St. John's wort for depression: contraindications and side effects

St. John's wort and depression: how are they related?
How to use St. John's wort as an antidepressant?
Treatment with St. John's wort at home
Anti-anxiety and stress medications based on St. John's wort
Unpleasant consequences after use

A huge number of people appreciated its healing power.
People call it the herb of happiness, twigweed, valiant blood, magic herb, royal scepter and other names. Before using this herb as a treatment, you must familiarize yourself with the contraindications, which can be studied in the instructions for use of St. John's wort.

Operating principle

The plant has a complex composition, thanks to which it helps against many diseases.
Scientists believe that the antidepressant effect is provided by hypericin, a red anthracene pigment. This substance improves the condition of the central and autonomic nervous system and has a moderate sedative effect. The exact mechanism of action of hypericin has not yet been identified. But there is a theory that this substance accelerates the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine. Moreover, to stimulate the process, therapeutic doses of hypericin and only a slight presence of this element in the blood are sufficient.

St. John's wort also acts as an antidepressant due to other chemicals that reduce the amount of proteins and prevent the reabsorption of serotonin by nerve cells. The increased presence of this good mood hormone helps overcome depression. The following components have this effect:

essential oils;
tannins;
organic acids;
saponins.

Do not discount the placebo effect, on which traditional medicine is often based.

The most popular white varieties of cucumbers

Today, the following varieties of cucumbers are most widespread.

Bidigo - Lungo. This hybrid is mainly intended for salads and fresh consumption. This early ripening variety allows you to get a harvest 50 days after planting in the greenhouse. The vegetable bears fruit well, allowing you to harvest until October-November.

The snow leopard is a high-yielding species that has fruits that are excellent in taste. Harvesting is possible when the fruit reaches a size of 5-8 centimeters. The maximum size of the fruit is 20 centimeters. Designed for pickles and marinades.

Snow White is another popular white cucumber variety, which is characterized by increased resistance to low temperatures. Snow White is great for growing outdoors. It can be planted as early as April, and the first fruits appear at the end of May. It bears fruit well and is intended for salads and wrappings.

Bride is a high-yielding variety that requires regular watering and is picky about fertilizers applied. Only experienced gardeners can get a high yield with excellent taste from this variety.

White angel - has a white skin and the same white spines. Cultivated indoors and in open beds. The taste of the White Angel pulp is never bitter. It is consumed fresh and canned.

Snow Leopard is a variety that produces very tasty cucumbers. Capable of high yields. It has large, up to 20 cm in length, fruits. Good for fresh consumption and as pickles.

Snow White is one of the most famous white-fruited varieties. It tolerates a decrease in temperature quite well; due to this feature, it is successfully cultivated in open beds. The variety is early ripening and bears fruit well. You can use it both in salads and in canned food.

Bride is a variety that requires care. Without experience, it is not so easy to get a good harvest of these cucumbers. It compares favorably with the rest with its excellent taste.

Bidigo-Lungo is a hybrid specially created for growing under film. Early ripening, produces high yields and is capable of bearing fruit for a long time. Versatile in cooking.

Varieties of white cucumbers

Chinese white - we can say that this is the most common of the white-fruited cucumbers. It has a pronounced taste and a long, about three months, fruiting period. The fruits are juicy, store well, and the taste remains the same. Practically not susceptible to diseases.
The white delicacy is also a representative of Chinese varieties. It fully justifies its name - the cucumber is very tasty. Mid-season - ripens 40-45 days after germination. Very productive. It has a beautiful presentation.
Italian white is a tasty cucumber with a sweetish pulp. It grows 10-15 cm in length. It is little susceptible to various diseases and does not require special care.

White angel

Cucumbers variety White Angel

It has white skin and thorns. Grows well both outdoors and in a greenhouse. A remarkable feature of this type of cucumber is that it never has a bitter taste. The White Angel variety is excellent for canning, and, of course, for fresh consumption.

Snow Leopard

Cucumber variety Snow Leopard

A very tasty variety of cucumbers. High-yielding. The length of the fruit can reach 20 centimeters. The fruit is suitable for fresh consumption and pickling.

Snow White

Cucumbers Snow White variety

The most popular of all varieties of white cucumbers. It is unpretentious to climate change, so it grows well in open beds. Has increased fruitfulness. Precocious. Cucumber is good for fresh consumption and for canning.

Bride

Cucumbers variety Bride

A very fastidious variety that requires constant watering and fertilization. It takes a lot of experience to achieve a good harvest with excellent taste.

Bidigo-Lungo

Cucumbers variety Bidigo-Lungo

Specially bred greenhouse hybrid. An early ripening variety with a high and long degree of fruitfulness. Great for eating in salads and fresh. It bears fruit after 50 days of planting.

White angel - has a white skin and the same white spines. Cultivated indoors and in open beds. The taste of the White Angel pulp is never bitter. It is consumed fresh and canned.
Snow Leopard is a variety that produces very tasty cucumbers. Capable of high yields. It has large, up to 20 cm in length, fruits. Good for fresh consumption and as pickles.
Snow White is one of the most famous white-fruited varieties. It tolerates a decrease in temperature quite well; due to this feature, it is successfully cultivated in open beds. The variety is early ripening and bears fruit well. You can use it both in salads and in canned food.
Bride is a variety that requires care. Without experience, it is not so easy to get a good harvest of these cucumbers. It compares favorably with the rest with its excellent taste.
Bidigo-Lungo is a hybrid specially created for growing under film. Early ripening, produces high yields and is capable of bearing fruit for a long time. Versatile in cooking.
Chinese white - we can say that this is the most common of the white-fruited cucumbers. It has a pronounced taste and a long, about three months, fruiting period. The fruits are juicy, store well, and the taste remains the same. Practically not susceptible to diseases.
The white delicacy is also a representative of Chinese varieties. It fully justifies its name - the cucumber is very tasty. Mid-season - ripens 40-45 days after germination. Very productive. It has a beautiful presentation.
Italian white is a tasty cucumber with a sweetish pulp. It grows 10-15 cm in length. It is little susceptible to various diseases and does not require special care.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants improve the patient's mood, activate psychomotor skills (the connection between movement and mental processes), and correct disorders in the brain.

Such drugs are the basis for the treatment of depression, they have a regulatory effect on neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine - hormones of happiness), and restore biochemical balance in the brain.

Patients disappear:

fear;
apathy;
anxiety;
anxiety;
fatigue.

There are different groups of antidepressants:

TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants);
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors);
selective serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: SSRIs, SSRIs, SSRIs, SSRIs.

