stjohn

What does St. John's Wort do?

St. John's Wort is a medicinal herb that some people take to improve their mood and treat mild depression. St. John's Wort is also used to help relieve anxiety, and nervousness. Externally, it has been used to encourage healing of wounds, burns and contusion's. It can be taken in capsules, pills, teas, tinctures, and externally as a poultice or ointment. It is usually advisable to purchase a standardized version of one of these unless buying the raw herb.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take St. John's Wort?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as St. John's Wort usage may be contraindicated: Severe Depression Currently taking an antidepressant Photosensitivity Undertaking ultraviolet or solarium treatments A tendency towards allergic reactions to other medicines, herbs, foods, dyes, or preservatives

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take St. John's Wort?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant Breast-feeding Planning to administer the herb to a child.

What else do I need to know before I use St. John's Wort?

Avoid alcohol consumption. It has been suggested that foods or substances that contain tyramine (present in some foods s.c. as wine, yogurt, cheese, ripe bananas, yeast, meat extracts, smoked or pickled meats) should be avoided. Should not be used for children under the age of 2 years old as there is no clinical data available. Solutions of St. John's Wort may stain clothing and skin

How should I take this herb?

Take St. John's Wort capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take St, John's Wort as a tincture, infusion, or tea. You can take St. John's Wort with or without food. Externally, St. John's Wort can be applied as a poultice, ointment, lotion, or tincture.

What should the dosage be?

It is usually recommended that the daily dosage for an adult should be an extract standardized to contain 0.3 percent hypericin @ 300mg 3x a day; 2-4grams of herb or 0.2-1mg of total hypericin in other forms of herbapplication; or for a tea, 2 teaspoons herb in 1 cup boiling water - steeped 10 minutes and drunk3x daily . Externally: Apply salve, poultice, oil, or ointment 1-2 x a day or as needed.

What other medicines may interact with St. John's Wort?

May interact with other prescription anti-depressants May interact with narcotics.

What side effects might I notice from taking St. John's Wort?

Side effects from correctly administered usage are thought to be rare. If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. photosensitivity or photoallergy (rare) Acute neuropathy (rare) Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Dizziness Gastrointestinal irritation Nausea Tiredness Restlessness Headaches

What do I need to watch out for with St. John's Wort?

It can take several weeks before you feel the effects of St. John's Wort. If you get suicidal thoughts, call a health care professional at once. If you get drowsy or dizzy do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially with advanced age. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What do I need to be careful of when purchasing St. John's Wort?

Read labels carefully before purchasing . There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain any of the active ingredients (bioconstituents) that give St. John's Wort it's therapeutic value.. Buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about St. John's Wort?

It is a perennial, hardy plant that grows 1-3 feet tall, and has bright yellow flowers. Crushing the flowers will produce a deep purple dye Historically, St. John's Wort usage dates as far back as the Roman period in Europe. Today in the United States its popularity as a therapeutic herb is on the rise. Numerous studies have been conducted which demonstrate its efficacy in treating mild depression, anxiety, and nervous tension. It is an herb that has gained the respect of the medical community through its repeated significant performance in clinical trials . The data collected and reviewed from these studies showed Hypericum extracts to be "significantly superior to a placebo" and "similarly effective as standard antidepressants."

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

It is not clear how Hypericum Perforatum works in its ability to treat some kinds of depression but there are several theories that are being investigated. One theory is that Hypericum Perforatum inhibits a neurotransmitter called monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol methyl-transferase (COMT). Another is that it may raise the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Still another theory suggests that Hypericum lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol or affects GABA receptors in the brain. Along with the debate on its action is also the question of which constituent is responsible. Hypericin, pseudohypericin, amentoflavone, xanthones, and hyperforin are all being investigated as the possible active ingredient or combination of ingredients.

Copyright 1999 RxList