Learn about the benefits of St. John's wort in treating depression and other ailments.

Where does St. John's wort come from?

Ever since the ancient time, the Greeks and Romans have used St. John's wort for the treatment of mental and nerve disorders

This herbal plant is found in several locations, including Europe, West Africa, North Africa, the Americas and Australia.

There are several species of St. John's wort, but not all of these species can be used as herbal medicines.St. John's wort angustifolia  is the most commonly used species for herbal remedies.

St. John's wort is a shrub that has small clusters of yellow flowers.

What are the benefits of St. John's wort?

In our modern times, St. John's wort is most often used to treat mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and even sleeping disorders.

In several clinical studies, St. John's wort has been as effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression as tricyclic anti-depressants.

There appears to be fewer side effects when you have used this herbal remedy in place of tricyclic anti-depressants such as imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, desipramine, and nortriptyline.

St. John's wort might also be an effective substitute for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

St. John's wort appears to have a positive effect in assisting with a very wide range ailments, some of these are listed below

Certain bacterial infections can be treated using St. John's wort as this herb has antibacterial properties.

St. John's wort may help you if u suffer from premenstrual syndrome as St. John's wort can help in relieving both the physical and mental problems that can accompany PMS. These include cramps, irritability, food craving and tender breasts.

If St. John's wort is used as a topical treatment, it can help reduce pain and inflammation and will help treat minor wounds and burns and even help in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Some Herbal experts recommended a tincture combining Ginkgo and St. John's wort to treat brain inflammation such as caused by Viral Encephalitis.

What are the side effects of St. John's wort?

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

One of the most common side effects reported from using this herbal remedy is sensitivity to sun light.

Other common side effects can include anxiety, feelings of tiredness, dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction and gastro intestinal trouble.

The most important thing to remember when using St. John's wort, is that this herbal medicine has a wide list of interactions with other drugs. Below is a few of the more commonly reported interactions.

Combining St. John's wort with other anti depressants is not recommended and can result in a wide range of side effects and is really not recommended.

Many birth control pills have shown interactions with John's wort and can be rendered ineffective or have their effectiveness decreased drastically.

Care also needs to be taken when using any of the following drugs as various interaction have been reported.

Certain HIV medications such as Indinavir, Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, organ rejection medication such as Cyclosporine and the heart medication Digoxin.

How do I take St. John's wort?

St. John's wort is found in several different forms. You can use this herbal medicine as a pill or a tablet.

St. John's wort is also available as a tincture and can also be brewed as a tea.

For the treatment of wounds or infection, you can use St. John's wort as a ointment or cream.