What are the benefits of St. John’s Wort? – Happiness and health

Are you feeling down? Or mild or moderate depression?

Want to know everything about St. John’s Wort?

You are in the right place.

I remember starting my research on the millepertuis, also called hypericum perforatum during a depressive passage.

Then I continued to search for information to prevent seasonal depression. Maybe you are in one of these situations or the other? Where then are you simply looking for information on this plant with many virtues.

Before getting to the heart of the matter, I have good news: it works! St. John’s Wort is indeed very effective in cases of depression, anxiety disorder, stress, and also generally improves sleep.

Be careful though, read this article carefully and carefully read the contraindications, they can be numerous.

What is St. John’s Wort made of

St. John’s Wort is made up of:

• Flavonoids: rutin, hypericin, kaempferol, quercetin
• Phenol
• Choline
• Tannins
• Naphtho dianthrones
• Carotenoids
• Vitamins A and C

St. John’s Wort: What is it

Initially millpertuis is a plant (Hypericum perforatum). The flowers and leaves are used to create the cure for depression that we know today.

St. John’s Wort has been in the spotlight for a few years, but its use is not at all recent.

This plant was already used by the Greeks, to treat wounds and infections. Later, St. John’s Wort was already recognized for these possibilities to treat certain psychological disorders.

The effectiveness of St. John’s Wort is now recognized and various scientific studies have supported these results. Moreover in Germany, it is considered as an antidepressant and sold on prescription.

There is today a debate on the real active principle of the plant in the event of depression between hypericin and hyperforin^.

Read: The 6 Best Natural Antidepressants

Choosing the right St. John’s Wort supplement

Here are several quality supplements, recommended by Bonheur et santé:

St. John’s Wort and Depression: Does It Work?

General causes of depression

The 21st century is in my opinion the most stressful century. (1) The accelerated pace of our activities results in depressions. Overwhelmed by work, publicity, information and challenges to renew, we very quickly fall into depression.

Depression sometimes comes from too much stress or from the fact that we feel alone in the world. These two extremes should be watched closely because they promote depressive states in adolescents as well as in adults.

Depression is a very important problem because it sometimes leads people to suicide.

In general, if you regularly have low morale, anxiety, stress, baby blues, sleep disorders and insomnia, mood disorders, neuralgia; so incorporating St. John’s Wort into your eating habits is a very good idea.

The effectiveness of St. John’s Wort, particularly in cases of mild and moderate depression, is now well demonstrated.

The standardized extract of St. John’s Wort therefore improves mood, reduces anxiety and insomnia due to depression.

It appears that St. John’s Wort is just as effective as conventional antidepressants, with some side effects in months.

A real ally in the fight against depression

Composed of multiple flavonoids, St. John’s Wort once in your body acts on your nervous system. Its properties once in the blood connect to neurons in the brain, receptors responsible for sending signals.

In fact, the hypericin (a flavonoid) it contains inhibits monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

St. John’s Wort herbal teas were once concocted and offered to knights returning from battle. This is to restore them emotionally and to treat the depressions linked to the post-war period.

In Germany, St. John’s Wort is medically recognized as an antidepressant. For mild affective disorders, St. John’s Wort is prescribed to overcome depression.

In case of migraine, anxiety, a good herbal tea of ​​St. John’s Wort will restore your tone. British medical Journal published in 1996 about twenty studies on the anti-depressive properties of St. John’s Wort.

Out of 3000 people with depression, 89% of people saw their depression improve markedly. It was found the

disappearance of symptoms, improvement of the depressive state of some patients. Other patients have been completely cured.

St. John’s Wort is also known to fight against

bad thoughts, behavioral disorders in antiquity. He takes his nickname ” devil hunt ” from this virtue that is conferred on him.

Scientific studies that confirm its benefits

Various scientific studies have therefore demonstrated a marked reduction in the symptoms of depression.

A 12-week study in Germany involved around 1500 patients with depression. These patients took St. John’s Wort for the duration of the study. In the end, the symptoms of depression were much reduced.

