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Related Articles
Hypericum
- The Sunshine Herb
Kirian Taylor
Natural
Solutions for Stress
Alison Cullen
Also known as:
St John’s Wort
Uses:
• Mild to moderate depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Nerve pain eg. neuralgia, sciatica
• Viral infections eg. shingles, cold sores
Description:
This herb is a traditional remedy for mild to moderate depression. It is commonly
found in temperate countries and has been the subject of a large body of research.
How it works:
There is little doubt that Hypericum works by influencing the neurotransmitters
in the brain. The substances responsible for this action are thought to be
hypericin and hyperforin. However, it is widely accepted that the action of
the herb cannot be assigned to a specific constituent but is rather the balanced
effect of all the substances within the plant.
Hypericum has also been found to contain flavonoids which possess analgesic
action in those suffering with nerve pain eg. neuralgia, shingles and sciatica.
Additional advice:
Please check with your Doctor or Pharmacist if you are taking any prescribed
medicines as Hypericum (St John’s Wort) may affect the way they work.