To obtain the result (disappearance of the manifestations of the disease), you have to wait until the required concentration of the active substance accumulates in the blood. This can last from 3 to 8 weeks. It is not always possible to find a combination of safe and effective medications. In some cases, you have to change medications several times to get the desired result.

It is recommended to use anti-depression tablets with caution in patients with pathologies of the liver, kidneys and heart. Drugs in this group negatively affect the liver and increase the risk of toxic damage. If necessary, the doctor selects medications for depression that have the least amount of unwanted effects

In case of severe pathology, antidepressants are used for treatment along with other medications:

antipsychotics (Seroquel, Truxal, Neuleptil);
tranquilizers (Diazepam, Phenazepam, Amizil);
nootropics (Noofen, Piracetam, Glycine);
mood stabilizers (Depakine, Finlepsin, Lamotrigine);
sleeping pills (Melaxen, Donormil, Tripsidan);
complexes of B vitamins (Vitrum, Combilipen, Superstress);
St. John's wort preparations (Deprim, Negrustin);
magnesium preparations (Magnelis forte, Magnerot).

TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)

They were first synthesized in the last century. The drugs have sedative and stimulating effects and are used at different stages of the disease.

This group includes:

Azafen,
Amitriptyline,
Clomipramine,
Imipramine,
Coaxil,
Doxepin.

Their main drawback is the presence of side effects. Patients often experience:

tachycardia,
constipation,
feeling of dry mouth,
urinary retention.

Elderly patients may experience confusion, increased anxiety, and visual hallucinations. As a result, taking the drug for a long time can cause heart rhythm disturbances and decreased libido.

MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

The effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors is to block the action of an enzyme that destroys norepinephrine and serotonin. Used in case of low effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants.

Representatives of this group are:

Pyrazidol,
Tetrindole,
Bethol,
Moclobemide,
Metrolindole.

The effect of the drugs begins a few weeks after the start of treatment. During application the following may be observed:

changes in blood pressure;
dizziness;
swelling of the limbs;
increase in body weight.

Drugs in this group are prescribed less frequently, since it is necessary to adhere to a special diet and avoid eating foods containing tyramine (peanuts, canned food, cheese, sausages, etc.).

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

Drugs included in the group of selective serotonin uptake inhibitors belong to the modern and most common class.

Their action is to block the reuptake of serotonin. They affect only serotonin and have fewer side effects.

The SSRI group includes:

Paroxetine,
Fluoxetine,
Sertraline,
Prozac,
Citalopram,
Paxil,
Fluvoxamine.

More often they are prescribed to patients who experience panic and anxiety states, and obsessive thoughts. As a result of the use of medications, patients become adequate and balanced.

SSRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are the latest generation of drugs that have the fewest side effects and contraindications.

The SSRI group includes:

Velaxin,
Melitor,
Duloxetine (Cymbalta).

The drugs have a regulating effect on the patient’s biorhythms; with their help, daytime activity and sleep can be brought back to normal within 7 days. In a short period of time they can eliminate anxiety, nervous tension, and loss of strength.

Classification: what they are and when they are assigned

Constant difficulties at work or in the family can cause emotional stress. To prevent the situation from getting worse, many resort to sedative medications. They are divided into two groups:

vegetable;
synthetic.

Representatives of the first category are made from natural raw materials, these include all kinds of tinctures and herbs. You can purchase them at any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

The effect will not be noticeable immediately, but only after a week of regular use of such drugs. They do not harm the body when taken. The results from their use last for a long period.

Peony extract, St. John's wort, lemon balm, chamomile, as well as herbs containing several types of plants have good soothing properties.

Valerian is very popular. According to numerous reviews, it copes well with nervous tension and relieves irritability. This remedy is also recommended for migraines, insomnia, and heart problems.

Synthetic medications can only be purchased at a pharmacy. In most cases, they are sold only by prescription. Fast-acting substances have a relaxing effect. However, their long-term use can cause addiction and adverse reactions.

There are the following types of this group of medications:

tranquilizers (prescribed to eliminate anxiety and depressive disorders);
antipsychotics (recommended for patients with depression, delusions, hallucinations and disruptions in brain activity);
mood stabilizers (bring the emotional state of people with mental disorders back to normal).

It is important to understand that taking sedatives without control can be accompanied by irreversible changes not only in the body, but also in the brain. It is for this reason that before starting the course it is necessary to consult a specialist.

When treating depression with St. John's wort, side effects can sometimes occur. This happens in extremely rare cases and is associated with individual intolerance to the plant or an allergy to it. Most often, such patients experience severe dizziness and diarrhea.

In some cases, the following may occur:

skin rashes;
nausea, urge to vomit;
dry mouth;
fast fatiguability.

If you increase the dose of medication, this may lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight. During therapy with St. John's wort, you should not use other antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of HIV infection. If a woman is taking birth control pills, their effect may be reduced when taking products based on this plant.

If a person is depressed, they should immediately seek psychological help. This condition cannot go away on its own, and a qualified specialist will be able to prescribe effective treatment and the names of medications that need to be taken.

How to use St. John's wort for depression

St. John's wort was first used to treat melancholy by Nichols Culpeper in 1652. Most researchers believe that the mechanism of action of St. John's wort and preparations made from it are similar to synthetic antidepressants, that is, they affect the metabolism of substances that maintain normal mood levels (norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine).

Herbal antidepressants based on St. John's wort have a unique combination of effectiveness and safety. These drugs do not have as many contraindications and side effects as synthetic drugs. Therefore, they can be used to treat depression in frail and elderly patients, as well as in patients whose work involves driving a car or dangerous machinery.

How to use St. John's wort for depression

To treat depression, the leaves and flowers of St. John's wort are used, they are collected, dried and prepared as tinctures or decoctions. For the decoction, add 1-2 teaspoons of St. John's wort flowers and herb to 200 ml of boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes. Freshly brewed tea should be drunk morning and evening for 2-3 months. The antidepressant effect of the drug may occur no earlier than after 3-4 weeks.

In powder form, St. John's wort is taken in an amount of 2-4 grams three times a day for several weeks. For mild depression, you can also take drugs based on St. John's wort, for example, Gelarium, Negrustin. They improve mood, relieve anxiety, and help normalize sleep.

When taking St. John's wort and preparations made from it during depression, it is necessary to monitor your health. According to reviews, in some cases the following side effects may appear: high blood pressure, allergic reactions on the skin (rash, itching, redness), fatigue or increased excitability (especially with long-term use), nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, increased sensitivity to sunlight . Studies have shown that this plant may reduce the effectiveness of some synthetic drugs: birth control and drugs prescribed for heart disease.

