| Other Uses
Saint john's wort yields green, yellow, red and pink dyes. Placing a sprig of the herb under your pillow on Saint John's Eve was once thought to bring special blessings and protection from death for the coming year. The dried herb can be used to make sleep sachets. In folkloric tradition, an unmarried woman who places a piece of the herb under her pillow will dream of her future husband. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| More than thirty double-blind studies involving more than 2,000 patients with mild to moderate depression have shown Saint john's wort extract to be very effective. However, while Saint john's wort extract appears to be as effective as or possibly even more effective than conventional antidepressant drugs in mild to moderate depression, it does not appear to be as effective as conventional drugs in severe depression.
No significant side effects have been reported in the numerous double-blind studies. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
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 Stop the St. john's wort and seek medical help if this occurs.
Dose: Start with one or two capsules of 300 mg of an extract with 0.3 percent hypericin, starting in the morning with breakfast. If it doesn't have a noticeable effect in a week, add another capsule at lunchtime, for a total of 900 mg daily. You can also take your entire dose in the morning, because the herb is quite long acting.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it helps to regulate your system in response to stress. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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 John's wort.
• For deficient, anemic women, ashwagandha, dang shen, and shatavari are effective for increasing hemoglobin levels and stamina.
• Red Asian ginseng along with licorice and reishi is used to treat people with Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency).
• He shou wu can be combined with ashwagandha, dang shen, and lycium to nourish the blood and to relieve low back pain, dizziness, poor memory, and fatigue.
• Chinese studies show that dang shen, jiaogulan, and cordyceps neiuui t\uu[/i.ugen$ in use help prevent and treat altitude sickness and jet lag. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
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| Note: Avoid St. john's wort while undergoing chemo, as it has been found to interfere with the action of some chemo drugs.
• Antioxidants. During chemo, should you or shouldn't you? This is a controversial topic. Some evidence suggests that they may protect cancer cells, while some evidence suggests otherwise. More research comes out daily—on this issue and on integrative cancer therapies in general. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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| John's wort was gathered when it was in bud or flower, and only the tops of the plants were picked. The tincture or oil of hypericum should turn a deep burgundy red and have a strong and distinctive aroma. How much hypericin is present per dose? How much hyperforin per dose? Herbalists don't know, but they do know that the preparation will be active and will work because the markers that they always have looked for are present. Herbalists have standardized their medicines to quality, not numbers. |
Kevin Trudeau
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 Because when you actually look at that particular study they were referring to, Saint john's wort was tested in addition to Prozac in the exact same study. And the study showed that Prozac and Saint john's wort both had no effect on depression in the patients in the study. But the news organization never mentioned that Prozac was also proven to be ineffective. It also failed to mention that there are dozens of studies that show that Saint john's wort is, in fact, effective. But obviously this study was flawed. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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 Family
Clusiaceae, also known as Guttiferaceae (Saint john's wort Family)
Etymology
The genus name, Garcinia, was given in honor of the French botanist Laurent Garcin, who first described this plant in 1734. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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| John's wort is the "depression herb," saw palmetto is the "prostate herb," or black cohosh is the "menopause herb" is good for companies selling these herbs, but it does a great disservice to the plant and the public.
Each herb has a personality—a range of uses, activities, and specific qualities that make it appropriate, or not, for each person. Real herbal medicine is more than using an herb to replace a pharmaceutical medication. Real herbal medicine uses diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes to prevent illness, relieve symptoms, and enhance normal physiological function. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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 Chamomile or St. john's wort may also be helpful. Most of these herbs are available at health food stores or through your health-care practitioner. Although herbs are natural substances, they do contain powerful compounds (one reason they can help you sleep!). Some of the herbs discussed below can cause drowsiness or interfere with medications. If you're taking prescription medications, make sure you discuss herbal supplements with your doctor. |
Pam Montgomery
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 Glowing with our mingling flames, I proceed to pick the yellow flowers as my fingers become marked with the blood red of remembrance.
