St John's Wort :: Holistic Healing :: Herbal Remedies :: S-Z :: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

> Holistic Healing > Herbal Remedies > S-Z > St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St John's Wort
by author Lorna Vanderhaeghe

St John's wort has the distinction of being the most-researched natural antidepressant. More than 30 double-blind placebo controlled studies world wide have shown an improvement in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and sleep irregularities.

In comparison studies, this potent herb has also proven more effective than imiprimine and amitriptyline, standard anti-depressant medications. As well, St John's wort did not cause the side effects of conventional medication (dry mouth, kidney dysfunction and drowsiness). Within weeks of use, mood improved and symptoms disappeared.

Stop Herpes Cold Sores

St John's wort also displays potent antiviral activity, helping heal cold sores herpes, cuts, scrapes and surgical wounds much quicker. Naturopath Tori Hudson states in her book Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine that the antiviral activity of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been demonstrated. Laboratory studies show that the active ingredients hypericin and pseudohypericin show strong antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus I and II as well as the flu virus, influenza A and B.

HIV and Chronic Fatigue Research

Dr Melvyn Werbach reports in Botanical Influences on Illness that St John's wort caused excitement when it was found to inhibit a variety of retro-viruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). St John's wort was also found to slow or halt the Epstein-Barr virus, commonly part of "Yuppie flu," or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Its ability to impair the virus associated with chronic fatigue and improve sleep patterns and mood makes it an excellent treatment of CFS.

Smart Medicine for Healthier Living recommends using St John's wort oil topically to speed wound healing, bruises and sprains. Simply rub the oil into the area of concern several times per day for rapid recovery.

Research is the key to validating the effectiveness of herbal remedies. St John's wort is recognized in study after study as a potent, effective treatment for depression and now as an antiviral treatment.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe is former editor-in-chief of alive magazine and Canada's Healthy Living Guide. She is an award winning author of The Immune System Cure, Nature's Way to Super-powered Health.

Source: alive #207, January 2000

Herbal Medicine in the New Millennium
As we embark upon the new millennium, herbal medicines are everywhere. Herbs one could rarely find in health food stores 10 years ago now line their shelves. It's a sign of the times.

Beauty Supplements That May Surprise You!
Beauty is linked to health. And while everything you take into your body will have an effect on your outward appearance, some foods and supplements have more influence than others.

Don't be a Worry Wort!
Anyone concerned about recent reports on St John's Wort may want to get a second opinion. On February 12, 2000 the prestigious medical journal The Lancet published results of a study by S.C.

Winter Blues
While most depression lifted as they resumed normal routines, some have persistent symptoms that require intervention. Mild to moderate depression is not incapacitating and usually improves after three to six weeks.

Fighting for Natural Health
The passion in Stefan Doll's voice, during our hour-long telephone interview, is especially evident when he talks about his St John's wort oil, winner of two Alive awards for excellence.

Mood Boosters
Some people are almost always in a good mood. They're happy, even-tempered, and always see the bright side of situations. They don't take themselves too seriously and they love to laugh. Keeping on the sunny side of life seems to come naturally..

Sunshine For the Mind
Maybe it's one of those cloudy grey days. Or maybe it's just hard to get motivated for the same old routine. Perhaps you're feeling trapped in your job or a relationship that's seen better days.

St. John's Wort
It is possible to treat moderate depression herbally, without prescription drugs. The classic herb for treating depression is St. John's wort. It is excellent for mild to some moderate cases of depression. It is the herb of choice, especially during winter.

St. John's Wort
Numerous scientific studies have focused on the use of this herbal remedy as a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. The St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) plant also has a long history of medicinal use as an anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic, antiviral, and vulnerary (enhances healing of wounds and burns).

St. John's Wort
I still get a thrill when I discover a medicinal herb thriving in forest or field. With its cheery yellow flowers, unique blood red pigment, and equally colourful history, St. John's wort is one of my favourite healing plants.

St. John's Wort
After suffering from depression for years, Kelly Martin finally decided enough was enough. He dragged himself to his doctor's office, and 10 minutes later the Calgary business manager walked away with a prescription for antidepressants.