It is therefore a real asset to get out of depression.

St. John’s Wort and seasonal depression

Just as it is effective in cases of depression, St. John’s Wort can also become a major ally in the fight against seasonal depression.

Seasonal depression usually starts in the fall when the light drops. St. John’s Wort combined with light therapy will have excellent effects on mood and greatly reduce symptoms of depression.

For these studies the dosage used was 3% hyperforin or 0,3% hypericin

The numbers other  Benefits of St. John’s Wort

The psychological virtues

St. John’s Wort acts on our good mood hormones, serotonin. This is what justifies its positive influence on moods, chronic fatigue, anxiety, mood swings. It also acts on melatonin, a hormone that regulates the wake / sleep cycle.

St. John’s Wort generally affects our metabolism. Therefore it allows a better balance of our internal clock. This justifies its role against chronic fatigue, insomnia, stress.

For improved concentration

In case of difficulty concentrating, consume a little St. John’s Wort (according to the recommendations) to stimulate your concentration. Rutin acts on brain functions to strengthen them. It also plays on neurotransmitters in the brain.

Against Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition (2). Pain occurs when the legs are inactive, when sleeping or when resting.

Restless legs syndrome usually manifests itself in the evening. It is a feeling of heavy legs, tingling, tingling, difficulty stretching the leg and discomfort. All these discomforts are manifested in the legs.

To end it, you need to move your leg, walk, or change position. Restless leg syndrome gets worse with age. The crises are more and more repeated.

This causes micro awakenings, which makes this syndrome classified as sleep disorders. They can be treated with St. John’s Wort.

Consume St. John’s Wort, or take a foot bath with it. In this case, infuse the dried or fresh plants of St. John’s Wort. Add a little water. Make sure the bath is lukewarm before you put your feet in it.

Take the bath for about 15 minutes. For visible results, consume St. John’s Wort for at least 3 weeks. For the foot bath, I recommend it every day for a minimum period of one month. With the consumption of St. John’s Wort, you will notice a reduction in symptoms, more comfort and quality sleep.

Moreover being an anti inflammatory, St. John’s Wort will reduce your leg pain. Massage your legs in a circular motion for a few minutes.

In addition to St. John’s Wort, you have to move your legs, bend them (despite the pain and discomfort) to make your pain disappear.

The lukewarm St. John’s Wort bath will help you gradually reduce the onset of Restless Leg Syndrome. The practice of sports or better the exercise of relaxation and yoga will help you in addition to St. John’s Wort.

In case of sporting activities, prefer “soft” sports. Avoid playing sports at night or traveling at night. This may worsen and / or promote the onset of symptoms.

Avoid stress which is an aggravating factor in heavy leg syndrome. Regular walking is also recommended to reduce the onset of these disorders. For trips by car or other, get off from time to time to walk, relax your feet.

When it appears in full circulation, heavy leg syndrome is really disabling.

Certain medications such as antidepressants, neuroleptics, beta blockers, lithium should be avoided or reduced.

Avoid or reduce the consumption of coffee, tobacco, alcohol, tea

With the regular consumption of St. John’s Wort and the respect of a healthy lifestyle, the attacks will become less frequent and lose their intensity if they occur.

For quality sleep

St. John’s Wort is known for its calming properties. Drink St. John’s Wort herbal tea before going to bed. This will ensure you get quality sleep. Less insomnia, less restless or interrupted sleep.

Pharmacologists are looking more and more at the influence of Hypericin at the level of neuronal synapses such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

The role of flavonoids in St. John’s Wort acts on these hormones in your body to provide you with comfort, peace of mind …

To support detox treatments

Herbal medicine (3) which is a natural medicine, uses medicinal plants for the healing of patients. Herbal medicine is used to generally treat depressive states, insomnia as we have just seen.

It also allows as an alternative medicine to treat people addicted to drugs, alcohol and other types of addictions. Antidepressants used against depression prove to be potentially toxic in the long term indeed.

Hence the need to resort to plants to treat dependent people. In the first place of medicinal plants, figure St. John’s Wort which accompanies detoxification cures.