Contraindications and side effects

Despite all the positive features of St. John's wort, not everyone can take medicine from this herb. This remedy is contraindicated in the following cases:

when taken simultaneously with antidepressants and other medications like Warfarin;
if there is a need for a long course of treatment, prolonged use of the plant can cause intoxication of the body;
during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Despite the contraindications, St. John's wort is often used during childbirth to reduce pain from contractions.

According to research, side effects from taking this herb are observed in 2.43% of cases. Some people may experience nausea, upset stomach, weakness and fatigue, or an allergic reaction. In addition, the skin becomes more sensitive after taking this product, so blue-eyed people with fair skin need to use sunscreen.

Compared to synthetic drugs with similar effects, this natural antidepressant has a minimal number of contraindications and side effects.

Folk recipes for depression with St. John's wort

In the treatment of depressive conditions, decoctions and tinctures prepared on the basis of St. John's wort are used, from the dried inflorescences and leaves of the plant.

Recipe 1. St. John's wort tea for depression

To prepare the drink, you will need two teaspoons of dry St. John's wort mixture, which are poured into 200 ml. boiling water Tea is drunk freshly brewed twice a day, in the morning and evening. Before use, steep the tea for 10 minutes. To achieve therapeutic results, tea should be drunk for 2-3 months. The onset of the antidepressant effect of tea is possible no earlier than after 3-4 weeks.

Recipe 2. Infusion for depression

To prepare an infusion based on St. John's wort, you will need 10 g of dried plant and 250 ml. boiling water St. John's wort is poured with the specified amount of boiling water and infused for half an hour. You can drink this infusion up to 6 times a day, one tablespoon. Take it strictly after meals.

The drug prepared according to this recipe helps not only in the treatment of depressive disorders, but also with cystitis, pain in the stomach and intestines, inflammation of the appendages, leucorrhoea, liver and bladder diseases, diarrhea, kidney stones, rheumatism, headaches, colitis and involuntary urination in children. In addition, this infusion is effective as an anthelmintic and hemostatic agent.

Recipe 3. St. John's wort tincture to improve mood

To prepare the tincture you will need: 0.5 liters of vodka and 15 g of dried St. John's wort. The plant mixture is poured with vodka and left for two weeks in a dark place. After this period, the tincture is filtered and taken three times a day in the amount of 30 drops, washed down with water.

The same product can be used to rinse the mouth to get rid of unpleasant odor. In this case, the same 30 drops of the drug are poured into 100 ml. water.

Recipe 4. St. John's wort decoction to relieve anxiety

The decoction is prepared from 300 ml. water and two tbsp. spoons of dry St. John's wort. Dry raw materials are poured with water and heated in a water bath, boiled for 25 minutes. Then bring it to the original volume by adding boiled water. You need to drink this remedy three times a day, a third of a glass after meals. After 3 months of treatment with this decoction, there will be no trace of anxiety left.

Recipe 5. St. John's wort powder for insomnia

Quite often, depressive states are accompanied by sleep disturbances. St. John's wort powder, which is sold in pharmacy chains, will help get rid of them.

In such cases, it is recommended to take 2-4 grams of powder per day, divided into three doses. The effect of treatment with herbal powder will appear after a month of daily use.

Herbal remedies St. John's wort

The drugs belong to the group of sedatives. The plant contains components that resemble fluoxetine in structure and properties - this is the active substance in the common antidepressant Prozac. St. John's wort is a universal remedy used for inflammation of skin diseases and other pathological conditions; at the same time, it is effective in the treatment of disorders of consciousness, depression, and sleep disorders.

It is noted that bioflavonoids in St. John's wort exhibit the ability to bind to benzodiazepine receptors, thereby providing a sedative effect. In addition, the drug affects different types of MAO. As a result, mood, physical and mental performance improves, and sleep is restored.

No. 4. Oil

1. The plant should not be taken if you have hypertension. Active compounds increase blood pressure. Sometimes this provokes vasoconstriction.

2. You should not drink St. John's wort tea at high temperatures. Often the drink causes hives to appear on the skin.

3. It is not recommended to consume St. John's wort while taking heart medications, antibiotics, or contraceptives. The active compounds contained in the plant neutralize the effects of drugs.

4. St. John's wort herb interferes with the normal absorption of synthetic hormones in the form of progesterone and estrogen. The medicinal properties in this case will not cover the harm and contraindications, so the plant is prohibited for use during hormonal treatment.

5. If you suffer from bronchial asthma, it is prohibited to inhale the herbal extract. Also, do not use a store-bought St. John's wort inhaler.

6. During pregnancy, the plant is contraindicated, since serious hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body. Taking the herb will negatively affect the development of the fetus.

7. If you are breastfeeding your baby, consuming St. John's wort will have a bad effect on the taste of the milk. It becomes bitter. The baby will simply refuse the breast.

8. If you regularly visit a solarium or the beach, it is not recommended to take the plant in any form. Its composition increases the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. Because of this, vitiligo may develop.

9. Men should be especially careful with such a plant. It helps cure prostatitis and get rid of swelling. However, the health course is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. If you do not follow the recommended norm, impotence will develop.

St. John's wort has a valuable composition. Thanks to this, the herb has become famous for its medicinal properties and contraindications in minimal quantities. If you take them into account and follow the recommended norm, there will be no negative impact on the body.

Even though this tea can be of great help, you need to know that there are possible side effects.

Light sensitivity: This is especially important. This is rare, but if you start to feel like the light is hurting your eyes or your skin is burning faster in the sun, it's best to stop taking the tea.
Drug interactions: Are you taking antidepressants? Talk to your doctor before taking St. John's wort tea. The medication may need to be adjusted as components in some herbs may enhance the effects of medications.

Sometimes St. John's wort tea just isn't right for you:

Serious mental illness: While this tea is great for treating mild depression and anxiety, it may not help if the patient suffers from major depression, schizophrenia or dementia, or if there is bipolar disorder.

Is surgery coming up? Then you should stop taking St. John's wort tea two weeks before surgery. Its sedative effect may interfere with anesthesia and cause cardiac complications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Due to the lack of scientific data on the possible effects of St. John's wort tea on the unborn child, it is best not to drink it. It is also believed to cause drowsiness and mild colic in breastfed babies. Therefore, wait until this stage is over before drinking herbal tea.

Valerian

The first place, of course, belongs to valerian.

Valerian is sold as an independent product, it is added to tablets, capsules, and is included in some teas. The calming effect occurs slowly, the main effect of the herb is to reduce excitability and improve sleep. When taken, intestinal spasms decrease.

Alcohol tincture is considered the most effective.

