Health Benefits of St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a perennial plant that grows in many parts of the world including northern California, southern Oregon and Colorado. "Wort" is an old English word for an herb or plant. Its scientific name is Hypericum perforatum. It was believed to bloom on the birth day of St. John the Baptist, June 24th, which is where it acquired its name.

St. John's Wort is one of the most popular herbs in North America and Europe and is best known for its use as a mild antidepressant. However, it has traditionally been used as a topical treatment for bruises and burns and has a long history of use as an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.

St. John's Wort has also been used in assisting with insomnia, neurosis, neuralgia, tinnitus and rheumatic pain, as well as aiding in wound healing. St. John's Wort is currently being studied for its possible affects on other mood disorders such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In Germany, St. John's Wort herbal supplements are among the leading medicines used to relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Studies show that people taking St. John's Wort report an improvement in mood and ability to function in daily activities.

The major active ingredients in St. John's Wort include hypericin and hyperforin. For many years researchers believed that hypericin was the main antidepressant property. More recent research suggests that St. John's Wort antidepressant actions may be a result of hyperforin (a neurotransmitter) and flavonoids. St. John's Wort may work as an antidepressant, by making more hyperforin available to the brain.

In animal studies, hypericin has been shown active against several viruses including cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, and herpes. The herb seems to work against viruses by oxidation and its antiviral effect is stronger when exposed to light.