St johns wort
one of the best herbs for mood elevation
is st. John's wort. Several
controlled studies have shown positive
results in treating patients with mild to
moderate depression. Improvement was
shown with symptoms of sadness,
helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety,
headache and exhaustion with no reported
side effects.
Its action is based on the ability of the
active ingredient, hypericin to inhibit
the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the
brain. The herb also inhibits monoamine
oxidase (mao) and works as a serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (sri); both are actions
similar to drugs prescribed for
depression. In germany, nearly half of
depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders
are treated with hypericin. St.
John's wort should not be taken with any
other antidepressants, it is not effective
for severe depression, and no one should
stop taking any prescribed medications for
depression without proper medical care.
St. John's wort has been administered
in the treatment of many illnesses. The
most well known action of st. John's
wort is in repairing nerve damage and
reducing pain and inflammation. The
herb has been used to relieve menstrual
cramping, sciatica, and arthritis. It
has a favorable action on the secretion of
bile and thus soothes the digestive
system.
The blossoms have been used in folk
medicine to relieve ulcers, gastritis,
diarrhea and nausea. St. John's wort
can also be effective in the treatment of
incontinence and bed-wetting in children.
Externally it is used on cuts as a
disinfectant and to relieve inflammation
and promote healing. The oil can be
applied to sprains, bruises and varicose
veins. Folk medicine has also has used
it as a treatment for cancer.
The active constituents in the herb (there
are over 50) include hypericin and
pseudohypericin, flavonoids, tannins and
procyanidins. The tannins are
responsible for the astringent effect for
wound healing. Hypericin increases
capillary blood flow and is a mao
inhibitor.
There are many studies documenting the
clinical effects of hypericum as an
antidepressant treatment similar to
several synthetic antidepressants, but
with a minimum of side effects.
Hypericin has been demonstrated to
increase theta waves in the brain.
Theta waves normally occur during sleep
and have been associated with deep
meditation, serene pleasure and heightened
creative activity. St. John's wort
effectually may improve perception and
clarify thinking processes.
Natural healing herbs for better health
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