Description:
St John’s Wort is used to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It is also used as an antiviral both internally and topically
Dosage:
2-7 mls per day, 15-50 mls per week
Parts Used:
Aerial parts
Main Actions:
- Antidepressant
- Nervine tonic
- Antiviral
- Vulnerary
- Antimicrobial (topically)
Key Indications:
- Depression & anxiety
- Irritability & emotional stress
- Menopausal symptoms & premenstrual syndrome
- Herpes simplex, hepatitis, shingles, viral infections
- Neuralgia, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia
- Insomnia (sleep onset or sleep maintenance)
Major Safety Issues:
Not to be solely relied on in severe depression
High hyperforin preparations (such as tablets) are contraindicated with the following drugs: verapamil, irinotecan, imatinib, HIV drugs, cyclosporine, methadone, anticoagulants, digoxin and the oral contraceptive pill
Caution with all other drugs
Avoid excessive exposure to light