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St
John's wort
(Hypericum
perforatum)
Other
names: Tipton's
Weed or Klamath weed
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Medicinally
St
John's wort is today most widely known as a herbal
treatment for depression. In some countries, such
as Germany, it is commonly prescribed for mild
depression, especially in children, adolescents,
and where cost is a concern.
A
constituent chemical, hyperforin may be useful for
treatment of alcoholism, although dosage, safety
and efficacy have not been studied. Hyperforin has
also been found to have antibacterial properties
against gram-negative bacteria, although dosage,
safety and efficacy has not been studied.
Hyperforin
has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of the
neurotransmitter norepinephrine, leading to
speculation that it might alleviate the symptoms
of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
Cautions:
St John's wort may rarely cause photosensitivity.
This can lead to visual sensitivity to light and
to sunburns in situations that would not normally
cause them. Documented drug interactions, which
result in substantially decreased serum
concentrations and lowered efficacy of the primary
drug, have occurred with cyclosporine (a
transplant immunosuppressant),digoxin,and warfarin.
Drops in serum concentration also have occurred
with the protease inhibitor indinavir and the
cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin.
Interactions have also been reported with
amitriptyline, phenprocoumon,dextromethorphan and
oral contraceptives
History
The
first recorded use of Hypericum for medicinal
purposes dates back to ancient Greece, and it has
been used ever since. Hypericum was also used by
Native Americans internally as an abortifacient
and externally as an anti-inflammatory,
astringent, and antiseptic.
Its
use as a herbal tea has long been enjoyed.
The
flowers and stems of St John's wort have also been
used to produce red and yellow dyes.
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St.
John's Wort herb W/C
(Hypericum perforatum)
Origin-
USA 
St.
John's Wort is nervine and sedative
helpful in treating anxiety, moderate
depression, nervousness, insomnia and incontinence.
St John's Wort is a anti-viral,
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
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For
educational purposes only This information
has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. |