⇒Side effects: long-term use can cause constipation, high doses reduce performance and slow down reactions.

Motherwort

Motherwort. It relieves emotional anxiety, severe tension, and reduces heart rate. Sold in the form of herbs, tinctures with alcohol, tablets. While taking it, many reactions slow down, so you should not drive after taking it.

St. John's wort

There are many preparations based on the herb St. John's wort. Among them are Deprim, Negrustin, Gelarium Hypericum and Turineurin. St. John's wort is also sold in the form of dry herb, tincture, and extract.

Medicines are used to relieve symptoms of depression; they are effective in menopause and decreased mental activity. After taking it, there is an increase in mood, a surge of strength, and a decrease in anxiety symptoms.

Peony extract

Peony extract. It is recommended to take the tincture for a long time; the calming effect does not appear immediately. After a course of treatment, there is an improvement in sleep, a decrease in anxiety disorders and irritability.

What other herbs have a calming effect? These are hops, lemon balm, nettle, peppermint, passionflower. Herbs are sold in pharmacies and are also found in combined form.

Preparations containing St. John's wort are prohibited:

for internal use - for pregnant and lactating women;
people preparing for organ transplantation and having previously undergone this procedure;
using contraceptives;
hypertensive patients (severe disease);
patients with mental illness;
children under 12 years old.

Overdose may cause side effects:

allergies: skin pigmentation, itching, rash, eczema;
headaches, anxiety, fatigue;
constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and dry mouth;
lack of iron (anemia). Long-term use of the herb (more than 1 month) can lead to pain in the liver and a feeling of bitterness in the mouth. In men - to a decrease in potency.

St. John's wort extract tablets

Antidepressant drugs based on St. John's wort compensate for the lack of serotonin and the hormone dopamine, which are found in the brain. Basically, a deficiency of these 2 components leads to a person being depressed for a long time. These properties of the drug strengthen the nervous system, and the symptoms of anxiety disorder go away more mildly.

Sleep and appetite are also normalized. Tablets are sold freely in pharmacies

The advantage of using it is that a person becomes less susceptible to stressful situations, his performance increases, attention quickly concentrates on the necessary subject, his mood normalizes, apathy and irritability disappear

The use of St. John's wort for depressive disorders

Even in distant times, people used the wonderful properties of the healing plant - St. John's wort.
These yellow flowers saved people from pus in wounds, from inflammatory processes and from severe burns.

They treated gynecological problems, skin diseases, and heart pathologies. But even this is not the end of the healing properties of St. John’s wort.

Not long ago, pharmacists realized that this particular plant helps people fight depressive disorders. St. John's wort corrects a person's state of anxiety and tension, his restless sleep and insomnia.

The miraculous ability of St. John's wort to return depressed patients to a normal, joyful life is explained by the presence of various chemicals in it. The compounds in these substances prevent serotonin, known as the hormone of joy or happiness, from being absorbed back into the brain.

And many of these substances have a positive effect on the functioning of our nervous system. That is why St. John's wort is recommended as a decoction not only by folk medicine, but also by traditional medicine. Modern pharmaceuticals create antidepressants that include St. John's wort.

When treating depressive disorders with drugs based on St. John's wort, a positive therapeutic effect is usually observed after 2-3 weeks of use.

Folk recipes for remedies

Let's look at how to brew St. John's wort for depression. In folk medicine, St. John's wort is the most common and popular treatment for depressive disorders. The plant is used as a decoction, 2-3 times orally. On average, a person should consume about 300 mg of St. John's wort per day.

There are several good and effective recipes that help in the fight against depression.

Combine 10 grams of herb with a glass of hot water and soak for 30 minutes in a water bath. The strained broth is diluted with a glass of boiled water. It is necessary to drink the entire prepared broth three times a day.
Pour a tablespoon of St. John's wort into a glass of boiling water, boil it all for 15 minutes. Strain and take 2-3 sips orally three times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.
Pour a tablespoon of plant material into a glass of boiling water. Let the broth brew for half an hour in a warm place. Take a third of a glass a day, three times a day. Treatment with this prescription costs no more than three weeks.
The pharmacy sells St. John's wort powder, which will help get rid of depression. It will be enough to consume no more than a tablespoon of this powder per day.

The course of treatment with St. John's wort should under no circumstances be delayed. You should not use it for more than two months.

Description and characteristics

Varieties of white cucumbers were bred for cultivation only in greenhouses. And after several experiments, agronomists saw that white-skinned cucumbers survive well in both hot and cool climates.

Many summer residents claim that white cucumbers are tastier than green ones.

The length of the lashes can reach 2 meters. Growth is inhibited, just like in green varieties, by pinching. Due to their white color, these cucumbers are clearly visible through the green foliage. This reduces the risk of a large number of overripe fruits.

The main purpose of blonde cucumbers is for preparing salads and eating fresh. After all, these cucumbers are practically never bitter. But now there are already many varieties for canning and pickling.

Pharmaceutical preparations with St. John's wort

In pharmacies you can find powder prepared from this plant. This remedy helps with sleep disorders that often accompany depression.

The following medicines are made based on St. John's wort:

Hypericin;
Deprim;
Gelarium;
Negrustin.

These drugs combine safety and effectiveness. They have minimal side effects, so they are sometimes used against depression in pregnant women, older people and patients with weak immune systems. Such medications do not have a sedative effect, so they can be taken before driving a car or doing dangerous work.

What is St. John's wort?

The scientific name of this plant is Hypericum perforatum. Its flowers are bright yellow, with tiny black dots. If you rub the plant between your fingers, it releases a red pigment containing hypericin, a pharmacologically active substance. In English, St. John's wort is called "St. John's plant." According to Christian legend, the red sap of the plant symbolizes the blood shed by John the Baptist during his execution. St. John's wort blooms in Germany around June 24, which is the traditional birthday of John the Baptist.

Contraindications

It is not advisable to take St. John's wort for depression and medications with this plant along with warfarin, antidepressants, and medications prescribed for HIV infection. The herb reduces the effectiveness of contraceptives and heart medications.

Be careful. If the dosage is violated, the following symptoms may appear:

dry mouth;
skin rash;
high fatigue;
diarrhea;
dizziness;
sensitivity to sun light;
nausea.

The plant is contraindicated for children. St. John's wort should be consumed only after consultation with a specialist. Only in a dose suitable for the body can it bring benefits, which is necessary for recovery.

