St. John’s Wort Benefits For Your Health

In this article you will discover the major benefits of St. John’s Wort for your health.

You will learn why Saint John’s wort is the most popular herbal antidepressant available today.

St. John’s Wort, whose scientific name is “Hypericum perforatum” is popular yellow flowering herb that is native to Europe.

The beneficial herb has now spread to America, Middle East, Asia, and Russia among other regions of the world.

Hypericum perforatum has been used in the alternative medicine field for over 2,000 years. This is mainly due to its various amazing health benefits.

St. John’s Wort Health Benefits

Most of the St. John’s Wort health benefits have been scientifically proven. To give you a example of how much scientific research has been done on this herb. At present there are over 4000 published research papers on St Johns Wort(¹).

This is unlike those of many other popular herbal supplements. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the natural herbal remedy is commonly prescribed by reputable medical professionals. This informative guide is going to introduce you to the various proven St. John’s Wort health benefits.

Fighting Inflammation

The St. John’s Wort herb is a potent natural anti-inflammatory. That has the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory genes like inducible nitric-oxide synthase, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2. These genes alone are known to play a major role in the occurrence of some common chronic inflammatory diseases.

The natural herbal remedy’s anti-inflammatory properties are very important for alleviating arthritis, muscle aches, joint discomfort, and gout. According to reliable scientific studies. St. John’s Wort herb is capable of decreasing stress on the human heart and lowering blood pressure. This is due to its unique ability to lower inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Other reliable scientific studies show that the herbal remedy can be mixed with rosemary and Ginkgo biloba. This helps treat brain inflammation and its symptoms.

St John Wort for Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are two common debilitating conditions. That can be alleviated by the natural herbal remedy.

It is no secret that almost all the commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs for depression are known to cause serious side effects. This makes it important to use natural alternatives. St. John’s Wort herb is known to cure the disorder without causing any serious negative effects.

St. John’s Wort has been widely used as a natural treatment option for anxiety and depression for thousands of years. This is because the herbal plant contains effective antidepressant compounds. These work to delay or inhibit the reuptake of certain essential neurotransmitters. (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine)

According to a scientific study published in the “Annals of Family Medicine” medical journal. St. John’s Wort herb is just as effective as the standard pharmaceutical antidepressants in improving mood. Thus, also alleviating both anxiety and depression. This is thanks to the herb’s pseudohypericin, hyperforin and hypericin compounds.

Preventing Cancer

The St. John’s Wort herb contains powerful antioxidant compounds. That work effectively to destroy any harmful free radicals. That are present in the human body. Some of these free radicals are known to cause cancer. Thus; making the herbal remedy an ideal natural anti-cancer agent.

According to a recent study published in the “Cell and Molecular Neurobiology” scientific journal. St. John’s Wort herb can be taken to prevent and even treat leukemia(²) (cancer of the blood).

Another scientific study also revealed that the natural herbal remedy has the ability to treat both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer cells(³). This is due to its unique angiogenesis (the formation and actual growth of cells) inhibiting properties.

Addressing Multiple Mental Problems

Reliable scientific studies also indicate that the St. John’s Wort herb contains significant amounts of hypericin and hyperforin.

These two compounds increase the production of essential brain neurotransmitters. (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) Through this, the natural herbal remedy, works to boost overall nervous system functions.

According to a scientific study published in the “Brain Pathology” journal. The herbal remedy can protect the brain from the beta-amyloid plaques. These are known to cause Alzheimer’s disease. St. John’s Wort can also prevent and even treat Parkinson’s disease. This is thanks to the herb’s antioxidant compounds. That help with neural degeneration and its ability to raise the brain’s dopamine levels.

Another study carried out at the “Dean Foundation for Health Research and Education” proved that the herbal remedy can improve overall “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)” symptoms(⁴) .

St John Wort For Pain

According to a study that published in the “Phytomedicine” medical journal. St. John’s Wort herb can easily block the pain receptors that are usually involved in migraines.

This alone makes the herb an ideal natural treatment option for migraines. Mixing the herb with mullein and calendula has also been proven to cure the ear infections (otitis media) that usually causes ear pain.

St. John’s Wort’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can treat gout, muscle spasms, and joint pain. The topical application of the natural herbal remedy during pregnancy. Has been shown to reduce the pain and inflammation that accompanies pregnancy.

Relieving PMS Symptoms

Menopause and pre-menstrual syndrome are two major periods in a woman’s life that are marked by ‘irritating’ mood swings. Certain chemical compounds found in the St. John’s Wort herb have been shown to reduce the anxiety and mood swings in menopausal women.

But to also reduce depression, pre-menstrual irritation, and cramping that accompanies it. A scientific study that was done in the UK “Institute of Psychological sciences,” revealed that the herb can naturally alleviate common PMS symptoms. These include hormonal imbalance, chronic fatigue, and depression.

St John’s Wort Benefits Skin

Healing of wounds, burns, and bruises just some of this herbs benefits for the skin. The topical application of the potent herbal remedy has been shown to speed up the healing process of scrapes, wounds, bruises and burns. This is thanks to the herb’s ability to increase circulation to the skin cells.

St. John’s Wort can be topically applied to address various common skin disorders. These include eczema, psoriasis, acne and skin irritations to name a few. This is often attributed to the herb’s potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

CONCLUSION

St. John’s Wort is generally considered to be a safe, natural herbal remedy. However side effects can sometimes including stomach upset, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and irritability.

The herb also has the ability to interact with certain medications. Hence; should only be taken after consulting a licensed herbalist or qualified health practitioner.