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St. John's Wort

St. John's wort tea, made from the flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum, is most widely recognized for its mood-enhancing and antidepressant properties, but it offers several additional health benefits:

Key Health Benefits of St. John's Wort Tea

1. Mood Support and Mild to Moderate Depression

  • St. John's wort is best known for helping relieve symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Multiple studies show it can be as effective as some prescription antidepressants, with fewer side effects for many people.

  • It may also help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), emotional distress, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

2. Anxiety and Stress Relief

  • The tea may help reduce anxiety, tension, irritability, and stress, and is sometimes used as a mild tranquilizer or nerve tonic.

3. Sleep and Nervous System Support

  • St. John's wort tea is traditionally used to ease insomnia and promote restful sleep, especially when sleep issues are linked to low mood or anxiety.

4. Menopausal and PMS Symptom Relief

  • Some evidence suggests it can help reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with menopause and PMS.

5. Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Properties

  • The herb contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, which may support immune health and help the body fight infections.

6. Nerve and Pain Relief

  • St. John's wort has been used for nerve pain (neuralgia), muscle aches, and menstrual cramps, and may act as a mild muscle relaxant.

7. Wound Healing (Topical Use)

  • While not a benefit of the tea itself, topical preparations of St. John's wort are used to promote healing of minor wounds, burns, and skin irritations due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Precautions and Safety

  • Drug Interactions: St. John's wort interacts with many medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and others, sometimes reducing their effectiveness or causing serious side effects.

  • Side Effects: Possible side effects include increased sensitivity to sunlight, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, and headache.

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks.

  • Consultation: Always consult a healthcare provider before using St. John's wort, especially if you take other medications or have underlying health conditions.

St. John's wort tea is most valued for supporting mood, relieving mild to moderate depression, reducing anxiety and stress, and easing symptoms of PMS and menopause. It also offers anti-inflammatory and antiviral benefits, but should be used with caution due to significant drug interactions and potential side effects.

Citations:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/is-st-johns-wort-safe-080615
  2. https://www.verywellmind.com/st-johns-wort-a2-89959
  3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-329/st-johns-wort
  4. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=19&contentid=StJohnsWort
  5. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/st-johns-wort
  6. https://patient.info/doctor/st-johns-wort
  7. https://www.verywellhealth.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-st-johns-wort-7556278
  8. https://healthtea.ie/product/st-johns-wort-hypericum-perforatum/
  9. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort