St. John's Wort is also known by the names Saint Joan's Wort, Klamath Weed, Goat Weed, Tipton Weed, Amber, Hypericum, Hypericum Perforatum, Hypericum Spray, and St Johnswort. This herb is native to Europe. The parts of this plant most often used medicinally include the above ground portions (flowers, leaves, and stem). The genus name Hypericum is from Greek and means "over an apparition" as the herb was once considered odiferous enough to cause evil spirits to depart. The species name perforatum refers to the tiny oil filled perforated holes in the plant. The name Saint John's Wort is said to be in honor of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem who used this herb to treat battlefield wounds. Because the hypericin content produces a bright red hue, the herb is often associated with blood, and is often collected on June 24th, the feast day of John the Baptist (the date he was beheaded). In the early 1900's, a beetle was introduced into the Pacific Northwest to keep this plant under control. Unfortunately, the effects of that action are greatly felt today, since the usefulness of this plant has led to great popularity. St. John's Wort is currently used to treat mild to moderate depression. This herb is most often noted as being astringent, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, vermifuge, and vulnerary. The primary chemical constituents of St. John's Wort include hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforing, flavonoids (Quercetin, quercetrin, Rutin), essential oil (carophyllene, pinene, limonene, myrcene), carotene, vitamin C, tannin, and resin. Studies suggest that hypericin may have monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties, though this is not the only way that the herb works. St. John's Wort also appears to influence brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, and preliminary studies suggest that it may inhibit functioning of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It may take a couple of months of use before one experiences the full benefits of the herb's antidepressant properties. Saint John's Wort oil, made only from the fresh plant, is a beautiful shade of red and is used to treat bruises, burns, wounds, back pain, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, sunburn, tumors, herpes and nerve pain. St John's Wort also loosens phlegm relieving a variety of respiratory problems including bronchitis. The common name St. John's Wort includes the species Hypericum formosum, which is used interchangeably with Hypericum perforatum.
WARNING: St. John's Wort can have potentially dangerous interactions with some prescription drugs. Consult your physician before taking St. John's Wort if you are currently taking anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications, drugs to treat HIV or prevent transplant rejection, or any other prescription drug. This product is not recommended for use if you are or could be pregnant unless a qualified health care provider tells you to use it. The product may not be safe for your developing baby. Please also review the FDA Public Health Advisory (02/10/00) - "Risk of Drug Interactions with St. John's Wort and Indinavir and Other Drugs." |
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Lobelia is also known by the names Indian Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Emetic Herb, Emetic Weed, Asthma Weed, Rag Root, Vomit Wort, Pukeweed, and Bladderpod. The herb is named after the botanist Matthias de Lobel, a native of Lille, who died in London in 1616. The common name Lobelia also includes the species Lobelia siphilitica, Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia chinensis, all of which are used interchangeably with Lobelia inflata. Lobelia is native to North America, and was both chewed and smoked by Native Americans. The root of Lobelia was used by the Iroquois Indians to treat syphilis, hence the species name "siphilitica". This herb was also placed in the bed of quarreling couples to help them regain their love. The plant was also known to the Penobscot Indians, and was widely used in New England long before the time of Samuel Thomson, who is credited with its discovery. It was brought into general professional use by Cutler of Massachusetts. The leaves of this plant are used primarily, because the seeds and root are more potent, and are considered more likely to cause side effects. Lobelia was frequently used by midwives as a sedative, for its muscle relaxing effects, in preparation for childbirth. Today, Lobelia is used as an effective blood cleanser, and also to treat a variety of respiratory problems. As one of the most useful muscle relaxants, Lobelia is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. It is used as an expectorant, expelling phlegm from the lungs, and relieving congestion that is typically related to asthma and bronchitis. Lobelia has also been known to reduce cold and flu symptoms, suppress coughing, and stimulate perspiration, cooling down the body to help break fevers. Lobelia is considered beneficial for treating mild depression, reducing inflammation and pain, easing muscle tension, and calming the nerves. It also acts as a mild laxative for alleviating constipation. Lobelia is often used as a tobacco substitute to help those who wish to quit smoking - the alkaloid Lobeline mimics the effects of nicotine. It has long been used to treat poisonous stings and bites. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include piperidine alkaloids (lobeline, isolobeline), lobelic acid, chelidonic acid, glycoside (lobelacrin), essential oil, resins, and fats. The activity of Lobelia is dependent upon a liquid alkaloid first isolated by Proctor in 1838, who named it "lobeline". Lobelia also contains gum, resin, chlorophyll, fixed oil, lignin, and salts of lime and potassium, along with ferric oxide. Lobelia may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their effectiveness. |
