St. John’s Wort – a home remedy to treat depression and other conditions
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St John’s wort has been used medicinally since the time of Hippocrates. Even during the Renaissance and Victorian periods in Europe and England, it was used for the treatment of mental disorders and nerve pain. It was also used as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns and insect bites.
St John’s wort is one of the four herbs that have been proven effective in reducing stress and anxiety. The other three are Licorice Root, Passion Flower and Lavender.
St John’s wort has been shown to be more effective than Prozac (according to a recent study) in treating major depressive disorders. Today it is used by many for treating depression, anxiety and sleep disorders such as insomnia or restless leg syndrome.
This herb is a bright cheerful plant with five petals and gland dotted yellow flowers. It is the flowering tops of St John’s wort that are used to prepare teas, as well as capsules and tablets containing concentrated extracts. It is often combined with valerian root when insomnia or restlessness are accompanying symptoms.
St. John’s wort health benefits are many as it used for the following conditions and problems:
• Anxiety, mild to moderate depression and nervous tension.
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Menopausal disorders as well as premenstrual syndrome PMS.
• Treating inflammation of the stomach and intestines and against internal worms.
• In homeopathy for pain relief and to combat inflammation caused by nerve damage.
• Treating locally as an antiseptic and analgesic on burns, bruises, sores and deep wounds with nerve damage.
• To treat sprains, tennis elbow and cramps.
In addition, macerated oil can be made by steeping the dried material in carrier oil such as wheat germ or olive oil. This macerated oil is then used to treat wounds and burns.
There are some occasions when you should not use this herb plus there are some actual St John’s Wort side effects:
• Not to be taken by those suffering from very severe depression or in conjunction with certain drugs such as antidepressants, birth control pills, Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Idinavir and other HIV antivirals, Irinotecan and other cancer drugs plus Warfarin and related anticoagulants. It can even clash with other herbs or supplements. It is therefore safer to contact your health care provider if you are taking other products or drugs before commencing with St John’s wort therapy.
• Internal use of St John’s wort at a high dosage may result in skin sensitizing and photo toxicity when exposed to the sun particularly in fair skinned people.
But for the most part St John’s wort is a natural home remedy for the treatment of several conditions. In many countries, it is commonly prescribed for mild depression, especially in children, adolescents, and where cost is a concern.
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Jul 15, 2010
Thanks for sharing. I have bookmarked your site to check out new stuff and posts.
Aug 30, 2010
Wow! What a purposeful life you lead taking care of a loved one who needs you. I’ve been there. It’s very draining and exhausting – physically emotionally. I myself became ill due to the stress involved – so be sure to take time out for yourself. Have at least 1 night a week that you take the evening for yourself – to play online, go to a movie w/ a friend, write a letter, watch T.V., etc. And DON’T BREAK THE DATE! Be steadfast on it! If it’s a family member, ask another family member(s) to take responsibility for this person every week on that night. Or, if it’s a boyfriend/husband, ask his family or friends to take him on this night every week. Not only will it give you something to look forward to all week long, you won’t feel like you’re abandoning anybody because that person will be well cared for that evening – you prearranged it yourself. It will also take some of the stress off of him, as he must sense that you’re becoming mentally drained and may feel like a burden to you. Have a positive outlook, but don’t over-step reality. When my father was dying of 2 terminal illnesses, I tried to keep such a ‘positive outlook’ that I talked myself right into believing that I could cure him w/ my positive reinforcement optimism. Needless to say, I could not. I’m sure I did, however, bring a bright spot into his day by always remaining positive around him. Negativity worsens any ailment, especially mental health issues. It will also lighten you up – you can’t be depressed/bummed if you’re having a positive outlook on the situation. Things will get better. Don’t lose contact w/ your good friends (good friends – the kind that don’t bring you down or constantly borrow things from you) and be open honest w/ at least one of them about how you’re feeling. Or even better – your Mom is a good confidante. Anyone who will keep their nose out of your business and not run ‘ratting’ on you to this other individual. If you have some extra money, every once in a while go shopping for a little treat for yourself, or even for this other person. Nothing extravagant – just a little token of your appreciation for all you do. Or maybe to brighten this other person’s day. I like to shop online becuz I look forward to the package arriving in the mail. And know when to say ‘when.’ It’s okay to say ‘no’ to people if you are truly too tired or too exhausted to perform another task or run another errand. Just don’t take on all of the responsibility for this person – share it with others who love him too.
May 12, 2011
Incredible posting St. John’s Wort – a home remedy to treat depression and other conditions – Amoils.com