The scientific name of St. John’s wort is Hypericum perforatum. Its origins are in Eastern Europe. St. John’s wort is also known by other names, such as goatweed, demon chaser, and amber.
This plant got the name due to its blooming season, which falls somewhere around St. John’s day which is the 24 of June. In the 1st century AD, the Romanian military used St. John’s wort as a home remedy for mental disorders. In this period, it was named the magic potion by herbalists and kings in the Middle Ages.
This is one of the most popular herbs which are used in the USA, China, South–East Asia, Russia, and Europe. It can be used for many different problems, but mainly it is used for treating anxiety and depression. You can find St. John’s wort in many different forms, such as raw, oil, capsule, and tincture. All of these forms have their own specific uses.
You should never replace St. John’s wort with any OTC medication.
You should always talk with your doctor before you start using this herb.
St. John’s wort can also cause some side effects, such as hair fall, dry mouth, dizziness, restlessness, sexual/erectile dysfunction, headache, stomach upset, and skin allergy.
8 Health benefits of St. John’s Wort
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Treats sinus congestion
St. John’s wort has antiviral and antibiotic properties which can help to reduce phlegm and sinus congestion, bronchitis, flu, and chronic coughing. You should gulp down a cup of St. John’s wort tea after every meal because you will get relief from the mentioned conditions.
Helps cure Parkinson’s disease
It is known that St. John’s wort is effective in enhancing the quantity of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter. This is making the St. John’s wort a reliable remedy for Parkinson’s disease.
There are some studies in which are said that dopamine dysfunction is one of the reasons behind mental congestion.
Also, it has strong antioxidant properties which can help the neural degeneration that is related to the onset of Parkinson’s disease. It is recommended to drink St. John’s Wort tea or take 300 mg of its capsule on daily basis to keep this congestion at bay.
Can help cure hangovers
There are some studies in which is said that hyperforin which is the powerful active component in the St. John’s wort can help to cure hangovers and alcoholism. You should drink a cup of tea made of St. John’s wort herb because it will keep the hangover at bay.
Has anti-cancer effects
There are some studies in which is said that the regular usage of St. John’s wort supplementation can help to prevent and treat leukemia.
Reduces pregnancy pains
The lower tummy and hemorrhoids stretch painfully with the growing months of the pregnancy. It is known that the regular topical applications of St. John’s wort on the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
It has effective anti–inflammatory properties which along with the soothing effect on the skin, can help in the speedy recovery process.
Lowers blood pressure
You should take St. John’s wort capsules on a regular basis if you have fluctuations in your blood pressure. St. John’s wort has strong anti–inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help to lower the inflammation in the cardiovascular system and it is decreasing the stress on our heart which in turn can help to lower the blood pressure.
Alleviate joint pain
St. John’s wort has strong anti–inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are making it a very effective home remedy for muscle spasms, gout, and severe joint pains.
It has soothing properties which can help to cure the problem within and also it is making you feel better in a few days. You should massage the aching limbs and joints with St. John’s wort oil once or twice per day for a period of 2 weeks and you will get relief from it.
Alleviate ear pain
You can use the St. John’s wort to cure the pain that is caused by ear infections. There was one study in which was participating 100 children. They were given a home remedy mixture made of mullein, calendula, garlic, and St. John’s wort and it was proven that this is an effective herbal remedy to get relief from ear pain.
