12 Health Benefits Of St. John's Wort

St. John’s wort has become extremely popular in recent decades as a potential cure-all herbal remedy for many health issues. Unlike other herbal treatments, many of its health benefits have been verified by the scientific community and its herbal supplements are commonly prescribed by medical professionals.

St. John’s wort is a small flowering plant from the Hypericum genus that has the scientific name of Hypericum perforatum, and it grows wild in Europe, but has since spread to the Americas, Russia, Asia, China, and the Middle East. You might know St. John’s wort by a different name, such as rosin rose or goatweed, but they all have the same impact. The vast range of its health benefits make it an important factor in herbal supplementation, and it is now widely available throughout the world.

St. John’s wort can be found in capsule, tincture, oil or raw form. The chemical constituents of St. John’s wort include bioflavonoids and a range of antioxidants that can have a significant impact on the hormonal, physical, and chemical behavior of the body.

While the components can be very valuable to human health, there are also a number of side effects or complications that can arise with the use of St. John’s wort in combination with certain conditions or medications. Consult your doctor before using St. John’s wort.

# Treating Depression

Taking extracts of St. John’s wort orally is often used to help combat depression. In fact, studies have shown that 28% of people studied found St. John’s Wort was as effective at treating depression as antidepressant drugs.

Unlike many anti-depressant medications, people also found that St. John’s Wort created fewer side effects as well. It works by delaying the reuptake of the hormone serotonin. It also has an effect on hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine, which have all been linked to depressive symptoms.

# Managing Symptoms of the Menopause

Orally taking an extract of St. John’s Wort is also really useful for tackling the hot flashes that often occur as part of menopause. Because of the chemicals within St. John’s wort that helps manage depression, it’s also great for managing mood swings. It’s great for regulating hormonal activity which means it’s really helpful for minimizing the symptoms of menopause.

# Healing Wounds

Some ointments containing St. John’s wort are often used to help speed up the healing of open wounds. It’s usually recommended that these ointments are used three times a day for six weeks, or until the wound has healed. The properties of St. John’s wort mean that it helps reduce redness and inflammation whilst also lowering the risk of infection.

# Calming Bruises

A further benefit of St. John’s wort’s anti-inflammatory qualities is its ability to help soften and reduce bruising. By improving the circulation of blood around the affected area, St. John’s wort ointments can seriously help in speeding up the reduction of bruises.

# Easing Burns

Bruises and scrapes aren’t the only things St. John’s wort can help heal. Because it can help increase the flow of blood to damaged areas of skin, cells are able to heal themselves and reproduce at a much faster rate. This is also likely to reduce the likelihood or visibility of any scars that occur as a result of minor burns.

# Treating Anxiety

Depression isn’t the only mental health condition that St. John’s wort can help to relieve. It’s ability to affect hormone uptake also makes it a great way to relieve anxiety. By reducing the uptake of stress hormones, St. John’s wort reduces the symptoms of chronic stress, helping you to feel calmer. It also helps to reduce fatigue, irritability, and other common symptoms of anxiety disorders.

# Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition whereby sufferers struggle with depressive symptoms during the darker months. The lack of sunlight can cause an imbalance in certain hormones which should help to lift and regulate mood. As a result, sufferers often feel low or depressed during winter months as the weather is darker and there’s less natural light. By helping to regulate hormone production and uptake, St. John’s Wort can help to manage your mood and help you to feel more energized and positive.
# Improve Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD)

The way in which St. John’s wort helps to manage such a range of mental health conditions is one of its biggest health benefits. People who suffer from OCD often find the experience symptoms of anxiety when a particular routine or structure is not followed. By regulating your stress hormones St. John’s Wort helps to relieve these anxieties and keep you calm.

# Treatment for Genital Herpes and Sores

A little-known health benefit of St. John’s wort is its ability to calm the early symptoms of herpes and cold sores. This shouldn’t be surprising when we consider its ability to calm other skin related conditions and injuries. Its anti-inflammatory nature means that St. John’s Wort can help to reduce symptoms such as stinging or burning.

# Better Sleep

This is another health benefit of St. John’s wort that stems from its regulatory effects on your hormone levels. By regulating your hormones, St. John’s wort can help to control your internal body clock which makes it easier for you to fall asleep at night and stay asleep. This also helps you to feel more energized during the day and stay awake when you need to.