The golden yellow flowers of St. John’s wort have been known and used for their health benefits since the Middle Ages. Even medieval people realised that if they used St. John’s wort regularly, they would not suffer from mood swings. However, this herb can have a much wider role to play in maintaining health, as it can help to relieve more than just depressive symptoms.
St. John’s wort has been shown to boost mood and relieve mild to moderate depressive symptoms. This is because the herb contains chemicals that increase the levels of serotonin, a powerful mood enhancer, in the brain. Low levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters are often responsible for depression.
St. John’s wort is also a popular treatment for depression symptoms because it has significantly fewer side effects than some prescription anti-depressants.
The herb can be used for many other things. St. John’s wort can reduce anxiety and the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, help you quit smoking and help reduce the symptoms of PMS, or premenstrual syndrome.
Research shows that St. John’s wort may be beneficial in improving short-term memory, but only if consumed in moderation and in a cure. Using larger amounts can have the opposite effect.
Research has shown that St. John’s wort is effective in reducing migraine symptoms, but not the frequency of migraines, i.e. it has no effect on when and why migraines occur.
Research shows that ointments containing St. John’s wort can be very useful and beneficial in reducing the severe symptoms of psoriasis.
The herb has also been shown to be useful for many other conditions. It has reduced anxiety and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue. The herb can also be enjoyed by people suffering from sciatica, as it can significantly relieve pain.
St. John’s wort is very effective in the treatment of certain skin conditions and studies have also shown it to be effective in relieving stomach pain.
