St John's Wort

St John's Wort against mild and moderate depression

The plant: 

St John's Wort is a herbaceous plant that likes well-exposed hillsides and is recognised by its opposite leaves whose blade is dotted with numerous translucent punctuations, hence its name "herb of a thousand holes".
The golden yellow flowering takes place in the heart of summer.
When the flower buds are crushed between the fingers, a red colouring appears emanating from a resinous sap.

Called St John's herb and dedicated to the sun, tradition held that sprigs of St John's Wort were hung above the entrances of stables or churches to drive away evil spirits.

Its properties:

St John's Wort was already used in the Middle Ages to treat melancholic states and nervous disorders.
In the 16th century, the plant was used against burns and menstrual disorders.

Analysis of St John's Wort reveals hypericin, hyperforin as well as numerous flavonoids such as hyperoside, rutoside and quercetin.
St John's Wort is recognised for its antidepressant action thanks to its effect on dopamine and noradrenaline, neurotransmitters essential for the functioning of the central nervous system.
Less well known is the antiviral and anti-infectious action of this plant which prevents the entry and fixation of viruses in the cell.

St John's Wort is used orally against mild and moderate depression, nervous fatigue, sleep disorders, loss of motivation.
Seasonal depression can find a solution thanks to St John's Wort, which regulates melatonin.

It can also be used to prevent colds of viral origin but also against inflammations of the digestive system.
Its analgesic action also allows the treatment of joint pain, sciatica and certain migraines.
It can be used as an infusion, in fresh plant hydro-alcoholic extract or in capsules.

It is still advisable to be cautious in its use as many drug interactions are known.
Its use is therefore not recommended in the presence of antiretroviral drugs, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants...
The combination of St John's Wort with antidepressants must be monitored and caution is required with the use of the contraceptive pill.
Finally, exposure to the sun should be avoided as hypericin is photosensitising.
This is why standardised tablets in hyperforin are preferred as they avoid this drawback.

Beyond these warnings, St John's Wort remains the plant of well-being and happiness