What is St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s wort has been used for therapeutic purposes since the period of antiquity. Its virtues have earned it many nicknames such as Saint-Jean grass, fairy grass or even the devil hunter.
This plant, which is generally found on the sides of the road and in the fields in a dry and sunny environment, can be recognized by its many small flowers with five yellow petals. St. John’s wort also has another peculiarity, it takes its name from its leaves which seem to be pierced with thousands of small holes (its botanical name is Hypericum perforatum).
What are the benefits of St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s wort has several therapeutic properties proven by clinical studies carried out with placebo:
- For example, it is used in the treatment of mild and moderate depression and the mood swings, because its effectiveness has been confirmed by around thirty controlled studies. Its antidepressant effects are more particularly linked to the hyperforin contained in the flowers of St. John’s wort.
- St. John’s wort is also used to relieve symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes or irritability.
- He can help the smoking cessation.
- St. John’s wort can also help with sleeping troublesespecially in combination with valerian.
In local applicationSt. John’s Wort has also been recognized for hundreds of years for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, mildly analgesic and healing effects on skin problems such as insect bitesof burns or some small irritations. This is due to another active ingredient, hypericin. The World Health Organization also recognizes its use for “cuts, irritations, minor burns and viral infections of the skin”.
What dosage for St. John’s wort?
St. John’s wort can be consumed in several forms:
- in capsules dry extracts or infusions, in particular for the treatment of depressive states;
- in oil in which the flowers were macerated, to apply the substance to the skin to relieve irritation and muscle pain;
- in herbal teaespecially to fight against fatigue and stress.
What are the contraindications of St. John’s wort?
The active principles of St. John’s wort can come into interaction with other drugs. This plant should therefore not be taken at the same time as certain antidepressants, anticoagulants, migraine medications or even contraceptive pills and follow the recommendations of a health professional.
Taking St. John’s wort is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women like to children under 5 years old and to transplant recipients.
In any case, it is essential to seek the advice of a doctor before starting treatment with St. John’s wort.
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