Natural Healing Herbs
Healing Herbs And Their Uses
St Johns Wort
St. John's Wort is said to be helpful in relieving mild to moderate cases of depression and, in fact, has been used for centuries to treat mental problems as well as help with nerve pain. It has sedative properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used topically to help heal burns, cuts and insect bites. Today it is often used to help with sleep disorders as well as depression and anxiety.
You can buy this herb in capsule form, or drink it as a tea. When buying the herb, be sure you get the flowering tops and buy from a reputable source. The plant is shrub like and has clusters of yellow flowers and can be found growing all over the US as well as Europe and Asia. The element that makes it so effective is hypericin so if you are buying a powder, pill or tincture, you should make sure you get one that is standardized to have 0.3% hypericin.
There have been many studies done on the effectiveness of St. Johns Wort in relieving symptoms of depression and, in fact, this was once the most commonly purchased herb due to its reputation for relieving anxiety and depression. However, some recent studies have shown that the herb was only as effective as a placebo and some say its reputation as a depression reliever is unfounded. Be that as it may, if you want to use this herb you'll need to talk to your doctor because it can interact with other medications.
This herb also may have promise in treating other problems. Laboratory studies showed that it was useful in fighting infections of bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics and there is some promise that it may inhibit the growth of the HIV virus which causes AIDS. Studies also show it might be effective in relieving symptoms of PMS as well as improving the mood of those that have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) when used with light therapy. Additionally, it can help heal wounds, burns and even hemorrhoids.
The side effects from St. John's wort include hives or rashes, stomach ache, dizziness, mental confusion, headache and dry mouth. It can also make your skin sensitive to sunlight but this is rare. As with any herb, consult your doctor before adding it to your health regime.
You can buy this herb in capsule form, or drink it as a tea. When buying the herb, be sure you get the flowering tops and buy from a reputable source. The plant is shrub like and has clusters of yellow flowers and can be found growing all over the US as well as Europe and Asia. The element that makes it so effective is hypericin so if you are buying a powder, pill or tincture, you should make sure you get one that is standardized to have 0.3% hypericin.
There have been many studies done on the effectiveness of St. Johns Wort in relieving symptoms of depression and, in fact, this was once the most commonly purchased herb due to its reputation for relieving anxiety and depression. However, some recent studies have shown that the herb was only as effective as a placebo and some say its reputation as a depression reliever is unfounded. Be that as it may, if you want to use this herb you'll need to talk to your doctor because it can interact with other medications.
This herb also may have promise in treating other problems. Laboratory studies showed that it was useful in fighting infections of bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics and there is some promise that it may inhibit the growth of the HIV virus which causes AIDS. Studies also show it might be effective in relieving symptoms of PMS as well as improving the mood of those that have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) when used with light therapy. Additionally, it can help heal wounds, burns and even hemorrhoids.
The side effects from St. John's wort include hives or rashes, stomach ache, dizziness, mental confusion, headache and dry mouth. It can also make your skin sensitive to sunlight but this is rare. As with any herb, consult your doctor before adding it to your health regime.
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