Prevention of malignant gliomas

Malignant gliomas are tumors in the brain (4). They are quite rare, around 5/100 000 inhabitants. But it accounts for half of brain tumors.

In addition, it appears most often in adults between 50-60 years. In children, these types of tumors are the second leading cause of cancer after leukemia. Malignant gliomas include, but are not limited to:

• L’astrocytome
• Choroidal papilloma
• The ependymome
• L’oligodendrocydrome

St. John’s Wort by the action of its active agent hypericin helps prevent the appearance of malignant gliomas.

Against depressive states of menopause

The action of St. John’s Wort against depression is also the same as in menopause. The discomforts associated with premenopause and menopause such as mood swings, hot flashes can be reduced by consuming this plant.

Beyond menopause, this plant also has virtues on moods relating to menstruation. In case of cramps during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), consume a little St. John’s Wort because it is an anti inflammatory. So it’s 2 in 1 with your St. John’s Wort.

Antiviral, antibacterial

St. John’s Wort is made up of flavonoids including hypericin and hyperforin which are very harmful to viruses. This mainly concerns viruses covered with a membrane, ” the encapsulated ones. These are for example, hepatitis B, viruses of the respiratory tract such as influenza, retro viruses, herpes.

In addition, St. John’s Wort allows you to relieve and eliminate toenail fungus. Nail fungus affects a few million people in France.

Whether on the toes or fingers, use St. John’s Wort to permanently and naturally treat these fungi.

Take foot baths. Soak your fingers and toes in the solution, leave for 15-30 minutes so that the active agents of St. John’s Wort can be well integrated under the nails.

After drying your toenails and hands, massage with St. John’s Wort essential oil. Pour 1 to 2 drops on the nail to optimally continue the treatment.

After 2-3 weeks your condition will improve. The fungi causing these yeast infections will be gone for good. Apply the essential oil even on the nails that are not affected by yeast infection to prevent their appearance on healthy nails.

Anti inflammatory

In the case of muscle pain and sciatica, joint pain and spinal pain, you can use St. John’s Wort essential oil in massage. Make circular massages on the affected parts. The pain will subside.

Skin problem solved

• To facilitate wound healing, you can use St. John’s Wort oil. Apply to the affected area.

St. John’s Wort promotes the penetration of ultraviolet rays on your skin. Which can damage it. Avoid contact with the sun when applying St. John’s Wort to your skin.

• In case of slight burns, apply St. John’s Wort essential oil to the affected part. You can also make a poultice to apply on the part.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin infection that is sometimes inherited. It is an inflammation of the skin. It’s quite disturbing because of the itching and the discomfort it causes. It can spread easily from a small area to a larger area.

Hence the importance of treating it at the first signs of onset. Use the essential oil of St. John’s Wort in massage on the affected part. You can also use St. John’s Wort to wash off the infected part.

If you have scalp psoriasis, shampoo regularly with St. John’s Wort water. Then massage the area with St. John’s Wort essential oil.

Do not forget that St. John’s Wort on the skin causes photosensitivity of the epidermis. So avoid exposing yourself to the sun after applying St. John’s Wort.

Against pain during pregnancy?

Some sites mention the consumption of St. John’s Wort to end or reduce pain during pregnancy.

In the composition of St. John’s Wort, we notice the presence of tannins also called tannic acid. However, tannic acid interferes with the iron in your body. As we know, iron is an extremely important mineral for women and their babies.

Pregnant women need 15 milligrams of iron to meet their iron needs. The consumption of St. John’s Wort (through the hypericum) can therefore interfere with the action of iron in the body of pregnant women. Either it could reduce the effectiveness of iron, or it could inhibit it.

Ask your doctor for advice before committing to consuming St. John’s Wort during your pregnancy.

In animals, studies have been carried out to see the action of St. John’s Wort on the uterine muscles. It turns out that the uterine muscles are strengthened by the hypercium. This would prematurely trigger the labor phase. Doctors generally advise that you stop using St. John’s Wort a month before becoming pregnant (5).