St. john's wort is a beautiful yellow-flowered plant that begins to bloom around summer solstice, the third week in June. It was often associated with this festival and was used for divination, especially concerning matters of the heart. It was also used for protection against witches and was hung over doorways or worn upon the body during the solstice time. Once Christianity became entrenched, the solstice as a celebratory day became St. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| There is one case report of simultaneous use of Saint john's wort and paroxetine (Paxil) producing nausea, fatigue, lethargy, and weakness. Do not use Saint john's wort if you are taking a prescription antidepressant or antianxiety drug without consulting a physician first.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism characterized by fasting elevations of blood sugar (glucose) levels and a greatly increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, retinopathy, and loss of nerve function. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. john's wort) in major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association 287:1807-14.
Linde, K., et al. 1996. St. john's wort for depression—An overview and metaanalysis of randomized clinical trials. British Medical Journal 313:253-58.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health problem that involves elevated blood sugar levels. The metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats directly or indirectly leads to the production of the substance glucose, also known as blood sugar. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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| Family
Clusiaceae (Saint john's wort Family) Etymology
The genus name, Hypericum, derives from the Greek hyper, "above," and eikon, "picture," meaning "over an apparition," as the herb was once considered odiferous enough to cause evil spirits to depart and was hung in the entryway or over pictures in homes. The species name perforatum refers to the tiny oil glands in the leaves, which look like holes. |
Jack Challem
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 In addition, St. john's wort also boosts the liver's detoxification processes, which has advantages and disadvantages. The herb helps the body break down toxic chemicals, such as pollutants, but it also speeds the body's breakdown of many medications, requiring an adjustment in the drug's dosage. If you currently take an antidepressant medication, work with your physician in changing its dosage and that of any other medications you take. A general dosage recommendation for St. john's wort is 300 mg three times daily. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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| Saint john's wort is used to treat anorexia, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, bedwetting, boils, burns, carbuncles, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds, colic, concussion, cough, depression (mild to moderate), diarrhea, dysentery, fear, fever, flu, gastritis (chronic), gout, headache, herpes, hydrocephalus, hypothyroidism, hysteria, insomnia, irritability, jaundice, menopause symptoms, nervous habits (nail biting, hair pulling, and so on), nerve injury, neuralgia, puncture wounds, rheumatism, shingles, shock, stomachache, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, and worms. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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 Hypomania and St. john's wort (letter). Can J Psychiatry 43(7):746-747. 1998.
Okpanyi SN, Lidzba H, Scholl BC, et al: Genotoxizitaet eines standardisierten Hypericum-Extraktes. Arzneimittelforschung 40(8 pt 2):851-855. 1990.
Okpanyi VN, Weischer ML. Tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen zur psychotropen Wirksamkeit eines Hypericum-Extraktes. Arzneimittel-Forsch 37( 1): 10-13. 1987.
Ondrizek R, Chan P, Patton W. An alternative medicine study of herbal effects on the penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes and the integrity of sperm deoxyribonucleic acid. Fertil Steril 71(3):517-522. 1999. |
| St. john's wort demonstrated a similar response rate when compared to tricyclic antidepressants (64% versus 66.4%) and a lower dropout rate due to side effects or inadequate efficacy (12.6% versus 16.2%) (Kim et al, 1999). The studies included in this meta-analysis are also included in the systematic review by Linde & Mulrow, 2000; however, this metaanalysis reflects a less heterogenous patient population due to more stringent inclusion criteria.
St. |
Marshall Editions
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 Herbs: Drink a tea or take a tincture of chamomile, hops, lady's slipper, passion flower, skullcap, wood betony, St. john's wort, or valerian. These herbs have a sedative effect on the nervous system. To make a tea, add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tsp of herbs and drink, or take 20 drops of herbal tincture diluted in liquid daily. You can also take vitamin C to help the immune system and reduce stress damage to nerves. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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| Range and Appearance
Saint john's wort is a perennial native to northern Africa, western Asia, Europe, and North America, where it thrives in dry, sunny locations. It grows to about 3 feet in height. The opposite, lanceolate leaves clasp the stems; they feature tiny, translucent oil glands that look like holes when the leaves are held up to the light. The five-petaled, hermaphroditic flowers, are golden yellow, with black dots on their margins, and appear in flat-topped clusters. Ovoid capsules follow, bearing several dark brown seeds. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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| John's wort product standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin is virtually meaningless. Neither of these compounds represents the therapeutic activity or quality of the herb. This is not to say that no quality standards are needed; they most certainly are. First, every herbal product needs to be identified botanically to make sure the correct herb is in the product. Adulteration of skullcap with germander has resulted in liver damage in several people. |
| John's wort was effective not so much for depression as for nerve pain and nerve damage. It is used orally and topically (the topical preparation is known as hypericum oil) for people with Bell's palsy (paralysis of the facial nerve), trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, head trauma injuries, vulvodynia (vaginal pain), peripheral nerve pain, phantom limb pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and injuries to tissue that contains a profusion of nerves, such as the fingers, spine, nipples, or genitalia. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| John's wort: help or hoax?