Before taking St. John's wort

Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a psychiatric researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health and an international authority on depression, can give you advice. Dr. Rosenthal recommends using St. John's wort only under medical supervision because self-medicating depression is dangerous. However, since many doctors and other specialists in this field still know little about this remedy, he can offer the following advice:

Don't think of St. John's wort as a "magic bullet" for depression. It is most effective when combined with other treatments, including counseling and sometimes other medications.
If you are taking traditional antidepressants, you should not suddenly stop using them and replace them with St. John's wort. Stopping use immediately may cause a rebound effect, possibly with serious consequences.
To stop taking antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil, slowly reduce your dosage while gradually increasing your dose of St. John's wort.
It is best to use St. John's wort to treat mild to moderate forms of depression because research has been conducted primarily on this topic. Increasing evidence suggests that this plant may also treat some types of severe depression (but not manic), although the evidence is too small to be as conclusive.
Take St. John's wort for at least six weeks before deciding whether it is effective. Don't stop taking it too soon because, like other antidepressants, it takes time to start working.
If you experience increased depression, suicidality, or serious side effects while taking St. John's wort, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately. Mild side effects disappear as the body gets used to the medicine. If this does not happen, consult a specialist.

Composition and properties of the plant

It can be found in a large number of medicinal preparations. Even in ancient times, it was actively used to eliminate various ailments. There are about 100 varieties of it in the flora. The perforated species has medicinal properties. To prepare miraculous remedies, it is recommended to use the above-ground part, where most of the beneficial substances are contained. Among them are:

● alkaloids;

● flavonoids;

● organic acids;

● phytoncides.

But it also contains toxins. If you do not adhere to the correct dosage, it will have a completely opposite effect. St. John's wort for neuroses will help not only normalize the functioning of the nervous system, but also return the previous positive attitude to life. Read more about the beneficial properties and contraindications of St. John's wort herb here: https://zdravoline.info/ot-chego-pomogaet-trava-zveroboj/

St. John's wort: description of properties

St. John's wort has the Latin name Hypericum perforatum. This herbaceous wild plant grows up to 70 cm in height, blooms with bright yellow, sometimes yellowish-brown, small flowers. Its flowering period occurs at the end of summer.

The tops of the plant, as well as its inflorescences, are used for phytotherapeutic purposes. In phytomedicine, 2 subspecies of this herb are used: St. John's wort (or perforatum) and tetrahedral. Externally, they are almost no different and have a very similar chemical composition.

St. John's wort is known to be very effective as an antidepressant. In addition, medications based on it are used in the treatment of diseases of the throat and oral cavity (sore throat, stomatitis), gastrointestinal tract (indigestion, poisoning); externally, decoctions and infusions of herbs and flowers are used to eliminate skin problems (ulcers, acne, non-healing wounds). Herbal remedies based on St. John's wort also help well with diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular, they normalize blood pressure.

Chemical composition of the St. John's wort plant:

ascorbic acid or vitamin C;
a nicotinic acid;
saponins;
sucrose;
carotene;
vitamin E or tocopherol;
hypericin;
unique cetyl alcohol;
choline;
hyperoside;
natural antibiotics – phytoncides;
essential oils;
resinous tannins;
natural bitterness.

● alkaloids;

● flavonoids;

● organic acids;

● phytoncides.

Recommendations for use

For treatment, the following dosage forms are prepared from St. John's wort:

healing tea;
decoction;
alcohol tincture;
water infusion.

The raw material for medicines is dry herbs purchased from a pharmacy. Although St. John's wort is a safe herb, it should be taken in limited quantities. Experts cannot accurately name the dose that will not harm the body when treating depression. But there is a recommendation for the use of this medicine: 3 times a day, 300 ml of plant extract

When calculating the dose, doctors paid attention to the amount of hypericin in the extract

How safe is St. John's wort?

One of the most attractive properties of St. John's wort is that its side effects are rare and fairly mild, says Dr. Michael A. Jaenicke in an article published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology. The most common complaint is gastrointestinal upset. Allergic reactions are very rare. All side effects, according to research, quickly disappear when you stop taking it; There are no known cases of irreparable harm. During studies, mild side effects occurred in less than 1 to 10 percent of patients. In addition, sometimes a slight reduction in the dose of St. John's wort is enough for the body to adapt to it and the side effects disappear. Conventional antidepressants cause serious and often dangerous complications in 36 percent of patients.

Some doctors do not recommend that those taking St. John's wort stay in the sun for a long time due to possible “photosensitive” skin reactions. This reaction was observed in animals with light skin that fed on St. John's wort. However, research shows that for such a problem to occur, a person needs to take an amount of St. John's wort that is thirty to seventy times greater than the norm. In Germany, this drug is used quite widely, but there is no data yet on its toxicity at recommended therapeutic doses.

If you are taking other antidepressants or suffer from severe depression, psychotic symptoms or suicidal tendencies, you should only take St. John's wort under the advice and supervision of a doctor. Depression can be a serious illness, and it is very risky to self-diagnose and self-medicate. In addition, pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as children, should not take St. John's wort unless advised by a doctor. Do not take St. John's wort with traditional antidepressants unless you are under medical supervision.

How do pills save you from depression?

There are 30 neurotransmitters that carry information to neurons. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are associated with depressive disorders. Tablets that are intended to treat depression maintain the concentration of neurotransmitters at the desired level and normalize brain function that occurs as a result of the disease.

Are anti-depression drugs dangerous?

The danger lies in the use of drugs in high doses and abrupt discontinuation of treatment. Patients experience anxiety and sleep disturbances. For depression, only a doctor should prescribe treatment and select an individual therapeutic dose.

When do anti-depression and stress medications begin to work?

More often, the effect of antidepressants is observed 2 weeks after the start of treatment. In some patients, results from the treatment appear within 7 days. It depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

How to take medications?

When treating a disease, medications should be taken daily, preferably at the same time. The dosage and number of doses is determined by the doctor. It is not always possible to immediately select the necessary combination of medications. Sometimes you have to change medications to get the desired result.

To obtain the effect of treatment, you must:

take the pills until the end of the course of treatment and stop taking them, gradually reducing the dosage to prevent a relapse;
In addition to taking the medications prescribed by the doctor, he must identify the cause of the pathology (negative emotions, chronic stress, nervous strain, lack of vitamins, etc.).

In the first half of the day it is necessary to take medications, the effect of which is aimed at increasing activity. Drugs that have a hypnotic effect are taken shortly before bedtime.

When taking medications for depression, the patient must adhere to the rules for treating the disease:

help the doctor identify the cause of the disease (talk about your condition in detail);
Be prepared that the therapy will be long-term, recovery will take more than one month.

What do you need to remember?

