St John’s Wort Medicinal Properties: Its Benefits For Depression

St John’s Wort Medicinal Properties: Its Benefits For Depression . Since centuries the herb St. John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) is used for medicinal purposes. It was first known to be used in the Crusades to treat range of illnesses including battle wounds. It has all the qualities that are required to prove itself as the best natural herb. It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti inflammatory properties. All these properties prove hypericum’s worth in aiding topical wounds to heal and recover quickly. There are many other health benefits of St. John’s wort that we will discuss in detail.

St. John’s wort belongs to the family Hypericaceae.

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It is a shrub which has clusters of five petalled yellow flowers with many stamens. The leaves of this plant are whorled, dotted with smooth margin. Both leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The plant is believed to be native of Asia, Africa, Europe and some parts of United States. The plant is named after John the Baptist whose birthday coincides at the time when the plant is in full bloom around the end of June.

The two active components that attract so much interest are hypericin and pseudohypericin, both are present in flowers and leaves of St.

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John wort. Both are effective as an antidepressant and mood stabilizers for emotionally disturbed people. They also increase blood flow to stressed tissue. Hypericin reduces fragility of capillaries and enhances uterine muscle tone. The therapeutic properties are under research for variety of diseases, mainly depression, AIDS, cancer and sleep disorders.

St John’s Wort For Depression Treatment

Depression affects many people. The symptoms of depression present in many different forms such as sadness, hopelessness, low self esteem, reduced energy and vitality etc. Depression can result from many causes such as childhood trauma or stressful events in life.

Extracts of St. John’s wort have long been used in people suffering from mild to moderate form of depression. The chemicals present in St. John’s wort are believed to work in same way as conventional antidepressant medicines.

The advantage of St. John’s wort is that it does not produce loss of sex drive which is common with conventional antidepressants. The herb is known to raise the level of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters which help to improve a person’s mood.

Health Benefits Of St John’s Wort

• Wounds and burns: St. John’s wort oil has long been held in high esteem for treatment of all types of abrasions and wounds. It is typically useful in leg ulcers which are difficult to heal. The antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties present in the herb makes it easy for the wound to heal easily. It is useful in sunburns.
• Sleep disorders: Among the many ailments that accompany middle and old age are various sleep disorders. Insomnia and over all poor sleep are common with growing age. Research suggests St. John’s wort helps to improve a person’s sleep, especially that of older people.
• Premenstrual syndrome: Study suggests emotional problem such as cramps, breast tenderness, irritability which are common in premenstrual period are alleviated after taking St. John’s wort extract.
• Bed wetting: An infusion of the herb is useful in reducing bed wetting problems in children. It reduces anxiety and produces a level of relaxation. Add handful of dried flowers in one liter of hot water. Allow the mixture to stand for one hour. Strain and give the child half a cup before going to bed.