St. John’s wort is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Other names include St. John’s wort, St. John’s wort, and St. John’s wort. So what are the benefits of saints herb, how to use it, and the most important caveats when using it.

What is the herb of saints

St. John’s wort is commonly used as a natural remedy for depression, anxiety and loss of appetite, as well as for insomnia and other common health problems.

Europe is the original home of St. John’s wort, and it is also commonly found in the United States of America and Canada. It has been known to use this herb in the production of many pharmaceutical products.

Where is the herb of saints

St. John’s wort is available in many forms including teas, capsules, tablets, tinctures, and oil-based skin care lotions. You can also find it in powdered, or cut forms.

Benefits of saints herb

St. John’s wort was commonly used to treat many conditions, such as symptoms of hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Among its most prominent benefits are:

1. Treat infections

One of the benefits of St. John’s wort is that it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used topically in order to relieve symptoms of dermatitis such as eczema, and symptoms associated with mild wounds. It can also be used to treat hemorrhoids naturally.

This was confirmed by the results of a study conducted in 2003 at the Department of Dermatology at the University Clinic of Freiburg, Germany. Where 18 people with eczema were treated using the herb twice a day, for a period of four weeks, which led to a significant improvement in the treatment sites.

2. Support smoking cessation

The use of St. John’s wort may enhance smoking cessation efforts, by reducing tobacco withdrawal symptoms and mitigating negative effects. Where some researchers believe that the herb is able to inhibit monoamine oxidase A and B, and also helps the absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine, which in turn leads to a reduction in symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

3. Cancer prevention

The flowers and leaves of the herb contain the compound hyperforin, which some recent evidence has confirmed to be effective in inhibiting cancer such as skin cancer. Which may make it a promising treatment, which needs more studies to confirm its results in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

The benefits of the herb saints in the treatment of depression

The use of St. John’s wort helps treat symptoms of mild and moderate depression and anxiety, and what distinguishes it is that its side effects are less than the side effects of most other antidepressants, such as loss of sex drive.

Despite this, the use of saints herb may interact with the use of some types of medical drugs, so you should consult a doctor before using it as a treatment, especially if you are already taking antidepressants.

Some researchers theorize that the herb may work similarly to an SSRI, because it delivers more serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine into the brain. Thus improving mood and treating symptoms of depression such as seasonal affective disorder resulting from lack of sunlight, and social anxiety disorders.

Treating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder that results in the person suffering from it being unable to control their thoughts or activities. One study indicated the success of using St. John’s wort in improving the condition of obsessive-compulsive disorder, after 12 people with it were treated using a fixed dose of 450 milligrams twice a day. This led to a significant improvement in symptoms within one week of starting treatment.

The side effects that have been reported have been diarrhea and sleep disturbance, and although the old herb can be used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, more studies are still needed to confirm these results.

Benefits of saints herb for women

A study conducted at the Institute of Psychological Sciences in England, which included 36 women ranging in age from 18 years to 45 years, indicated that the use of St. John’s wort helped improve the physical and behavioral symptoms of PMS, when a dose of 900 milligrams per day was used And for two menstrual cycles.

Some evidence also indicated that the herb could be used to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, when used with some black cohosh extract.

How to use the herb saints

• Treating mild depression: According to a number of scientific studies and research, the typical dose for adults is about 300 mg in capsule form by mouth, 3 times daily with meals.
• Psoriasis treatment: You can use St. John’s wort topically on the skin twice a day for 4 weeks.
• Treating menopausal symptoms: 300 mg can be taken once a day for about 3 months in order to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Another study indicated the use of St. John’s wort extract (containing 0.2 mg / ml hypericin) at a dose of 20 drops 3 times a day for two months.
• Treating minor wounds: You can use 20% of the herb in Vaseline on the affected skin three times a day, for a period that may take 16 days.

pediatric doses

And for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in children: A dose ranging from 150 mg to 300 mg of the herb can be used by mouth three times a day for two months, for children between the ages of 6 to 17 years.

Warning: You should not suddenly stop taking the St. John’s wort dose, as this may lead to possible side effects, so be sure to reduce the dose slowly over time, when you want to stop taking it. You should also consult a doctor before using the herb in order to determine the appropriate dose for you, and to avoid any possible side effects.

When does St John’s Wort take effect?

It may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, until you start to feel an improvement in your symptoms. But you should consult a doctor before use in order to determine the appropriate dose according to the case.

Notice: Saints herb may be useful in treating some medical conditions, but it should be noted that it can interact with some other medications, which can cause serious side effects, so a doctor should be consulted before using the herb.

St. John’s wort side effects

St. John’s wort is safe when taken by mouth in moderate doses, for up to 12 weeks. But its side effects may include:

• Insomnia
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• dizziness;
• Skin rash
• tingling feeling

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the use of St. John’s wort, or severe skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight.

Women may also be at risk of severe skin sensitivity even when taking the usual, moderate doses of the herb. So be sure to apply sunscreen when you go out, especially for those with fair skin.

drug interactions

St. John’s wort may cause dangerous interactions with some medications. This is why France has banned the use of the herb in products. Also, the plant is not available in some other countries, except by prescription only.

Therefore, a doctor should be consulted before using St. John’s wort with any kind of medical medication. Among the types of these drugs:

• Antidepressants
• Some chemotherapy drugs
• Some immunosuppressive drugs
• photosensitivity drugs
• Blood thinners
• Contraceptive pills
• Medications that are changed and broken down by the liver

Cautions when using

• St. John’s wort is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women
• They are not recommended for use by people with Alzheimer’s disease, as they may worsen the condition.
• Not recommended for use by people with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
• The herb may cause psychosis in some people with schizophrenia.

St. John’s wort might affect serotonin levels in the brain, which could interfere with surgical procedures. Therefore, it must be discontinued at least two weeks before the surgery.