The St. John’s Wort is a well-known medicinal plant. The botanical name is Hypericum perforatum. In the vernacular this plant is known as Herrgottsbluts, Jesus-Wundenkraut, Johannesblut or Elfenblutkraut. The biblically ajar name is due to John the Baptist, because the plant blooms around the Johannestag. The juice that results from grinding the yellow flowers is red, so it was compared to blood.

A look into the past and to the present

In antiquity, the plant, which grows, among other things, on roadsides, worshiped and there were first traditions that St. John’s Wort promised healing in burns. Already thousands of years back, people danced with wreaths St. John’s Wort at the summer solstice to defend against witches, evil spells and demons. Was continued St. John’s Wort Used against lumbago, gout and rheumatic joint pain. And even in the late Middle Ages, the miraculous effect of St. John’s wort against fears, restlessness and mood swings was recognized and applied by herbalists. Today it finds St. John’s Wort especially for moderate depression or depressive moods. The ingredient hypericin is said to have a mood-enhancing effect. Furthermore, the hyperforin, which is also in the flowers, has an antibiotic effect. Other ingredients such as rutoside and hyperoside inhibit inflammation, have an antispasmodic effect, strengthen and dilate the blood vessels. Therefore, this plant found its application in the Middle Ages, where many wealthy people suffered from gout, rheumatism or other chronic diseases. But even today, the St. John’s wort, which is distributed in tablet form, especially recommended for depression and used. The St. John’s wort oil, also called red oil, finds its handle in skin problems. First studies also show a detectable effect in atopic dermatitis.

The effect of St. John’s wort in depression

It has been proven that taking St. John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum, has an effect on the central nervous system. And in the form that more and more messenger substances are released, which counteract depression. In addition, the taking of St. John’s wort leads to a side effect, which has considered nature well. By taking the medicinal plant there is an increased sensitivity to sunlight. However, as depressive moods or depressions are generally associated with a lack of light, this side effect of St. John’s wort is even conducive to the treatment of depression disorder. The necessary melatonin production is promoted. The effect of St. John’s wort has fascinated science for decades, so that the medicinal plant is also mentioned as a medical remedy in various official guidelines and guidelines of medicine. Furthermore, St. John’s wort is also used for other mental health problems or stress. Here is an example of the psychological stress during menopause, to name after a birth or other life events. The anxiety-relieving and the inner restlessness effect of the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum provides here for improvement.

What should be considered when taking St. John’s wort?

The first thing to be mentioned is the increased photosensitivity, which can lead to an increased risk of sunburn and associated skin cancer. In addition, it is not always compatible with other drugs and can reduce their effect. This applies in particular to medicines for the treatment of HIV, for anticoagulants, birth control pills and for remedies for cardiovascular problems. Accordingly, a consultation with the attending physician should always be made before taking St. John’s Wort.