Benefits of St John's wort in depression and anxiety

Hypericum perforatum Plant

Botanical name- Hypericum perforatum
Family- N.O. Hypericaceae

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a long-living plant with yellow flowers. Hypericum perforatum is a herbaceous perennial, growing freely wild to a height of 1 to 3 feet in uncultivated ground, woods, hedges, roadsides and meadows. Hypericum perforatum has short, decumbent, barren shoots and erect stems branching in upper part. Hypericum perforatum is glabrous with leaves pale green, sessile, oblong with pellucid dots or oil glands which may be seen on holding leaf to light.

When the fresh flowers are crushed, they exude a blood-red juice, which stains the fingers blue-violet.

Hypericum perforatum contains many chemical compounds. Some are believed to be the active ingredients that produce the herb's effects, including the compounds hypericin and hyperforin.

St John's Wort Information-History & Origin

Its name Hypericum perforatum, has special meaning. Derived from the Greek, it means "over an apparition", referring to its power to ward off evil spirits.

The first century Greek physicians Galen and Dioscorides recommended Hypericum perforatum as a diuretic, wound healing herb, and a treatment for menstrual disorders. In the sixteenth century Paracelsus, who ushered in the era of mineral medicines, used Hypericum perforatum externally for treating wounds and for allaying the pain of contusions.

St. John's Wort for Depression and anxiety

Natural, wholesome, inexpensive and available over the counter, Hypericum perforatum seemed to be the dream remedy for depression. The herbal remedy had fewer side effects and as the researchers concluded, it showed promise for the long-term treatment of moderate depression. St. John's Wort contains hypericin that inhibits monoamine oxidase, a bodily chemical associated with depression.

Use & Benefits of St. John's Wort

A tea made from the plant is popularly used as a mild nerve tonic for the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and general unrest. Hypericum perforatum is also used as a diuretic, and for the treatment of gastritis. Vegetable oil preparations of the flowers are used externally for the treatment of hemorrhoids and inflammation. Some of the other major uses of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) across the world are as follows:

St. John's Wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders as well as nerve pain.
St. John's Wort is used by people to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, mania, hypochondriasis, fatigue, or sleep disorders.
Treating wounds and for allaying the pain of contusions. .
Used in all pulmonary complaints.
Kidney conditions.
Sleep disorders.
Inflammation.
Bacterial infection.