The bright yellow flower of the St Johns Wort (hypericum perforatum) with it's ray-like petals, represents the power of the sun that forces away the darkness. This already points to the anti-depressant effects of the St Johns Wort which are highly respected, even in conventional medicine.
St. John's Wort, a perennial plant, has been used for hundreds of years to treat depression, unrest and anxiety disorders as well as nerve pain. For a long time, doctors and herbalists alike have known about its use as a sedative, but also as treatment for wounds, burns, insect bites, stomach ulcers and more. It is still used widely today and it's effectiveness has been proven to a point where some insurance companies are now covering the treatment.
It is not a powerful drug -- when used to treat depression -- in the sense of bringing a quick recovery, but shows excellent long term results in many patients. The herb assists body and soul in the healing process and helps to build a solid foundation for a complete recovery.
St John's Wort was tested in a double-blind study of 105 male and female patients in the 20 to 64 year age group, suffering from mild to moderate depression. They were divided into two groups and monitored over a period of four weeks. One group were given 300mg of St Johns Wort extract three times daily, and the other received a placebo. All of the patients had psychiatric evaluations before the start of the study and after four weeks of treatment. The results revealed that, 67% of the St Johns Wort group had responded positively to the treatment without any adverse side effects whereas only 28% of the placebo group showed any signs of improvement.
St Johns Wort is available as tea (flowers and leaves), liquid extracts and pills or capsules. It is normally taken thrice daily and it will take one week or more to notice any improvement in the condition. Treatment can be continued for long periods of time as the herb does not normally produce any side effects. But St Johns Wort can interact strongly with other medication e.g. cancer and HIV drugs, contraceptive pills and others. So it is vitally important to consult a medical specialist first before starting a course of treatment.
One effect of St Johns Wort is, that it makes the skin more sensitive to light. It is therefore important to keep out of the sun as much as possible while using the herb.
There is growing evidence to suggest that St. Johns Wort is a safe and effective, natural remedy for the treatment of mild to medium depression.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.
Mireille Gautschi is a qualified Flower Essence Therapist and Herbalist who has many years experience with the developement of natural herbal remedies. Her products can be found on the Hillside Herbal Products website that also offers a very informative newsletter.
On February 3, 2005 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration... Read More
What is depression?Depression is a serious medical illness; it's not... Read More
It seems unreal, another major storm hitting Florida after experiencing... Read More
The 'experts' have tried to evaluate me as a sufferer... Read More
I'm sure at times of deep crisis many of you... Read More
When suffering from clinical depression, people have different ways of... Read More
There are many things that happen within the body when... Read More
There are Many Resources for Online Suicide HelpFirst of all,... Read More
On July 18, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)... Read More
Depression is a condition which affects about 15% of the... Read More
Psychological well-being is something that we all have a right... Read More
Many of us feel depressed at one time or another,... Read More
Lifetime Prevalence of Depression and the Age-of-Onset Report Distributions of... Read More
Schizophrenia suffers around the world have benefitted greatly with the... Read More
Typical signs of depression actually show a change in the... Read More
Cardiologists, other doctors and long term care staff might be... Read More
Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Depression are absolutely systemic in our... Read More
When artiste Leslie Cheung committed suicide, he left behind a... Read More
There's a dangerous illness afflicting women everywhere across the nation.... Read More
A major survey on depression symptoms from the National Mental... Read More
Depression is a serious issue. There are simply hundreds of... Read More
With the next few weeks, the FDA is expected to... Read More
Katie came as close as is possible to having it... Read More
Approximately 19 million American adult workers allow depression to limit... Read More
Within the next few weeks, the FDA is expected to... Read More
Why are these illnesses on the rise? And why do... Read More
What is Stigma? Stigma is the use of stereotypes and... Read More
A new research study has again shown that a diet... Read More
It has just been announced, after a study by a... Read More
FDA confirms some antidepressants increase suicide risk in some children.... Read More
There is one very simple reason for all emotional depression.In... Read More
Depression is something that will occur in many people's lives,... Read More
Depression, in psychiatry, is a symptom of mood disorder characterized... Read More
Cardiologists, other doctors and long term care staff might be... Read More
When artiste Leslie Cheung committed suicide, he left behind a... Read More
When suffering from clinical depression, people have different ways of... Read More
August in Florida has a daily ritual that Floridians take... Read More
Many of us feel depressed at one time or another,... Read More
Within the next few weeks, the FDA is expected to... Read More
Having lived with a depressed partner for 3 years and... Read More
Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Depression are absolutely systemic in our... Read More
What do you do when your fears and depression are... Read More
According to the June 7th issue of the Wall Street... Read More
Looking to improve your mood?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author... Read More
Unfortunately, millions of Americans currently suffer from the debilitating effects... Read More
As a counselor, I am often asked, "Can drugs be... Read More
Depression is something that will occur in many people's lives,... Read More
Depression strikes most of us and it can make us... Read More
There are Many Resources for Online Suicide HelpFirst of all,... Read More
The bright yellow flower of the St Johns Wort (hypericum... Read More
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a... Read More
I heard about a woman who was suffering from depression,... Read More
Winter time is depression time for many women. Perhaps it... Read More
IntroductionChange in social and economical states throughout the world although... Read More
The cover of the March 7, 2005 issue of Business... Read More
Depression is a condition which affects about 15% of the... Read More
According to the World Health Organization, 4 of the 10... Read More
For those who face depression, every day of their lives... Read More
Psychological well-being is something that we all have a right... Read More
Millions of people, especially in the United States, are currently... Read More
Everyone has days when they are down, worn out and... Read More
If you have been diagnosed with depression or feel that... Read More
Long term care facilities and residents' doctors should consider combining... Read More
Depression can have many, many faces. If you are not... Read More
We all have days when we are down, worn out... Read More
There are three basic ways to treat depression: psychotherapy, self-help,... Read More
Depression |