DOES ST. JOHN'S WORT REALLY WORK
THE #1 MOST PRESCRIBED NATURAL REMEDY FOR DEPRESSION
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St. John’s Wort is indeed a plant in the family of Hypericaceae that grows in the wild. It is also known as Hypericum Perforatum. This plant thrives in area with either in a winter or summer dominant rainfall pattern. Most people in the United States think that it is a weed, but in reality, it has been used for centuries for several health purposes. Today, medical science has also declared it as a medicinal herb. It has anti depressant activity and potent anti-inflammatory properties. People who perceive its immense benefits use this herb as a remedy. They treat moderate depression, seasonal disorders, mild anxiety, and sleep problems.
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As an herbal supplement, St. John Wort doesn’t require a prescription. One can easily buy it at any health food store. You perhaps have already heard about it. It looks appealing because of its several benefits. But, it is pertinent to be aware of serious concerns regarding its safety and effectiveness. Medical experts warn that this herbal remedy can cause some unpleasant side effects too. Don’t use it in the interaction with other medications.
Scientists from all the regions support the efficacy of St. John’s Wort as one of the best treatments for depression. According to them, there isn’t any difference between standard anti-depressant medications and St. John’s Work. Both work in a similar way. The only difference is the St. John Wort is natural and contains more benefits. A Cochrane systematic review seconds this too. It suggests that this herb increases the activity of the brain chemicals. These chemicals (serotonin and noradrenalin) have superior efficacy in treating depression. They have fewer unfavorable effects than other medications. However, these scientists don’t declare it as a final replacement for more studied medical drugs. For them, it requires more research; natural doesn’t mean it can’t cause harm. They use the shoulders of Food & Drug Administration Authority (FDA), as it also hasn’t approved it yet.
While the true benefits of St. John’s Wort are still being exposed. Most experts believe that it is difficult to assign a place for it in the treatment of depression. There aren’t enough evidences behind it. If you still want to use it, it is imperative to consult your doctor first.
Scientists from all the regions support the efficacy of St. John’s Wort as one of the best treatments for depression. According to them, there isn’t any difference between standard anti-depressant medications and St. John’s Work. Both work in a similar way. The only difference is the St. John Wort is natural and contains more benefits. A Cochrane systematic review seconds this too. It suggests that this herb increases the activity of the brain chemicals. These chemicals (serotonin and noradrenalin) have superior efficacy in treating depression. They have fewer unfavorable effects than other medications. However, these scientists don’t declare it as a final replacement for more studied medical drugs. For them, it requires more research; natural doesn’t mean it can’t cause harm. They use the shoulders of Food & Drug Administration Authority (FDA), as it also hasn’t approved it yet.
While the true benefits of St. John’s Wort are still being exposed. Most experts believe that it is difficult to assign a place for it in the treatment of depression. There aren’t enough evidences behind it. If you still want to use it, it is imperative to consult your doctor first.
St. John’s Wort Benefits
This herb has been studied throughout the world as an anti-depressant, but there are a lot of other benefits too. Let’s take an in-depth look at some other benefits of St. John’s Wort.
This herb has been studied throughout the world as an anti-depressant, but there are a lot of other benefits too. Let’s take an in-depth look at some other benefits of St. John’s Wort.
- Anti-Cancer: Recently, cancer researchers have started putting more faith in the role of St. John’s Wort. Their studies reveal that it could play an immensely important role in treating cancer. Since, it has antiviral effects. For that reason, it has been investigated more for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and different viral illnesses. There is a definite association between the prevention and treatment of leukemia with consistent use of its supplements. Laboratory researchers believe that it is because it has hypericin, pseudohypericin, and other chemicals. These chemicals stick to the surfaces of viruses and keep them from binding to host cells. They act as an anti-cancer agent.
- Anti-inflammatory Agent: St. John Wort has anti-inflammatory properties. And, it is especially because of its genes like cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (INOS). The soothing nature of these genes and the rich concentration of other anti-inflammatory compounds make it perfect for easing the pains. Even patients of arthritis disease can find relief through it. This herb also lowers inflammation in the cardiovascular system. It lowers blood pressure and decreases stress on the heart too.
- Skin Treatment: This god-gifted herb is famous for its effects on behavioral patterns. But, it is also healthier for skin in topical application in the form of salve or tincture. It doesn’t matter whether you have oily or dry skin. You can use this herb to make your skin look smoother and healthier. Other than that, if you have the marks of burns and bruises, it can speed the healing process too. The properties of St. John Wort stimulate the circulation of oxygenated blood so that repairing process can begin. Its creams are also available to treat skin problems, but oils work best to give relieve, immediately.
Scientific Researches
- A fresh study discovered that 450mg supplement of St. John’s Wort, two times a day, for 12 weeks, can improve OCD symptoms. If you, or someone in your family, struggle with Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD), you can count on it as a placebo agent.
- Licensed Naturopathic Physician Jeremy Wolf has also shed light on the efficacy of St. John Wort. He explained that this herb creates many actions in body. It doesn’t just elevate mood or treat mild to moderate depression. It also has strong antiviral activity that promotes healing and repair of wounds and scars. There is another study that confirms this. It supports Jeremy, but it also says there isn’t any definite evidence on it.
- In 2002, two studies, both sponsored by NCCIH and the National Institute of National Health, did not have positive results. The researchers of these two institutes asserted that this herb isn’t effective. It is almost placebo in treating major depression.
- However, Cochrane researchers didn’t agree with these two institutes. They studied the results of St. John’s Wort on 29 trials which involved 5,489 patients with major depression. Their studies disclosed that this herb is as effective as other medications.
- Preliminary studies indicate that St. John’s Wort may prevent nerve cells in the brain. It prevents them from reabsorbing certain chemical messengers, like dopamine and serotonin. However, researchers were still unsure exactly how that entire process works.
- If you have physical or emotional symptoms of PMS, you can count on it. Researchers suggest that it relieves symptoms of PMS. It can cure cramps, irritability, food cravings and tenderness. One more study reported that its use can reduce 50% of the severity.
Concluding Thoughts
Again, don’t use St. John’s Wort without consulting your physician first. Use of it can cause some side effects like stomach-upset, headache, erectile dysfunction, restlessness, and dizziness too. Besides, must avoid this herb in pregnancy. There is insufficient data on its effectiveness and safety. It can be unsafe in pregnancy or childbirth depression issues.
There are some side effects, but researchers believe that it requires more research. Its components like bioflavonoid & other anti-oxidants can be valuable to human health. They can have a significant impact on the hormonal, physical, and chemical behavior of the body.
Sources:
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-st-johns-wort-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
https://www.annmariegianni.com/st-johns-wort-for-sensitive-skin
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/st-johns-wort.html
http://www.yourhealth.com.au/information-on-natural-medicine-herbs-detail.php?name=St.%20John%27s%20Wort
Again, don’t use St. John’s Wort without consulting your physician first. Use of it can cause some side effects like stomach-upset, headache, erectile dysfunction, restlessness, and dizziness too. Besides, must avoid this herb in pregnancy. There is insufficient data on its effectiveness and safety. It can be unsafe in pregnancy or childbirth depression issues.
There are some side effects, but researchers believe that it requires more research. Its components like bioflavonoid & other anti-oxidants can be valuable to human health. They can have a significant impact on the hormonal, physical, and chemical behavior of the body.
Sources:
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-st-johns-wort-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
https://www.annmariegianni.com/st-johns-wort-for-sensitive-skin
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/st-johns-wort.html
http://www.yourhealth.com.au/information-on-natural-medicine-herbs-detail.php?name=St.%20John%27s%20Wort
