Andrew Chevallier
See book keywords and concepts |
 A 1993 hospital-based research study in Austria showed that it is every bit as effective as conventional treatments, and unlike many of them has a very low incidence of side effects.
St. john's wort is an example of how modern research often confirms what has been known for centuries to herbal practitioners. Today's practitioners, however, have one important advantage — the method by which the plant works within the body is now better understood, so that it is possible to be precise about dosages, aware of side effects, and confident in what form the herb should be taken as a medicine. |
| When the whole plant is used rather than extracted constituents, the different parts interact, often, it is thought, producing a greater therapeutic effect than the equivalent dosage of isolated active constituents
St. John's wort's traditional use as a remedy for nervous exhaustion and depression has been confirmed by clinical trials. generally preferred in conventional medicine.
Increasingly, research shows that herbs such as ephedra (Ephedra sinica, p. 93), hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha, p. 86), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba, p. 98), and lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis, p. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
See book keywords and concepts |
 Brand name
Herbs or active constituents
IND
Rank A
RankB
TRx
T€ per
(dosage form)
(preparations)
HHHHB year
Legalon (C)
Milk thistle fruits (E)
E
76
1718
89
4535
Ginkgo Stada (T)
Ginkgo biloba leaves (E)
A
77
1741
87
2071
Carminativum-
Chamomile flowers (E)
E
78
1753
87
572
Hetterich N (L)
Peppermint leaves (E) Caraway (E) Fennel (E)
Bitter orange peel (E)
Texx (T)
St. |
Andrew Chevallier
See book keywords and concepts |
| Fortunately, as more and more research reveals just how effective herbal medicines can be, this attitude is beginning to change.
St. john's wort (Hypericum perforatum, p. 104) is a native European herb, valued for its healing properties. In his Herball (1597), John Gerard commended the oil as "a most pretious remedie for deep wounds and those that are thorow the body, for the deep sinuses that are prickt, or any wound made with a venomed weapon ... / know that in the world there is not a better [italics added]." Four centuries later, in a contemporary trial, St. |
American Medical Publishing
See book keywords and concepts |
| Many natural substances may work as well, or better, including St. john's wort.
But how about a common sense approach to fighting depression, rather than turning to a pill? Maybe it's best to just keep it simple. If you feel bad — that's it then — you just feel bad. Don't go out and pay a psychologist $50 per hour for six months to reach the same conclusion, or experiment with Prozac and its 252 side effects! Just acknowledge it without trying to draw any deep meaning from it. You know how you feel. |
Dr. John Heinerman
See book keywords and concepts |
 Giving a dog some fluid extract of St. john's wort (10-20 drops daily) or several capsules (3) of valerian root may help to prevent the continuation of this problem. Making sure the animal is happy and never left alone for very long are of equal consideration here. Providing an ample number of chewable toys is another way of alleviating this situation.
So Human an Animal
Scientists engaged in the study of certain species of animals around the world have reported seeing a surprising number of human characteristics in many of them. |
American Medical Publishing
See book keywords and concepts |
| Many natural substances may work as well, or better, including St. john's wort.
No 22 - Amoxil - Another penicillin antibiotic.
Biggest danger is allergic reaction, which can be minor, or a serious as death. This drug can counter the effects of oral contraceptives. If you don't want to get pregnant, don't take this drug while you are on the pill. Allergic reactions are made stronger by beta-blockers. May increase the effect of blood thinners, such as aspirin. If you take the drug with fruit juice or a carbonated beverage, it will not be effective. |
Dr. John Heinerman
See book keywords and concepts |
| Tincture of St. john's wort (six drops to one-half cup water) relaxes a feline or torn. Skullcap herb (one capsule emptied into food and mixed) calms the nervous system. Formulas containing valerian and hops or nutrients such as essential amino acids and B-complex vitamins regulate hyperactivity, aggression, and mood disorders in cats. (See Product Appendix under Holistic Animal Care.)
