St. John’s Wort – What is it for and Side Effects!

St. John ‘s wort is an excellent antidepressant, for some people, however, like most herbs, it also has its contraindications.

It’s always the same dilemma – but, it’s a plant, so it must be harmless to health! And, we forget that hemlock (that famous one, whose tea killed the philosopher in Athens), is also a plant, very common in European countryside, and, worse, very similar to others. Just look at the confusion it can cause if you don’t know the herb you want to use for your health or kitchen.

What is St. John’s Wort for?

1. For Skin:

Lesions, burns and skin irritations caused by minor cuts can be healed with the application of St. John’s wort oil . Creams are also available to treat these problems, but oils work best at providing relief without leaving a scar. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb work on the skin to offer some relief from these irritating conditions.

2. For Depression:

Research and studies in European countries have found that St. John’s wort  works as an excellent herbal alternative to chemical antidepressants. It can be used to treat mild to moderate depression .

It has fewer side effects than many other antidepressants, which is what makes it so popular in countries like the US. But it’s important to remember that if you’re suffering from acute depression , it’s always best to seek medical advice before self-medication.

3. St. John’s Wort Controls Anxiety:

Anxiety is not a new problem in the world. Major events, life-changing decisions, psychological imbalances – many of these situations can make you anxious! For many people, this condition can be fatal, especially for middle-aged and elderly people.

Young adults and teenagers are also not spared by Anxiety. Some studies have indicated that St. John’s wort  may offer anxiety relief. Research is still in the early stages, although many people already attest to this herb’s ability to fight Anxiety.

4. Keeps Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Under Control:

People who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, often deal with anxiety. Therefore, many people can use St. John’s wort  to get relief from OCD symptoms.

St. John’s Wort Slimming?

Because it has a calming property , St. John’s wort can be an ally in weight loss, as it helps to reduce anxiety, which can contribute to binge eating. However, it is worth remembering that promoting weight loss is not the main objective of St.

Drug interactions:

Interacts with many medications, and should not be taken in combination with several, including: anxiety medications, medications that increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, estrogen-containing contraceptives, medications that increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, medications that are metabolized by the liver , HIV/AIDS medications, pain relievers, sedatives, among many others. Due to these reactions, always consult your doctor before starting to make sure that it will not adversely interact with any other medication you may be taking.

How to Take St. John’s Wort :

John’s wort extract  should be taken orally, with doses ranging between 200 and 300 mg daily. The long-term safety of the extract has not been established, so it should not be taken for a long time. When you are going to stop taking the extract, do not remove it all at once, as this can cause unpleasant effects. Decrease the dose gradually until you can stop completely.

What is the Recommended Daily Amount?

The recommended amount varies greatly depending on the problem. Those with depression may need to take up to two capsules a day if they opt for a St. John’s wort supplement. Those who will use it for other benefits such as weight loss or digestion may usually only need one capsule.

And that’s where medical support can help a lot: it will be he who will indicate the most recommended amount for your problem, thus avoiding any type of negative symptom. As with any product, no matter how natural, side effects can arise, as we will explain below.

John’s wort side effects :

It is important to remember that excessive use of St. John’s wort can cause severe side effects such as:

• Anxiety problems, going against depression help . Serious symptoms can occur in this regard, especially if there is abuse at the time of use, exceeding the average safe value, which is up to 300mg per day.
• In rarer cases, intense aggression may occur. This effect is more common in people prone to the problem. Therefore, if you have a history of any disease in this regard, you should consult a doctor before opting for supplementation. Although rare, this side effect is quite dangerous. Therefore, anyone who is already undergoing treatment for depression or any other mental health problem should consult a doctor before any supplementation with St. John’s wort.
• Problems such as stomach pains and difficulty going to the bathroom can also occur. Excess of the herb can also cause diarrhea and nausea.

Finally, it is important to remember that St. John’s wort should not be consumed in combination with other medications, such as painkillers and sedatives. This use together can cause severe effects or even lessen the effects of these remedies.

Conclusions:

We concluded with our research on St. John’s Wort that it is excellent for health, as long as it is used in the correct dosages. This care is essential to avoid any type of side effect and to ensure adequate results.

If in doubt, consult a doctor and present the product to him. Overall, if you opt for over-the-counter supplements, it’s important to follow the instructions and never exceed the recommended dosage.