St. John’s Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum (the botanical name) or the “natural prozac”, is a perennial shrub grown throughout the world. It is most abundant in America and Europe. St. John’s Wort has developed a positive reputation for its main use in relieving mild to moderate depression, while helping to maintain mood and stress levels, stabilize emotions, and detoxifying the body.
St. John’s Wort works by effectively causing chemical reactions in the brain and increasing secretions on a calming substance in the body. When St. John’s Wort detoxifies the body, it can actively assist in fighting off a variety of viruses. For individuals not having symptoms of depression, St. John’s Wort can also be used to improve overall mental clarity and alertness, while reducing amounts of stress.
Studies show that St. John’s Wort has also been shown to fight infections. When applied topically to the skin, it can fight bacteria and help heal the skin. Also, St. John’s Wort has shown positive results for reducing inflammation by repairing nerve damage and reducing pain.
St. Johns Wort should be used at a dosage of 300mg three times a day to help relieve high levels of stress. The use of St. Johns Wort may take up to 2-4 weeks before results will be seen and it is recommended that it be taken as directed. Large amounts of St. Johns Wort may cause some people to become more sensitive to the sun. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, St. Johns Wort is not recommended.