Premenstrual syndrome : Some recent studies suggest that St. John’s Wort can treat cramps, irritability, or painful breasts.

Eczema, burn : St. John’s Wort has antibacterial properties that can fight inflammation. When applied topically, it can reduce problems with irritated skin.

Anguish, stress : These are often symptoms related to depression. It has been shown the benefit of using St. John’s Wort precisely to reduce the level of stress or anxiety.

How to consume St. John’s Wort

Sold in several forms, it will be easy for you to consume St. John’s Wort in the form that suits you best:

• Huile essentielle :

  The essential oil of St. John’s Wort is sold and used for its anti-inflammatory properties. In cases of psoriasis, urogenital inflammation, trauma, it is used to treat

The oil is used to restore (psychologically) the victims of the consequences of accidents or disorders. It is used medically. It is also involved in the treatment of osteoarticular and osteo ligamentous trauma. For home use of this oil, take a teaspoon 3 times a day.

• Dyeing :

  St. John’s Wort is sold as a mother tincture. Dilute 20 to 30 drops in a glass of water. You should consume it 3 times a day for 3-4 weeks. St. John’s Wort tincture is for internal use.

  It is generally used against cases of bad mood, stress, anxiety. You feel discharged consuming it.

Even in the form of a tincture, avoid exposing yourself to the sun after consuming St. John’s Wort as it causes photosensitivity.

• And infusion :

  You can make your own St. John’s Wort tea at home. You will find the dried leaves of St. John’s Wort in pharmacies. The fresh leaves can also be infused. For 2 tablespoons of dried plants, use 200 ml of water.

Boil some water that you spill over the dried leaves of St. John’s Wort. Then let steep for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups of this water every day. This for a minimum of 3 weeks, as the positive effects appear beyond this period.

This solution can cause constipation, it is astringent. You can therefore do it in case of diarrhea. However, if you are regularly constipated, limit its consumption so as not to make your case worse.

St. John’s Wort infusions have less active effects, which means it will take longer. They are generally recommended to prevent depression. You can drink it often if you are a melancholy person by nature or sometimes have a behavioral disorder.

But for proven depressions, prefer

• St. John’s Wort in capsules or tablets (6)

In powder

• In the form of hypericin or hyperforin extracts
• Capsules and tablets: The capsules generally contain 0,3% hypericin. Dosages of St. John’s Wort range from 125 to 1000 mg. But for the start of treatment, it is better to start with low doses to avoid too much inconvenience and discomfort.
• In fluid extract

St. John’s Wort should be taken over a minimum period of 6 weeks because its effects on your body are not visible until the 3rd week.

Most of the time you will find St. John’s Wort as a standardized extract, usually in a capsule or capsule. St. John’s Wort is also found as an oil or directly with the leaves, whole or in powder.

What dosage for St. John’s Wort?

In the form of a standardized extract ((3% hyperforin or 0,3% hypericin), the tablets are usually 300 mg.

In this case it is recommended to take 300 mg 3 times a day. At mealtimes.

The total dose per day is therefore 900 mg, to be adapted according to the dosage of the tablets.

In the case of mother tincture, it is best to refer to the manufacturer’s advice, as the dosages may vary.

It is often necessary to wait 3 to 4 weeks before fully feeling the effects.

Stop your treatment with St. John’s Wort

It is advisable to gradually reduce the dose over 2 weeks to be sure you do not have mild withdrawal symptoms.

Some precautions to take

We have seen that the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort is no longer to be proven. However, the fact that it is a plant often suggests that there are no contraindications or precautions to be taken. In order to fully benefit from the full effects of St. John’s Wort, there are some important things to consider.

In all cases it is necessary to consult your doctor. Only he can clearly make a diagnosis and assess the type of depression.

 Where to buy St. John’s Wort?

You can find it in pharmacies or in an organic product store. We order online to pay less.