To prevent traditional treatment from ending in unpleasant surprises in the form of side effects or lack of results, it is recommended to remember a few rules to avoid problems. Basic requirements for successful recovery from diseases of the nervous system:

It is recommended to use only St. John's wort in treatment - other types of herbs do not differ in healing qualities;
before starting the course, familiarize yourself with contraindications - the presence of prohibitions should be the reason for refusing to use home remedies, otherwise it is easy to cause serious complications;
consultation with a specialist is an indispensable condition for successful treatment; without the doctor’s permission, consuming even weakly saturated decoctions or infusions is strictly prohibited;
remember the toxicity of the herb - only the correct use of herbal remedies will provide positive results;
After the first doses, carefully monitor the body’s reaction - if you are individually intolerant to the herb, you will have to stop taking it;
When preparing herbal formulations, strictly follow the recipe - adding additional components; exceeding the specified amount of the active ingredient is not recommended.

In folk treatment using St. John's wort, it is also important to observe the duration of the course. It is recommended to allow the body to rest by maintaining intervals.

St. John's wort is a plant famous for its many healing qualities, which alternative medicine offers to address health problems.

Herbal remedies have a positive effect on all diseases of the nervous system, while simultaneously having an additional effect on all human systems and organs.

It should be remembered that in case of serious depression, the effectiveness of herbal medicine will not be enough to cope with the disease - with the permission of a specialist, it is better to use the herb as an auxiliary therapy.

Composition and properties of the plant

● alkaloids;

● flavonoids;

● organic acids;

● phytoncides.

Effective recipes

This plant is used mainly in the form of teas, decoctions and tinctures.

To prepare the simplest remedy, you need to take 2 tsp. dry mixture of this herb and pour 200 ml of boiling water. You need to drink 2 times a day immediately after brewing. It is recommended to do this in the morning and evening, but if you have problems sleeping, evening use can be transferred to lunch. The antidepressant will begin to act in 3-4 weeks, which is not always acceptable.

To prepare an infusion of St. John's wort for depression, take 10 g of the dried plant and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. The product is infused for 30 minutes and consumed 6 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. after eating.

A recipe with vodka will help improve your mood. You should take 0.5 liters of this drink and pour this amount into 15 g of dry St. John's wort. You need to infuse the mixture for 2 weeks in a place protected from the sun. After this period, the tincture should be filtered and taken 3 times a day, 30 drops, with water.

From 2 tbsp. l. Dried herbs and 300 ml of water can be used to prepare a decoction. To do this you need:

Fill the grass with water.
Heat in a water bath.
Boil for 25 minutes.
Add boiling water to bring the amount of water to the original amount.

This remedy should be drunk 3 times a day, 1/3 cup after meals.

St. John's wort herb contraindications

Before using the decoction, you need to know how to brew it.
2 tbsp. l. plants are poured with 1 cup of boiling water. The liquid is covered with a lid, kept in a water bath for about 30 minutes, then infused. Should be taken 3 times a day, 1/3 cup. St. John's wort is also used as a tea. It is prepared from a dry plant. 2 tbsp. l. the mixture is poured with 1 cup of boiling water. The liquid is covered with a lid and infused for 10 minutes. Used 2 times a day. The product acts slowly - the result appears only 2 weeks after regular use of the drink.

The components of the plant that help get rid of depression do not dissolve well in water. Therefore, tincture is most often preferred during treatment. It is prepared at home as follows. The dried plant is finely chopped and poured with vodka in a ratio of 1:10. It is infused for 2 weeks, after which the medicine is ready. Take 10 drops 3 times a day before meals.

Today's reality is filled with stress, and the lack of positive emotions leads to deep depression. Scientists warn that depression could become the main disease of the 21st century. It is extremely important to solve the problem of bad mood at the very beginning, because then depression cannot be cured without strong drugs. With a huge variety of medications, the question inevitably arises: which remedy for depression should I choose?

If you are tormented by apathy and bad mood, then medicinal plants will come to the rescue. People have known for a very long time that St. John's wort helps depression. For more than four thousand years, potions and preparations based on this plant have been used to calm down and reduce anxiety. The medieval herbalist Culpeper used St. John's wort back in 1652, and the famous Paracelsus spoke about the plant's ability to drive away bad thoughts, which usually lead a person to despair.

Later, St. John's wort was actively used for depression in combination with other, more powerful antidepressants. In the 70s of the last century, the effect of using this beneficial herb was scientifically confirmed by German scientists. Modern doctors say St. John's wort is a good choice, especially if you don't want to resort to heavy medications right away. In the USA, for example, it is often prescribed for depression if the most potent drugs cannot be taken for some reason.

"St. John's wort P" is an effective remedy for depression primarily because it increases the content of serotonin in brain cells. And a lack of serotonin is known to be one of the main causes of depressive disorders. On the other hand, this natural healer increases the level of dopamine in the blood, which has a beneficial effect on the brain and can significantly improve mood.

How does St. John's wort work? Its antidepressant effect is based on the chemicals hypericin and hyperoside. Experts often call St. John's wort a multi-drug because of its rich composition, in which all substances work to improve a person's psychological state. Numerous vitamins and microelements contained in the plant successfully defeat bacteria and various inflammations.

St. John's wort for depression would be a particularly good choice if a person has this disease in a mild or moderate stage. The plant has no side effects like heavy drugs, and its effectiveness as an antidepressant has been tested in clinical trials.

The fact that “St. John's wort P” saves from developing apathy at its very beginning, its effect is by no means exhausted. It can be taken not only as a drug for depression, but also as an adjuvant for hepatitis, flu and inflammation in the oral cavity. For cholelithiasis, kidney irritation and purulent otitis, the use of this plant will also be appropriate.

Many people are accustomed to self-medication. Finding themselves in a critical situation, they strive to find a way out of it themselves. In this case, it is important to know what is not only effective, but also as safe as possible. The information presented below will help you better navigate modern psycholeptics. By studying the composition of the drugs, their method of use and adverse reactions, you can avoid unwanted complications.

Representatives of the stronger sex are not used to sharing their problems. They often try to overcome a stressful state on their own, which is accompanied by nervous tension and decreased brain activity. Men can use the following medications: “Novo-passit”, “Dobrokam”, “Valemidin”, “Mens formula anti-stress”.

In the lives of women, one of the main roles is played by unstable hormonal levels, which can cause headaches and anxiety. The following sedative medications are recommended for them: “Simpatil”, “Phenibut”, peony tincture.

The herb St. John's wort is used in the treatment of various pathological phenomena. Let's look at what the plant helps with.

The grass is famous for its disinfecting effect, and it is also astringent. They drink teas and remedies with St. John's wort for upset stools, pain in the abdominal area and other phenomena of this type.

