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St. John's Wort (Ayurvedic Medicine) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

St. John's Wort (SJW), also known as Hypericum Perforatum, is a spreading, leafy perennial herb found in open areas over most of the world's temperate regions. This plant is used as a herbal treatment to cure a wide range of internal and external illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, wounds, and burns. Recent research indicates that this herb may be useful in treating different diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and bacterial and viral infections, due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

SJW is used in alternative medicine to heal the human body from a variety of medical ailments. It is a natural supplement that is generally used as an antidepressant and also provides relief from a variety of other illnesses. Read on to learn more about SJW.

Contents

What is St. John's Wort?
Uses of St. John Wort
Side Effects
Who should avoid St. John's Wort?
Dosage
Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. John's Wort?

St. John's Wort is a perennial blooming plant belonging to the Clusiaceae family. It is also known as goat weed or Hypericum Perforatum. Its branches typically grow from 40 to 80 cm in height. Although this plant is native to Europe, it has spread to temperate regions all across the world.

It can grow in low soils and is prevalent in meadows, fields, and abandoned areas.

SJW has an impact on the neurological systems. It relaxes the mind and improves the brain's normal functioning. It is generally used to treat minor to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, and mental disorders because of the presence of a large number of bioactive compounds.

It has also been reported to be beneficial in cases of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It alleviates cramping, irritability, and breast pain in women suffering from PMS. It is also beneficial for reducing menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and mood swings. The external application has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that aid in the treatment of eczema and skin inflammation. It promotes the healing of wounds and burns.

Uses of St. John Wort

There are various uses of St.John's Wort that may include the following.

It has long been used to treat mental problems and nerve pain (neuralgia)
It is used as a sedative, a diuretic, and an expectorant
It may help treat malaria, wounds, burns, and insect bites
It is used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep problems
It can be used to treat lung disorders, bladder problems, urinary incontinence, dysentery, worms, diarrhoea, nerve depression, hemoptysis, and jaundice
It is used to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as well as painful, heavy, and irregular periods
It aids in the removal of toxins and the reduction of fluid retention
It is used to treat gout and arthritis
It can also be helpful in treating Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Side Effects

Taking an SJW supplement in larger doses may cause some severe side effects, such as the following.

Stomach discomfort
Itching and hives
Unease and exhaustion
Headache and fatigue
Having a dry tongue and feeling uncertain
Dizziness
Photodermatitis or skin sensitivity to sunlight
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety and restlessness

Who should avoid St. John's Wort?

Having SJW may cause certain complications. People who have the following conditions may need to limit or avoid using this supplement.

People taking certain medications such as anticonvulsants, cyclosporine, digoxin, oral contraceptives, anti-HIV drugs, including indinavir and nevirapine, theophylline, and warfarin
People with certain mental disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder
Pregnant people
St. John's wort should be avoided by nursing mothers since it can enter the breast milk and cause newborns to become irritable, lethargic, or experience colic
Those who have schizophrenia
Individuals with Alzheimer's illness
Individuals before having surgery

Dosage

St. John's Wort is probably safe when taken orally up to 900 mg per day for up to 12 weeks. Large amounts of St. John's Wort could be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a section on common questions and answers related to St. John’s Wort Ayurvedic medicine.

What is the medicinal use of St.John Wort?

SJW can be used to treat mental illness, menopausal symptoms, ADHD, somatic symptom disorder (a disease in which a person has severe, exaggerated concern over physical symptoms), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other illnesses.

Can St. John Wort be taken regularly?

SJW is probably safe at dosages of up to 900 mg daily for up to 12 weeks.

What are the side effects of St.John Wort?

The side effects of St. John's Wort may include stomach pain, itching, hives, exhaustion, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, photodermatitis or skin sensitivity to sunlight, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and restlessness.

Who should not take St. John’s Wort?

People with major depression, pregnant women or trying to become pregnant, and breastfeeding females should not take SJW.

What effect does St. John's Wort have on the brain?

According to research, SJW acts similarly to antidepressant medicine by raising the activity of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline, which have a significant role in mood regulation.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions. St. John’s Wort is also written as SJR in this article.