Animal Therapy Good for People
A great deal of research has been done with the effects of animal companionship on the elderly. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| PHARMACOLOGY
St john's wort extracts (primarily of the flowering tops) have shown a wide variety of effects in experimental and clinical studies. Some of the activities demonstrated include:1,2
• antidepressant effects
• antiviral effects
• antibiotic effects
• increased healing of wounds and burns. Antidepressant activity
Among the different biological hypotheses for depression, the biogenic amine hypothesis is the most widely accepted. This hypothesis suggests that depression is the result of a deficiency in function of the biogenic amines, e.g. serotonin, catecholamines, dopamine, etc. |
| Antibacterial activity
St john's wort extracts have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Grampositive bacteria.19 The organisms they studied included
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pharmacokinetic studies
Recent pharmacokinetic studies have been published using the 0.3% hypericin content standardized extract.1,20 The major drawbacks of these studies is the focus on hypericin and pseudohypericin. |
Susun S. Weed
See book keywords and concepts |
 J6an'svyort
Hypericum perforatum
Other Names: St. john's wort, Klamath weed Type: Tonifying +
Found in: Temperate regions worldwide; pastures, roadsides. Part Used: Flowers in bud, flowers in bloom, flowering tops. Actions & Uses: Internally—Heals nerves; relieves pain; inhibits cancer growth; reduces caked breasts, shrinks enlarged glands, counters swelling in breast tissues; relieves/prevents muscle aches; antiseptic; anti-microbial, antiviral, heals shingles; antidepressant, anti-tumor; anti-cancer. |
Dr. Cass Ingram
See book keywords and concepts |
 Nervousness/irritability combat kit
• St. john's wort (wild and unprocessed) — take 2 to 4 capsules in the a.m.
• oil of lavender (wild type in extra virgin olive oil) — 2 drops under the tongue twice daily. Also, rub on the chest, neck, and soles of feet.
• Royal Kick premium grade royal jelly — take 4 to 6 capsules every morning. Use more if needed to combat stress or anxiety.
• oil or juice of sage — add a few drops to fruit juice or hot water as a tea. If using sage juice, add a tablespoon to juice or hot water. |
| St. john's wort (wild high flavonoid type is best) — take 2 to 4 capsules with breakfast.
• Juice of Rosemary — add an ounce twice daily in juice or water.
• Nutri-Sense crude rice fractions/polish drink mix (as a completely natural source of thiamine and niacin) — take 3 or more heaping tablespoons in juice, water, or milk once or twice daily.
Things to avoid
• refined sugar and sweets, especially soda pop
• ice cream
Spider bites
A bite by a spider evokes a great deal of fear, but it is mostly overplayed. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Hypericum perforatum (St john's wort) 797
94. Introduction to the clinical use of Chinese prepared medicines 807
95. Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) 815
96. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) 817
97. Melatonin 821
98. Mentha piperita (peppermint) 827
99. Naturally occurring antioxidants 831
100. Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) 847
101. Pancreatic enzymes 857
102. Phage therapy: bacteriophages as natural, self-limiting antibiotics 871
103. Phosphatidylserine 883
104. Piper mythisticum (kava) 887
105. Probiotics 893
106. Procyanidolic oligomers 899
107. |
Dr. Cass Ingram
See book keywords and concepts |
| Where this plant grows has a great impact upon its therapeutic powers. St. john's wort is a native of North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Thus, plants from these regions are top grade. In summary, the primary therapeutic powers of St. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ear infection
Mullein Flower Compound (St. john's wort, mullein, calendula, garlic in olive oil): several drops in affected ear two to three times a day, provided ear drum is intact; warm up oil mildly before application (Herb-Pharm). Ear Drops (mullein in glycerin, Saint-John's-wort oil, garlic oil): instructions same as for Mullein Flower Compound (Eclectic Institute). |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts |
 Echinacea with Parthenium integri-folium and the replacement of Hypericum perforatum (St john's wort) with other Hypericum species. It is particularly serious where safety is compromised, e.g. the substitution of Teucrium species (germander) for Scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap).
Some substitution practices avoid detection at manufacture, even under GMP, and can occasionally be detected in over-the-counter products in some countries. Despite the substitution of Stephania by Aristolochia being implicated in renal disease (see p.96), this practice still commonly occurs. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 Mild depression is common among people with underactive thyroids. St. john's wort acts to gently but effectively restore good spirits. Choose a product containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 200 to 300 milligrams once or twice daily.
HOMEOPATHY
¦ Calcarea carbonica helps to stimulate the thyroid. Take one dose of Calcarea carbonica 30c or 200x three times a week for three weeks.
¦ Take homeopathic thyroid 200x or 30c for one week out of every month. Take one each morning for five days. Stop for three weeks, then repeat. Follow this cycle a total of three times. |
| Many studies have shown that St. john's wort has noteworthy calming and antidepressant effects. It can be very helpful for anxiety accompanied by depression. Choose a product containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 100 milligrams two to three times daily. Take the second dose at least six or seven hours before bedtime. Taking a dose of kava kava in the evening is good for easing anxiety and aiding sleep.
¦ Valerian is a strong calmative that is useful for the physical manifestations of anxiety. Studies show it is also helpful for insomnia. Select a product containing 0. |
| St. john's wort has both antiviral and antidepressant properties. If you are not taking a conventional antidepressant and your mood is not what it used to be, this herb can help. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily.
