St John's Wort Benefits
What is St John's Wort?
Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now
successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant
therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to
identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract.
>From a phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the
best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have
studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a
combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is
"hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to
temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the
nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription
antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine),
natural extracts from St. John's Wort have shown to relax and
soothe the psyche with minimal side effects
St John's Wort Benefits
St. Johns Wort today has
been found to be very beneficial in healing wounds and is
especially good for dirty, septic wounds. St. Johns Wort has
been used in case of putrid leg ulcers, that noting heals. Like
the leach that was used not too many years ago for wound
cleansing it does not destroy the healthy tissues and healthy
cells but it cleans the dirt out of septic wounds. It helps
reduce the inflammation in septic sores, in boils, in cellulite
and lymhangitis.
The compound Hypericin was isolated from St. Johns Wort in 1942
and has been used as an anti-depressant for emotionally
disturbed people. This tranquilizing quality from small
quantities hypericin increase blood flow to stressed tissue.
There is a reduced capillary fragility and enhanced uterine tone
due to the increased Hypotensive blood flow.
St John's Wort Side Effects
The use of St. Johns
Wort has been shown to demonstrate a side effect producing a
photosensitivity. Hypericin is absorbed in the intestines and
concentrates near the skin. An allergic reaction takes place
when those with light fair skin are exposed sunlight. That
exposure causes tissue damage and in some cases death has
resulted. While taking St. Johns Wort one should avoid strong
sunlight whether the skin is dark or light. There is a
photosensitizing substance produced under the skin by this
exposure to sunlight that causes the skin to burn.
Benefits
* relieves mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
* promotes restful sleep.
* improves capillary circulation.
* increases cardiac circulation.
* eases gastrointestinal distress.
* relieves discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome.
* fights retroviruses.