When used carefully, it can cure hormonal imbalances in individuals who are experiencing it. St. John's wort corrects the menstrual cycle and profuse discharge in women, relieves inflammation in the vagina. For men, the plant will help increase blood flow to the groin, increasing potency.

For gastrointestinal diseases

St. John's wort is a herb that is successfully used in gastroenterology. Its medicinal properties and contraindications in this matter have been studied, let's talk about them. The plant treats ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis. It is used to remove sand and stones from the kidneys. The herb eliminates flatulence, increased gas formation, and constipation. St. John's wort prevents food from fermenting in the intestines.

The plant has been used as a sedative for many years. St. John's wort normalizes the psycho-emotional environment and acts as the main or auxiliary remedy in the treatment of depression and moral exhaustion. It is consumed to eliminate sleep problems. Various products containing herbs accelerate the production of serotonin.

For colds

Used to combat diseases of the throat, bronchi, and lungs (in particular tuberculosis). They drink teas/decoctions and gargle with them. Rub the chest and back with tinctures. The remedies will be useful during the off-season and the spread of influenza, when the body is very weakened.

There are many diseases, including psoriasis or eczema, that are difficult to treat. St. John's wort (herb) is used as a bactericidal agent, its medicinal properties and contraindications are obvious. Lotions heal and disinfect wounds, ulcers, suppuration, and burns. The plant has found application in the fight against vitiligo.

The plant serves as the basis for the preparation of ointments, tinctures, oils, decoctions, etc. St. John's wort tea is also in demand. We will learn how to brew it below.

No. 1. Tea

1. St. John's wort tea should be drunk in the off-season and in winter to strengthen the body. The drink is aimed at normalizing the nervous system, increasing protective functions and improving sleep.

2. Brewing tea couldn't be easier: combine 250 ml. boiling water with 10 gr. dried grass. Cover and leave for 5 minutes. Drink a fresh drink every time.

3. You can drink it in courses lasting up to 2 weeks, then you should take a break for 3-7 days and resume taking it if necessary. St. John's wort is combined with rose hips, dried figs, and oregano to enhance its beneficial properties.

No. 2. Infusion

1. For 0.2 l. boiling water for 1 tbsp. l. dried St. John's wort or 2 tbsp. l. fresh. Brew the herb and let it sit for several hours.

2. Use 1 tsp. three times a day before meals to normalize stomach acidity levels, cure gastritis or colitis. The same remedy is used for cystitis.

3. St. John's wort (herb) is used as infusions as often as in the form of tea. The beneficial properties and contraindications of this remedy have been studied, and the benefits predominate.

4. The infusion stabilizes blood pressure in case of hypertension, increases blood circulation in the veins. They gargle and douche to eliminate gynecological diseases.

No. 3. Decoction

1. The herb St. John's wort is famous for its beneficial properties, but contraindications should also be taken into account. When deciding to make a decoction, combine 250 ml. water with 1-2 tbsp. l. dry plant.

2. Place in a bowl so that it is convenient to heat the composition in a water bath. Do not allow it to boil; wait for half an hour. Then remove, cover, wait for cooling.

3. This decoction is suitable for treating hair (rinsing) or facial skin (wiping instead of using tonic).

4. It is also drunk for hemorrhoids, rheumatism, intestinal disorders and infections, gastroenteritis. You need to consume 75 ml. three times a day before meals.

No. 4. Oil

1. More often used externally for the treatment of non-healing abrasions, cracking of the heels, and trophic ulcers. St. John's wort oil is consumed internally for gastritis and ulcers. You can also lubricate the skin with oil and rub into the hair roots.

2. You will need fresh crushed St. John's wort (herb) in a volume of 25 g. Combine it with 250 ml. olive, sunflower or flax oils. To prevent the beneficial properties and contraindications from interchanging, do not heat the oil.

3. So, leave the mixture for 20 days in warmth and darkness. Shake contents daily. After a specified period of time, filter through 4 layers of gauze.

4. St. John's wort oil is ready. For ulcers and gastritis, consume it orally, 1 tbsp. l. on an empty stomach in the morning or 5 hours after eating. Treatment lasts 1.5 months.

1. Pour 1 part St. John's wort herb into 10 parts medical alcohol/vodka. Place in an airtight container and store in the dark for 3 days.

2. After this period, the product will be ready. It is taken in combination with water: 1 tsp. tinctures account for 80 ml. water.

3. The drug is used for inhalation, relief of sore throat (diluted form, gargling), compresses for sore joints/muscles. The tincture is consumed to normalize the psycho-emotional state.

Rules of use

This plant has been used to improve mood in small doses for more than 4 thousand years. Before using St. John's wort, like any other folk remedy, it is best to consult a doctor about the method of use. This is especially true for people with chronic diseases and AIDS, as well as patients who take other medications.

Despite the safety of St. John's wort for the body, you need to take medicines from it in limited quantities. An exact dosage that is both effective and safe for all patients has not yet been identified. But through experience, doctors came to the optimal amount of plant extract in most cases - 300 mg 3 times a day. About 0.3% of this number is due to hypericin, which is the main active ingredient.

This plant tones the body, so consuming it in the evening can cause insomnia. In this regard, the use of St. John's wort for depression should occur in the first half of the day.

Most experts agree that St. John's wort should not be used for severe infections. But for mild depressive conditions, this plant brings excellent results.

St. John's wort as an antidepressant

An infusion of dried flowers of St. John's wort or common St. John's wort treats many diseases:

hearts;
liver;
stomach;
female genital organs.

Recent studies on the beneficial properties of this plant have shown good therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression, chronic fatigue and neurological disorders. Such a wide range of beneficial effects is associated with the unique composition of dried flowers:

flavonoids;
tocopherols (antioxidants);
tannins;
vitamins (provitamin A, nicotinic acid, rutin, vitamin C).

Among the main active ingredients are azulene, quercetin, a vitamin complex, tocopherols and flavonoids. Thanks to this composition, the natural antidepressant St. John's wort has become widespread in medicine, although St. John's wort has been used as a folk remedy for centuries. A powerful effect on the nervous system is provided by the complex action of substances that, individually or in another combination, do not provide such therapeutic benefits:

azulene is a popular pigment and antioxidant in cosmetology due to its anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties;
quercetin is a flavonoid that is able to penetrate the endings of nerve fibers, affects the regulation of receptors, reducing the release of adrenaline, which causes a calming and analgesic effect;
rutin is a vitamin that has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, strengthening them;
nicotinic acid – necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and heart;
hypericin is a red pigment that is found in the flowers of a medicinal plant and has an anti-stress psychotropic effect on the body.