¦ Siberian ginseng is an energizing herb that can help resolve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 milligrams twice daily, one-half hour before breakfast and lunch. |
| St. john's wort has antiviral properties. Choose a product containing 0.3-percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily.
¦ Turmeric helps to reduce the inflammatory response.
Take 300 milligrams of standardized extract three times a day.
HOMEOPATHY
¦ Mezereum is helpful for severe pain and itching, burning skin that forms brown scabs. Take one dose of Mezereum 12x or 6c four times daily for up to three days, as needed.
¦ Rhus toxicodendron is good for skin that is red and swollen, with pain and intense itching. |
Earl Mindell
See book keywords and concepts |
 St. john's wort polyphenol complex, 1 daily Soy food shake for breakfast (see section 181)
269. Impetigo
Caused by germs similar to those that cause boils—staphylococcus or streptococcus—it occurs more in children than adults, but no one is immune. It often results from scratching and infecting insect bites, allowing the germs to get into broken skin.
Vitamin A and D capsules (10,000 and 400 IU) daily (reduce dose for child) for 5 days, then stop for 2 Vitamin E (dry form), 100-400 IU once a day Rose hips vitamin C, 500 mg. a.m. and p.m. MSM, 1,000 mg. a.m. and p.m. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| St. john's wort gently alters brain chemistry in such a way as to improve mood and ease depression. Start by taking one 300-milligram capsule of standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin daily. At two-week intervals, you can add another 300-milligram capsule, taken at a different time of day (up to a total of three to four capsules a day), until you achieve the desired effect.
¦ Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain. Select an extract standardized to contain 0. |
American Medical Publishing
See book keywords and concepts |
| The active ingredient in St. john's wort is suspected to induce drug metabolism, which revs up the rate the liver eliminates indinavir from the body.
The result is that there's not enough indinavir in the blood to do the job it's designed to do. "The low blood levels also can lead to drug resistance," said Piscitelli, who heads the Clinical Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory at the NIH hospital.
"Resistance to indinavir can decrease the response to other protease inhibitors." They include nelfinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir.
"Many people think that herbal products like St. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| If taken for three to four months, St. john's wort can help stabilize both mood and the immune system. Choose a product containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily.
¦ Valerian can be very valuable if withdrawal has caused a sleep disorder. This herb is very relaxing, especially when taken with calcium and magnesium. It helps people fall asleep faster and also helps prevent restless sleep. Select an extract standardized to contain 0. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts |
| Hypericum (St john's wort) extracted in oil as a red pigment is a long-standing remedy for the relief of burns and skin pain, as is oil of lavender applied over unbroken skin. Other traditional remedies used topically for antiinflammatory effects include
Curcuma longa (turmeric), juniperus (juniper oil) and Angelica archangelica (angelica oil). Bruising is traditionally treated with external applications of Aesculus hippocastanum13 and Arnica montana (arnica). |
Ann Blake Tracy, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| I have witnessed LSD flashbacks produced via St. john's wort and seen panic and anxiety increase at significant enough amounts from this herb to lead someone to be prescribed an SSRI - leading to additional horrors. Because of this I warn against the use of these products - especially for anyone who has had their ability to metabolize serotonin impaired via the use of serotonergic medications. L-TRYPTOPHAN: The same concern would apply to L-tryptophan. Anything that increases serotonin should be avoided. WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS are additional concerns. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts |
| Cattle grazing heavy quantities of St john's wort have also suffered photodermatitis26'1.
Except for skin contact with hogweed, which is notoriously irritant, there is no serious suggestion that normal consumption of any of these plants leads to any risk.
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS
The literature refers to a number of cases where acute hypersensitivity reactions have occurred to herbal remedies. The Umbelliferae27 and spice plants28 have been most often implicated with reactions to chamomile and feverfew also listed. |
| Tonics such as Hypericum (St john's wort) can help with depressive symptoms and sedatives such as Valeriana (valerian) for anxiety or insomnia.
• Compensate for the adverse effects of stress on the body using adaptogenic herbs such as Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng) and Withania. Sources of stress should be examined and dealt with if possible and diet should be balanced and mainly consist of unprocessed foods.
• Treat the liver if signs of sluggishness are apparent, e.g. |
| Can Med Assoc J 1996; 155: 293-295.
St john's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
SYNONYMS
Hypericum, hardhay (Engl), Hyperici herba (Lat), Johanniskraut, Sonnenwendkraut, Hartheu (Ger), herb de millepertuis (Fr), iperico (Ital), prikbladet perikon (Dan).
WHAT IS IT?
The dried aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum, gathered during the flowering period or shortly before, are used medicinally. The generic name of the herb derives from the Greek meaning to 'overcome an apparition' and in earlier times homes would have a plant hanging over the door to ward off evil spirits. |
Email this page to a friend
