The St. John’s Wort- Therapeutic Effects In Some Mental Conditions

Rate This

Photo: Getty Images

St. John's wort oil or hypericum can be very beneficial for massage and it could easily be considered one of the most versatile oils (after lavender oil) for its usage and benefits in aromatherapy programs. It covers the widest range of ailments and conditions. Hypericum is a yellow flowering plant found in Europe, North America, China, India, etc. It is also known as Tipton's weed, amber, Klamath weed, rosin rose, goat weed or touch and heal. Hypericum is a large genus with about 300 species. It is found to be beneficial in the management of the following conditions in aromatherapy through massage:

• Neuralgia
• Nerve tissue damage
• Sciatica
• HIV infection
• Sprains
• Anti-inflammation
• Anti viral
• Anti-bacterial
• Burns
• Bruises
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Menopause
• Depression
• Dysentery
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and social phobia
• Worms
• Bladder problems
• Phlegm congestion
• Lower back pain
• Painful menstruation
• Migraines

St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is regarded as wildflower, weed, and herb. Hypericum comes from the Greek name for the plant "hyperikon" translating to "almost over ghosts" – a reference to mystical properties attributed to the plant from medieval times.

Recent studies have targeted the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical use of St. John's wort for addressing depression, SAD, OCD, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder. In support was a 1984 study conducted by Suzuki, et al., which exhibited that hypericin, which is the red component found aplenty in the flowers of St. John's wort, inhibited type A and type B monoamine oxidase.

These monoamine oxidase inhibitors are used as "Line A" chemicals in the addressing of depression, enabling to curb an enzyme that breaks down monoamine (a precursor of neurotransmitter norepinephrine). Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that carry nerve impulses through some nerve pathways. It has been suggested that some types of clinical depression may result from a decrease in the effectiveness of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain.

Hypericum is the first known substance to enhance three key neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Preliminary research suggests that St. John's wort also lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol and enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring tranquilizer in the brain. Also, since hypericin was shown to inhibit types A and B monoamine oxidase, it was suggested as a possible basis for the anti-depressant activity of the plant, though the results are not conclusive. Other mechanisms of action could possibly be involved.

St. John's wort oil is used for bruises, burns and it may be anti-inflammatory. It is often used by herbalists to speed healing of wounds, eczema and sores. Externally it is applied to bruises, sprains, burns, skin irritations, or any laceration accompanied by severed nerve tissue.

*Benefits and side-effects should be discussed with your therapist for each type of treatment option before starting on your treatment.

Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers) and An Urban Woman's Integrated Fitness Guide (Publishers: Hay House). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com. Visit www.mamtasingh.com

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Empowered

Mamta Singh View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.