St. john's wort has been used for years as a folk remedy for depression, but the debate continues on how well it really works, and if it's as safe as it seems.
Ancient healers treated everything from malaria to burns with this herb, but people today use it mainly for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Small studies suggest it helps people with mild depression, perhaps by boosting their brain's serotonin levels the way some antidepressant medications do.
But experts worry that instead of going to their doctor, people will treat themselves for depression. Dr. |
Marshall Editions
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| An ointment or oil of St. john's wort can be used on the sores.
Garlic: The antimicrobial effects of garlic may help in the prevention and treatment of cold sores. Take garlic capsules or tinctures, although eating more garlic may be just as effective in preventing outbreaks.
Licorice: The antiviral properties of licorice may be helpful internally as well as externally for cold sores. Take a licorice lozenge several times a day.
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41
DIAGNOSIS
Both corns and calluses are a build-up of hard skin that forms in response to pressure or rubbing in a particular area. |
| Check with your doctor if you are prescribed an antifungal medication while taking other medication or herbs (especially St. john's wort), as complications can be significant.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Herbs:
• Herbal decoction: Combine 15 g of Cang Er Zi (cocklebur), 15 g of Di Fu Zi (broom cypress), 15 g of She Chuang Zi (cnidium seed), 30 g of Huang Jing (Siberian Solomon seal), 15 g of Huang Bai (phellodendron), 15 g of Long Dan Cao (Chinese gentian root), and 30 g of Ku Shen
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(sophora root). These herbs are all available from Chinese herbalists. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald
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 St. John's Wort: Nature's Blues Buster, Wayne: Avery Publishing, 1998.
Ty Colbert, Broken Brains or Wounded Hearts: What Causes Mental Illness, Santa Ana: Kevco, 1996.
-Depression & Mania: Friends or Foes, Santa Ana: Kevco, 1995.
Dr. William Crook, Healing Depression: A Holistic Guide, New York: Marlowe and Company, 1999.
-Help For The Hyperactive Child: A Practical Guide Offering Parents of Attention Deficit Disorder Alternatives to Ritalin, New York: Professional Books, 1991.
Dr. |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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 John's wort actually treat depression?
• How can I identify St. john's wort when I see it?
• What time of year should I collect the plant?
• What part of the plant should I collect?
• How much of the plant should I take, and how should I take it?
• What are the active ingredients in the plant?
• How do the active ingredients work?
• Can I overdose or poison myself by taking too much?
• Can the plant be dangerous if I'm pregnant or have high blood pressure? |
| John's wort has other interesting properties besides being an antidepressant. Regarding its antidepressant activity, however, scientists are still not completely certain which molecule is responsible. For many years it was thought that the antidepressant activity of St. john's wort was due to a molecule called hypericin, though now other molecules are under consideration (see Figure 1.1). My point is that even after identifying hypericin (or anything else) as an active ingredient, scientists will have many more questions, such as how to analyze a plant or a pill for its hypericin content. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| Toss a fresh salad with mushrooms for selenium, and broccoli and tomatoes for vitamin C.
St. John's wort: help or hoax?
St. john's wort has been used for years as a folk remedy for depression, but the debate continues on how well it really works, and if it's as safe as it seems.
Ancient healers treated everything from malaria to burns with this herb, but people today use it mainly for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Small studies suggest it helps people with mild depression, perhaps by boosting their brain's serotonin levels the way some antidepressant medications do. |
Marshall Editions
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| All of the herbs listed below may be combined to treat swimmer's ear.
St. John's wort: Studies show this herb to be effective as an antiviral and antibacterial agent. Its ability to heal wounds is thought to be due to its high flavonoid and procyanidin content. Place 3-5 drops of oil into the affected ear(s). Cover with a warm, moist towel to ease discomfort.
Calendula: The flowers of this herb have been shown to be antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and to inhibit the growth of bacteria. |
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