St. John’s Wort Benefits: Natural Support for Mental Wellness
With one out of every 10 American adults actively taking an antidepressant, promoting mental health through natural means has never been more important.[1] A healthy, organic diet and regular exercise are critical for laying the foundation of healthy living. Herbs like St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) are a source of antioxidants and other specialized nutrients that encourage physical and mental wellness. In fact, for centuries, people have turned to St. John’s wort as a natural remedy for an array of health concerns. Let's take a closer look at its history and benefits.
| St. John’s Wort Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Hypericum perforatum |
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Origin: | Europe and Asia |
| Plant Type: | Flowering, Perennial |
| Health Benefits: | Supports Mental Wellness, Women’s Health, and Healthy Skin |
History of St. John’s Wort
Because of St. John’s wort’s ability to encourage a pleasant mood, much of its history includes superstition and spirits. The traditional Greek use was to hang the plant over religious paintings and statues to ward off “evil spirits.” Greek herbalists saw other uses for the plant and created tinctures to help with cuts, burns, harmful organisms, and even snakebites.[2]
The mysticism surrounding St. John’s wort carried over to early American settlements where the plant was often sewn into door wreaths to drive away unfriendly spirits. Settlers also believed that the herb would induce a confession if placed in the mouth of a suspected witch.[3] Today, most of the superstition that surrounded the plant is long forgotten and it's understood that the plant's ability to influence mood and temperament is owed to its nutritional components.
St. John’s Wort and Depression
St. John’s wort has shown promise in relieving symptoms of depression. Depression can present itself in many different ways and is often described as a persistent feeling of extreme unhappiness. Left unchecked, it can affect sleep, appetite, energy, cognitive function, and even the immune system. Persistent or major depression is typically due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by targeting serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that affects mood. SSRIs increase serotonin levels by blocking serotonin re-absorption in neurons. In theory, this can increase the amount of available serotonin in the brain and improve the transmission of messages between nerve cells. Unlike SSRIs, St. John’s wort inhibits the reuptake, or re-absorption, of all neurotransmitters including monoamines, dopamine, and noradrenaline, and the amino-acid neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate, making them more available.[4]
Nearly 30 international studies report that St. John’s wort works better than placebo for those experiencing mild to moderate depression. However, other studies found it less effective at addressing more severe kinds of depression. Many doctors in Europe recommend St. John’s wort to patients who experience mild to moderate depression,[5] and it is a popular natural remedy for the blues in North America, as well.
St. John’s Wort and PMS
Over 80 percent of women in the United States have experienced premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[6] Common symptoms of PMS include headaches, bloating, and fatigue. Women who suffer from more severe symptoms may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Symptoms of PMDD include depression, mood swings, and anxiety. One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that St. John’s wort was effective at positively influencing physical and behavioral symptoms associated with PMS. More severe symptoms such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and impulsivity remained unchanged following St. John’s wort supplementation. More research should shed light on whether long-term supplementation is useful for PMS or PMDD symptoms.[7]
St. John’s Wort and Menopause
Menopause is associated with a natural decrease in reproductive hormones in women around ages 48 to 55. The symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, sleep disruption, moodiness, and a reduced sex drive. St. John’s wort could help address several of these symptoms. Women reported a decrease in the severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes after taking St. John’s wort extract daily for eight weeks.[8] Another group of women ages 43 to 65 reported improvements in sexual well-being after taking St. John’s wort extract.[9]
Other Benefits of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort has been evaluated against anxiety, stress, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The antioxidant properties alone in St. John’s wort could make it an effective neuroprotective agent.[10]
Over the course of a month, St. John’s wort encouraged wound healing in ICU patients.[11] The plant’s soothing action and resistance to harmful organisms[12] is a possible explanation for its ability to encourage healthy skin.
St. John’s Wort Supplements and Tea
You can find St. John’s wort in a variety of forms, including pills, powders, and liquids. While carefully measured extracts assure potency, you can also make tea with the fresh flowers from the plant. St. John’s wort tea is easy to make; simply steep a handful of flowers in hot water for four minutes and strain.
I recommend a supplement like Stress Relief that combines St. John's wort with other time-honored natural remedies for mood and mental vitality. Stress Relief also contains lithium orotate, Mucuna pruriens with 15 percent L-dopa, Rhodiola rosea, Bacopa monnieri and other herbs.
St. John’s Wort Side Effects and Precautions
St. John’s wort can interact with prescription medications; it can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, heart medication, and even some HIV and cancer drugs.[5] Side effects are rare but do occur. These include dry mouth, upset stomach, increased sensitivity to light, and increased feelings of anxiety. Like any supplement, use by pregnant or nursing women and children is not recommended without clear instruction from your personal, trusted healthcare advisor.
Alternative Approaches to Mental Health
There are many natural alternatives to support mental wellness. Nutritional approaches to mental health can have a huge impact on how you look and feel.
Consuming the right food that is whole, organic, and nutritious supports a positive mental state. Daily exercise, like yoga or walking, is extremely effective at encouraging physical and mental health.[13] No matter your physical shape, adequate sleep and daily meditation can work wonders for relieving feelings of anxiety, boosting mood, and clearing the mind.[14]
References (14)
- "Antidepressant Use in Persons Aged 12 and Over: United States, 2005–2008." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Oct. 2011. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
- Klemow, K.M., Bartlow, A., Crawford, J., et al. "Medical Attributes of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. 2011
- Patterson, Rachel. "A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants & Herbs." Winchester, UK: Moon, 2014.
- Nathan, P.J. "Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort): a non-selective reuptake inhibitor? A review of the recent advances in its pharmacology." J Psychopharmacol (Oxford). 2001;15(1):47-54.
- "St. John's Wort and Depression: In Depth." National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 05 May 2016. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
- "Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)." Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) : Statistics | Florida Hospital. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
- Canning, S., Waterman, M., Orsi, N., Ayres J., Simpson N., Dye L. "The efficacy of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." CNS Drugs. 2010;24(3):207-25.
- Abdali, K., Khajehei, M., Tabatabaee, H.R. "Effect of St John's wort on severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Menopause. 2010;17(2):326-31.
- Grube, B., Walper, A., Wheatley, D. "St. John's Wort extract: efficacy for menopausal symptoms of psychological origin." Adv Ther. 1999;16(4):177-86.
- Oliveira, A.I., Pinho, C., Sarmento, B., Dias, A.C. "Neuroprotective Activity of Hypericum perforatum and Its Major Components." Front Plant Sci. 2016;7:1004.
- Yücel, A., Kan, Y., Yesilada, E., Akın, O. "Effect of St.John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) oily extract for the care and treatment of pressure sores; a case report." J Ethnopharmacol. 2017;196:236-241.
- Hou, W., Shakya, P., Franklin, G. "A Perspective on Hypericum perforatum Genetic Transformation." Front Plant Sci. 2016;7:879.
- Sharma, A., et al. "Exercise for Mental Health." The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 8 (2).
- Goyal, M., et al. "Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being." JAMA Internal Medicine. 174 (3).
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