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St. John’s Wort and side effects

Overall the St. John’s Wort is safe, and side effects are rare :

• intestinal gene
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• Constipations
• Troubles digestifs
• Stomach ache
• Nervousness
• Photosensitivity issues
• migraines
• Dry mouth

St. John’s Wort is also known because it causes photosensitivity. If you have fair skin, avoid too much sun exposure or protect yourself properly. Use sunscreen and wear long clothes.

St. John’s Wort can interact with many drugs, especially those used for an operation. It is advisable to stop using St. John’s Wort 1 week before the operation and to inform your doctor well about your use of St. John’s Wort.

Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John’s Wort

Side effects are therefore quite rare and often uncomplicated. On the other hand, if you are taking other drugs, you should be careful, because the interactions are numerous.

Possible interactions and contraindication

St. John’s Wort interacts with many medications. In most cases it will decrease the effect of these drugs. But can also in other cases make the effects stronger. It is also advisable to choose between St. John’s Wort and Griffonia 5htp

Interactions with antidepressants

If you are already using a classic antidepressant and want to switch to St. John’s Wort, it is necessary to wait a while to give the body time.

Therefore, you cannot take a synthetic antidepressant and St. John’s Wort at the same time.

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) Like Prozac or Zoloft
• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) phenelzine
• Tricyclics: imipramine
• Painkillers and migraine medications such as tramadol or sumatriptan. Same interaction as antidepressants.

Interactions with many drugs

In these cases, St. John’s Wort will decrease the effectiveness of these drugs

• anti-inflammatory drugs (example like ibuprofen)
• Antidiabetic drugs
• protease inhibitor
• ivabradine
• statins (anticholesterol, eg atorvastatin and pravastatin);
• cyclosporine (immune inhibitor);
• Drugs for chemotherapy
• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (AIDS);
• digoxin
• warfarin
• anovulants;
• antipsychotics;
• theophylline
• Contraceptive pills
• anesthetics
• Medicines for cancer treatment
• Antivirals in general
• Theophylline in the treatment of asthma
• Statins which are cholesterol lowering treatments
• Ciclosporin used in transplants
• Certain hormones such as estrogen
• Synthetic antidepressants
• ultraviolet sessions
• Dioxins involved in cardiac treatments
• Chemicals: Since the active ingredients of St. John’s Wort interfere in the body with other components (7).

St. John’s Wort contains active ingredients that are toxic for viruses, bacteria and others, but also toxic for you in certain respects. Talk to your doctor before committing to its internal consumption.

The first layer of our epidermis protects the other layers from ultraviolet rays which are dangerous for the skin and the body in general. The hypericin contained in St. John’s Wort makes it photosensitizing.

Put simply, the plant’s chemical compounds make your skin sensitive to UV rays, which is dangerous for you. A rash follows with exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light.

If you are using these groups of medicines stated, avoid consuming St. John’s Wort even in herbal tea. Ask your doctor for advice. Indeed the assets of St. John’s Wort would tend to interfere in the bioactivity of these drugs in the body.

Also if you suffer from cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, seek advice from your doctor because the drugs used to treat these ailments may interfere with the active agents in St. John’s Wort.

It is true that St. John’s Wort has anti viral actions like hepatitis. However, before committing to St. John’s Wort, talk to your doctor to avoid overdoses or interference between St. John’s Wort and the drugs used in the treatment of these diseases.

Considering the long list of contraindications to St. John’s Wort, it would be wise to consult your doctor if you are using any medication before consuming St. John’s Wort. Switching from medication to St. John’s Wort should be done gradually to avoid health problems.

En conclusion

St. John’s Wort is therefore a very effective plant in case of depression (mild to moderate) and seasonal depression.

Also used in case of stress or anxiety, I find it a excellent alternative to conventional antidepressants.

And helps get out of depression. Be careful though to check the interactions and side effects with other drugs.

Considering its chemical properties, consult your doctor if you have any doubts or if you are taking other medicines. This is to avoid drug interactions.

To start using St. John’s Wort, use small doses and then increase if your body responds positively.

By combining the use of St. John’s Wort and the other recommendations you will find on the site, you will have a good chance of beating depression.