1. A Divine Herb
St. John's wort blooms around June 24, the birthday of St. John the Baptist. Like its namesake, this plant looks wild and shaggy but has a well-defined purpose: For centuries, it has been used as a folk remedy to treat mood disorders. Herbalists would make concoctions from the flowers and leaves. Today you can find St. John's wort in the form of capsules, tablets, teas and extracts anywhere that dietary supplements are sold, like a pharmacy or health food store. To ensure quality, look for products that are standardized to contain 0.3 percent hypericin or 2 to 5 percent hyperforin, the two primary chemical ingredients.
2. Chase the Blues Away
Do you suffer from mild depression? Some common symptoms include chronic sadness, loss of interest in friends and hobbies and oversleeping. Take 300 to 600 mg of St. John's wort every day to chase away those blues. This herb acts in a manner similar to prescription antidepressants minus the bothersome side effects like dry mouth, headache, upset stomach and sexual dysfunction. Don't expect to feel euphoric, though, as St. John's wort will raise your mood to a normal steady state. Fortunately, depression is now commonly understood and accepted, so ask around. Many of your co-workers, friends and family are probably using St. John's Wort. St. John's wort has not been established as safe for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your pharmacist and physician if you are taking St. John's wort.
3. Do Wort in the Winter
Lack of sunlight can contribute to depression. This phenomenon is more common during the winter months and in geographic regions with prolonged periods of darkness like Alaska. It's called seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy has traditionally been used to treat this problem. Supplement the therapy with St. John's wort. Start taking it when symptoms first appear and continue until the season changes.
4. Pass on the Drinks
This herb just might help you curb your alcohol intake. Many people drink to offset depression. Use St. John's wort to lift your emotional spirits, and you may no longer crave the liquid variety. For serious alcohol dependency, though, contact your physician for treatment.
5. Don't Stay Home
If you feel overly anxious when outside your social comfort zone or rather take cover than make a new acquaintance, St. John's wort may provide relief. Take 600 to 800 mg per day to treat social phobia. Anxiety symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, sweating and negative self-thoughts should diminish. Dietary supplements marketed specifically for anxiety often contain a combination of St. John's wort and another herb called valerian.
Member Comments