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Symptoms

They can be emotional, which is expressed in hopelessness, nervous tension, guilt

A person loses interest in many things, begins to think slowly, and loses attention. You may experience anxiety, fear, or worry. Symptoms are physical

These are fatigue, headaches, poor sleep. The person may lose appetite. The heart rate also increases, and excessive sweating occurs. Usually, emotional and physical symptoms are related. Whatever the causes and signs of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor about this

Symptoms are physical. These are fatigue, headaches, poor sleep. The person may lose appetite. The heart rate also increases, and excessive sweating occurs. Usually, emotional and physical symptoms are related. Whatever the causes and signs of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor about this

For depression, timely treatment is important. Moreover, today there are effective traditional medicines

St. John's wort may interact with many common medications

St. John's wort interacts with a large number of commonly prescribed drugs.

In most cases, it reduces their effects, but it may also increase them, which can lead to more frequent and severe side effects.

It is known to interact with the following medications, among others:

Antidepressants: It may increase the side effects of some antidepressants. This can lead to serotonin syndrome, a rare condition in which serotonin levels become too high and can be fatal in extreme cases.
Birth control pills: Unexpected bleeding may occur mid-cycle with combined use of birth control pills and St. John's wort. It may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control.
Warfarin: Warfarin is a blood-thinning drug commonly used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots. St. John's wort has been found to reduce its effectiveness, increasing the risk of blood clots.
Cancer drugs: St. John's wort has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of some cancer drugs.

For example, St. John's wort

Tablets and capsules based on this herb (Hypericum), which grows abundantly both in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere, and in the Mediterranean and under the tropics, are extremely popular as a “mild” antidepressant. They have the effect of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, similar to, for example, fluoxetine.

But if you can’t buy fluoxetine without a prescription these days, St. John’s wort preparations are sold freely in pharmacies. These are Negrustin, Neuroplant, Gelarium Hypericum, Hypericin and several more.

It must be said that the instructions for these drugs indicate contraindications, possible negative side reactions, and undesirable combinations with other medications. But, unfortunately, when buying a drug without a prescription, the patient automatically considers it harmless and does not read the instructions particularly carefully.

Even worse, a 2014 American study found that even doctors are not always aware of the risks of these drugs!

A team of experts at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina analyzed data from the National Medical Review of Outpatient Records from 1993 to 2010.

It turned out that in 28% of cases, when prescribing St. John's wort, doctors prescribed it simultaneously with medications, the combination with which is dangerous.

Possible consequences of such combinations include serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition caused by excessive accumulation of serotonin when used concomitantly with antidepressants, heart disease as a result of decreased effectiveness of hypertension medications, and blocking the action of oral contraceptives.

And a 2020 Australian study found that St. John's wort preparations, even on their own, can have the same negative side effects as fluoxetine.

It turns out that the issue is not at all about the origin of the drug: whether it is natural or obtained as a result of a series of chemical reactions in the laboratory.

If the mechanism of action is the same, then the beneficial effects on the body and possible complications will be similar.

Between 2000 and 2013, researchers found 84 reports of adverse reactions to St. John's wort and 447 to fluoxetine. At first glance, the picture is in favor of St. John's wort, however, many fewer patients take St. John's wort preparations than fluoxetine, and most often complications from herbal preparations are not officially recorded, since they are not considered medicines. At the same time, the very fact of the presence of such complications cannot but be considered alarming in light of the low vigilance of both patients and doctors when it comes to natural remedies.

How to take St. John's wort

St. John's wort comes in many forms, including tablets, capsules, teas, extracts, and skin oils.

The standard dose is 0.3% hypericin.

But given that the FDA does not recognize it as a drug, it is not regulated as such, and products can vary widely in strength.

This makes it difficult to determine exact dosing, but most studies on St. John's wort and depression used 300 mg three times daily (900 mg per day).

Capsules or tablets seem to allow for more precise dosing. Buying it from a reputable source can also ensure accurate dosing.

How to use

St. John's wort has been used in folk medicine for depression for over 4,000 years. Since ancient times, people have known about its restorative, tonic and mood-enhancing properties. Today, this herb is actively used in official medical practice and is prescribed in the form of various medications to those who suffer from depressive syndrome or general loss of strength.

Infusions and tinctures from the inflorescences and leaves of this plant have an antidepressant effect.

St. John's wort tea

St. John's wort tea will help you calm down and calm nervous tremors. It is prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of dry herbal raw materials are poured with 200 g of boiling water and left until cool (about 10 minutes). It is best to use glass or ceramic dishes for this. Healing tea is taken in the mornings and evenings. It is advisable to brew yourself a fresh portion of the product every day.

To obtain a lasting effect, you will need to drink tea for 2 to 3 months in a row. The first positive changes will be noticeable within 2-3 weeks.

St. John's wort infusion

An aqueous infusion of St. John's wort is quite simple to prepare. You need to pour 10 grams of dry herbal raw materials into 1 glass of boiling water (but do not boil the mixture), then leave for half an hour and strain. This medicine is taken 6 times a day, a single dose is 1 tablespoon. You should drink the infusion only after meals.

This herbal medicine has a wide range of therapy. It helps in the treatment of cystitis, relieves stomach pain, helps remove kidney stones and even relieves headaches. With long-term use, the infusion reduces the manifestations of rheumatism.

This remedy is good for raising your mood and increasing the overall tone of the body. It is prepared in the following way: 500 grams of vodka (or alcohol) is mixed with 15 grams of dry St. John's wort and infused for 15 days in a dark, cool place. It is advisable to shake the mixture periodically. Next, the liquid is filtered, stored in the refrigerator and taken 30 drops three times a day. You need to dilute the product with water (about 100 grams of liquid) and drink it at once.

Many people prefer to take St. John's wort in this form for depression; reviews of people treated with this drug indicate that the first positive changes in psycho-emotional well-being are noticeable after just a few weeks of use.

In addition to the tonic effect, this product is also used to disinfect the oral cavity and get rid of unpleasant odor. You should use the tincture diluted with water to rinse your mouth.

St. John's wort decoction

This herbal medicine relieves anxiety attacks and relieves all the unpleasant symptoms that accompany them. The herbal remedy is prepared as follows: 2 tablespoons of the dry plant are poured with 300 grams of water, everything is heated and kept in a water bath for half an hour. Next, you need to strain the broth and add liquid so that its volume returns to 300 grams.

The medicine is drunk 13 glasses 3 times a day, the course of administration is 3 months, although the first positive changes will be noticeable after a month of regular herbal treatment.