Brighten your spirits with St. John's Wort! It is the world's best known herbal alternative for promoting a positive mental attitude. St. John's Wort contains unique dietary ingredients, including a compound known as hypericin, which researchers believe may be responsible for its exciting, smile-inducing benefits.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, drugs to treat HIV or prevent transplant rejection, or any other prescription drug. This product should not be used if you are or could be pregnant. 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."
History and Uses:
The genus name, Hypericum, is derived from Greek and means "over an apparition," because the herb was once hung over pictures of Saint John and considered odoriferous 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, has many legendary claims attached to it. One story is said to 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 29th, the feast day commemorating the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. In the early 1900s, a beetle was introduced into the Pacific Northwest to keep this plant under control; unfortunately, however, the effects of that action are greatly felt today, since its medical usage has become so publicized. 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, hyperforin, 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, but this should always be carried out under the aegis of a physician. 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.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
There are many warnings associated with the use of St. John's Wort, as it may have potentially dangerous interactions with prescription drugs, and one should always consult a physician when taking prescription medication of any sort before using this herb. Pregnant women should avoid this product, and those who are photosensitive to light may experience an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight or may become sunburned. Some people may experience stomach upset, restlessness, mild allergic reactions or fatigue when using this herb. Although St. John's Wort is called nature's Prozac, it should not be taken by those who have chronic or clinical depression and should never be used with prescription anti-depressants or any medication that interacts with MAO inhibitors. Those who take anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, sedatives, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, high blood pressure medication (with ACE) inhibitors, drugs to treat HIV or drugs to prevent transplant rejection should not take St. John's Wort. Significant interactions include decreased efficacy of antiretrovirals, cyclosporin, tacrolimus and other chemotherapeutic agents. Do not take
St. John's Wort if you are planning to undergo any type of surgical procedure. Aside from its blood-thinning properties, the herb can intensify the effects of anesthesia, resulting in oversedation. For further information, please refer to the FDA's Public Health Advisory of 2/10/00, "Risk of Drug Interactions with St. John's Wort and Indinavir and Other Drugs."
Capsule Information:
Our St. John's Wort supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs. |
