's wort can cause serious interactions with commonly used medications because of how it gets broken down by the liver. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests looking for products with a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia, Consumer Lab, or NSF International. St. John's wort is a plant with yellow, star-shaped flowers and five petals that grows in Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia. Blumenthal M, Brinckmann J, Wollschlaeger B. St. John's Wort: Clinical Overview. Taking St. John’s wort with antidepressants can cause a dangerous increase in levels of serotonin, a hormone that affects mood. The authors noted that the studies conducted in German-speaking countries (where St. John's wort has a long history of use and is often recommended by physicians) reported more positive results than studies conducted in the United States and other countries. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. The study's authors found that St. John's wort extracts may be more effective than a placebo and were as effective as standard antidepressants. St John's wort can interact with certain cancer drugs and other medication. “The herbal remedy St John’s wort can be as good at lifting depression as drugs like Prozac,” the Daily Express reported. Common St. John's wort was so valued for its medicinal qualities in its native Europe that settlers brought it over with them to the New World. Back to Top. Active ingredients in St. John's wort may be affected by light, which is why the supplements are often packaged in a dark-colored container. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills), it's important to talk with your doctor before you start taking St. John's wort. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The plant is used in herbal medicine as a treatment for depression, and there is some limited clinical evidence of its efficacy. Of people swear by it, however, here is some information you 'll need be... 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