St John's Wort

Found in many parts of the world including Europe, Asia and the US, St John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) is a bushy perennial plant with lovely yellow flowers.  It grows wild, thriving in woods, hedgerows, roadsides and meadows. The yellow flowers yield a deep red oil  - the colour comes from hypercin, a red pigment believed to be the chief active active ingredient along with hyperforin. The plant also contains flavanoids and tannins.

Some believe St John’s wort takes its name from the knights of St John of Jerusalem who used it as a wound herb on the crusade battlefields, while others suggest it is named after St John the Baptist as it was traditionally collected on St John’s Day, June 24th. Although a traditional wound herb and painkiller, it is now better known as a natural antidepressant. Indeed it is often referred to as the sunshine herb in recognition of its uplifting properties.

Ancient origins

St John’s wort has been used to treat nerve disorders for more than 2,000 years. It was popular in ancient Greece and Rome as a healing remedy for wounds, as well as sores, burns, bruises and nerve pains. It was also thought to ward off evil spirits and the insane would often drink an infusion in an attempt to ward off madness.

What are its benefits?

At least 30 studies on more than 1,700 patients show that St John’s wort can be an effective remedy for mild-to- moderate depression without the side effects of more conventional anti-depressants. It also works well in cases of long-term stress and worry - relaxing and strengthening an exhausted nervous system.

It is often prescribed to help banish seasonal affective disorder (SAD) a severe form of the winter blues thought to be bought on by the lack of sunlight that occurs in January and February. In one study comparing St John’s wort to light therapy, the researchers concluded that St John’s wort was just as effective. The herb they wrote ‘brings light into dark places’.

St John’s wort has also been shown to help increase the production of the hormone melatonin (the brain’s natural sedative) to help improve the quality of sleep. And that is not all. Many women report that taking St John’s wort for depression can help to relieve PMS symptoms. Similarly older women have found that it can relieve menopausal symptoms.

How does it work?

It is not known exactly how St John works, but it is thought that the active ingredient hypericin works by prolonging the action of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin – a deficiency of which can trigger depression.

How do I take it?

300mg (900mcg hypericin) to 900mg can be taken daily. One-a-day formulations are available. You should start to see benefits after about two weeks although it can take up to six weeks to become fully effective.

Watch points

• If you are taking prescribed medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking St John’s wort.
• Avoid during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

BREW YOUR OWN 

Here’s how to make your own infusion.  Put I teaspoon of the dried plant into a cup of boiling water, leave for five minutes and strain before drinking.

St John’s wort is found in karma - A traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of slightly low mood and mild anxiety based on traditional use only.