St. John’s wort: Effectiveness and Interesting Facts

Real St. John’s wort is a natural remedy for mild depression and injuries. We explain what effect St. John’s wort has and what you need to know.

St. John’s wort: Effectiveness & How to use it

When taken orally, St. John’s wort has a mood-lifting effect. When used as an oil it is anti-inflammatory.

To take it, it must be administered in high doses to develop its effect. Corresponding ready-to-use medicines are available as capsules, dragées, tablets, tea preparation, juice, oil (red oil) or drops in the pharmacy, depending on the area of application. In any case, standardised medicines from the pharmacy should be used, as this is the only way to ensure the correct dosage. Over-the-counter preparations from supermarkets are often dosed too low. The oil for the treatment of the skin can be produced by oneself.

St. John’s wort can be used for:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nervous restlessness
• Mild depressions
• Temporary mental exhaustion
• Mild complaints of the gastrointestinal tract

External use with:

• Smaller wounds
• Injuries
• Burns

The usage and dosage should be discussed with the doctor or pharmacist!

St. John’s wort: Effect on depression

The antidepressant and calming effect of St. John’s wort can probably be attributed to the ingredients hyperforin and hypericin. Their mechanism of action has not yet been fully clarified. However, it is assumed that the availability of the messenger substances dopamine, noradrenaline, melatonin and dopamine is regulated.

The intake and application is only appropriate in cases of mild to moderate depression and should in any case be carried out under medical supervision. St. John’s wort is only effective after a long period of use, so it is necessary to discuss with the doctor whether the natural remedy is suitable.

In cases of severe or even chronic depression, St. John’s wort is insufficient as a treatment and therefore dangerous.

Do you generally feel stressed and restless? Then we have tips and methods here to help you reduce stress.

St. John’s wort: Effect on the skin

St. John’s wort oil – also known as red oil – has an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore it can be used for smaller wounds, burns and injuries. It can also be used for dry and scaly skin. In some studies the positive effects on neurodermatitis have also been shown.

Side effects

• High blood pressure, restlessness
• Allergic reactions of the skin
• Headache
• Skin redness, symptoms of sun allergy, light sensitivity of the skin (special caution for persons with light skin type)
• Stomach problems such as flatulence, nausea, diarrhoea

Interactions

St. John’s wort can interfere with and diminish the effect of other medicines, so special care must be taken when taking the following medicines at the same time:

• Hormonal contraceptives such as the contraceptive pill
• Drugs for cardiac arrhythmia, cardiovascular diseases, asthma or for elevated blood lipid levels
• Blood thinner
• Medication for the heart

In any case you should consult the doctor!

Who may not use St. John’s wort

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding
• Children (under 12 years)
• Adolescents (only on doctor’s recommendation)
• Patients after organ transplants

St. John’s wort should never be used in combination with these products:

• Cytostatic drugs (cancer drug)
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Various AIDS / HIV drugs
• Antidepressants