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ST. JOHN’S
WORT: AN INTERVIEW
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
With
the recent interest in the herb
St. John's Wort
sweeping the nation, many folks think this is a new herb. I
wanted to enlighten the readership to the long history of
this plant and go into the numerous aspects of its use.
Currently it is being used for mild to moderate depression
with many good results. It is important that we keep in
mind that herbs work differently than pharmaceuticals.
Herbs work synergistically with the compounds within them
and their interaction with the body chemistry. The format
of today's article will be in an interview format.
Let's begin this interview by looking into the past.
Hawkins:
Tell us about yourself and how you got your name
St. John's
Wort?
St. John's
Wort:
I have been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times
(approximately 2000 years). My botanical name is
hypericum
perforatum which is derived
from the Greek words hyper and
eikon which translates to "above" and "icon".
Many people used to believe that it would protect them from
evil spirits. My name came about because the plant blooms
around St. John's
Day which is June 24. Of course, I bloom anywhere from June
to September depending on climate. I was known by
Hippocrates and the Greek herbalist
Dioscorides. Christian mystics named me after John
the Baptist.
Hawkins:
Since you mention climate, where can you be found and when
is the best time to harvest you?
St. John's
Wort:
I am native to Europe, North Africa, and
West Asia. I was brought to the
United States early on by
European settlers. I also grew quite well in Northern
California and Oregon
as well as the Appalachians.
The aerial part of me is used medicinally. Only the
top 6-9 inches are harvested when I am in bloom. The
leaves, stems, flowers and unopened buds are used
medicinally. They have the highest levels of
hypericum, which I will discuss
later.
Hawkins:
When did healers begin to document your value, and what
type of ailments were you treating?
St. John's
Wort:
About 400 years ago herbalists started to really recognize
me. I am used in four different applications. They are
prepared as infusions (teas), tinctures (extracts), oil
macerations, and standardized extracts. I have been used
for numerous conditions. I will mention a few here. The oil
has been used topically for burns by helping to calm the
skin and aid wound healing. Nervous disorders, depression,
neuralgia, insomnia, seasonal affective disorder and kidney
problems have been some of the main ailments that I work
with, and currently I am being studied for anti-viral
properties working with HIV and AIDS patients.
Hawkins:
Tell us about your biochemistry and what makes you work
within the body?
St. John's
Wort:
This will probably be too complex for most, but I will give
you some of the major constituents. Scientists have been
able to identify hypericin and
its derivatives, flavonols,
flavonoids, essential oils,
carotenoids, and
phytosterols as some of these
main compounds. This explains why I am used in so many
different aspects. Let me explain further some of the
research that is going on currently.
The West Germans have done
most of this research with over 20 studies involving
thousands of patients. Their results confirm my ability to
help those with mild to moderate depression.
Hawkins:
Tell us more about depression and the mechanisms of your
actions?
St. John's
Wort:
Compared with both placebos,
inert comparison substances and various anti-depressant
drugs I have come out on top every time. The success rate
is between 60-80% which is equal, I might add, to the drug
Prozac; however, with me there are fewer side effects. In a
study in 1994 which included 3,250 patients, it was found
that only 2.4% had any side effects worth noting. Compare
that to conventional drug therapies currently being used
today and this is very low. Scientists still are having a
hard time discerning which part of me works to create these
positive effects in the body. Some say I work with GABA
receptors in the brain. (GABA is the neurotransmitter that
calms down the nervous system.) Some say I work like a MAO
inhibitor drug; however, that is not accurate either. It
has been noted that I might work with the neurotransmitter
serotonin, which helps you to feel good and elevate your
mood. I keep telling the scientists that it is all of me
that does the work and not just
one single isolated compound. I think that is the
conclusion they are coming too, also!
Hawkins:
In the research you just mentioned people in the studies
were using a standardized extract. Tell us about dosage and
how it is taken and how long before a person would feel the
benefits?
St. John's
Wort:
In the standardized extract used in the studies, the
hypericin content was measured
at 0.3% concentration. Even though
hypericin does not have antidepressant properties,
it is used as a reference point. This means that 300 mg by
weight contains 0.9% hypericin.
The current dosage recommendation is 300 mg three times a
day for a total of 900 mg daily. It is important to spread
it out throughout the day. Remember that more is not always
better. A person needs to take the extract for at least two
weeks before benefits are to be expected and this, too,
will vary individually.
Capsules and tinctures are
also valuable, but they will be dependent on the quality of
the material. Remember, a medicine is only as good as its
starting material. When taking powdered herbs in capsules,
you need to take more of it; and in regards to tinctures,
20 drops taken 3 times a day is recommended.
Hawkins:
Before we finish our interview, tell us about any side
affects or any toxicity factors that might interfere with
your ability to work well. Please
mention any cautions with regard to contraindications with
pharmaceuticals!
St. John's
Wort:
As I mentioned earlier, side affects are relatively low.
However, the following are possible:
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loss of appetite, and
abdominal pains) which can occur with any substance. Taken
with meals seems to help. Allergic
reactions – skin rashes and itching.
Phototoxicity – this has
happened more with grazing animals than with humans, but
fair-skinned people who have taken large doses might have
sensitivity.
Contraindications are that
this herb is not to be taken during pregnancy or nursing.
The only drug interaction possibility is with MAO
inhibiting drugs or L-dopa, and it is due to an increase in
blood pressure. Hundreds of people in
Europe
with high blood pressure have been using me without
problems. Remember, it is wise to be
cautious when taking any substance. Please consult with
your health care practitioner.
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