Fields of application of St. John’s wort

Basically, when using St. John’s wort, a distinction is made between internal and external application. The high-dose, internal use of St. John’s wort (in the form of tablets or capsules) is used for mild and moderate depression. The accompanying anxiety disorders can often also be alleviated with the help of St. John’s wort.

The low-dose, external application of St. John’s wort (in the form of St. John’s wort oil) is used for small wounds, injuries and first degree burns. Muscle pain can also be relieved by applying an oil dressing made of St. John’s wort oil. Finally, St. John’s wort can also be used for digestive problems.

In doing so, it calms the gastrointestinal tract. St. John’s wort is prepared in a kind of tea. Alternatively, it is also possible to drink a teaspoon of St. John’s wort oil (pure or diluted).

Here once again the most important areas of application of St. John’s wort:

Depression
Winter Depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Digestive problems
Muscle PainMuscle Soreness

Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, many women experience depression more often during this period.For safety reasons, however, a therapy of these depressions with St. John’s wort should be avoided. Up to now, not enough research and studies have been conducted to prove that St. John’s wort is harmless during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence that St. John’s wort is in any way harmful to mother or child.

The use of St. John’s wort should therefore always be discussed with a doctor. Usually it is not recommended by a doctor. The same applies to a therapy with St. John’s wort during lactation.

Although studies have shown that St. John’s wort does not pass the blood-milk barrier into breast milk, changes in various hormones have been observed. These hormones are involved in the production of breast milk in the mammary glands, among other things. Treatment with St. John’s wort can therefore influence the production of breast milk.

Depression is also a common occurrence during the menopause. Natural treatment methods (such as the use of St. John’s wort) are often used to treat these temporary depressions. St. John’s wort is effective for mild depression as well as for insomnia, anger and headaches.

Alternatively used hormone replacement therapies often show a much broader spectrum of side effects. Depression is an affective disorder characterized by a change in mood. Patients show a depressed mood (pessimism, listlessness, low self-esteem), sleep disorders, loss of appetite and sometimes a loss of libido.

Delusions and phobias can also occur during depressive episodes. Recurrent depressive episodes can occur. In 90% of all depressions, patients experience exclusively depressive episodes.

These so-called unipolar affective disorders are treated with antidepressants. The treatment of depression depends on the severity of the depression. A distinction is made between mild, moderate and severe depression.

For mild and moderate depression, the naturally occurring St. John’s wort is an alternative to the other antidepressants. In severe depression, on the other hand, drug therapy with tricyclic antidepressants (amitryptiline, clomipramine, nortriptyline) or many different reuptake inhibitors (citalopram, fluoxetine) is necessary. Depending on the patient, an individual decision on therapy must be made.

In cases of mild and moderate depression, anxiety disorders often occur in parallel. Some of these can also be treated with St. John’s wort. Patients report a noticeable improvement after about two to three weeks.

St. John’s wort also influences the sleep-wake rhythm, brightens the mood and improves the ability to concentrate. However, in the case of very severe anxiety disorders or isolated anxiety disorders, clarification of the causes and further drug therapy are necessary. This should always be done with the treating physician.

In addition to the widespread antidepressant effect of St. John’s wort, new studies also show antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the preparation. Among other things, the effectiveness of the active ingredient Hyperforin against a certain type of bacteria (staphylococci) has been proven. These bacteria can multiply especially in very dry skin in the context of neurodermatitis and can lead to severe skin infections.

Regular body care with St. John’s wort based creams or St. John’s wort oil can lead to a significant improvement of these infections within a few weeks. However, since the effectiveness of St. John’s wort for neurodermatitis has not yet been fully clarified, it should always be used only in consultation with a physician. Many skin care products (ointments, creams) contain St. John’s wort extracts in addition to many other ingredients.

The St. John’s wort contained in these products is said to improve skin moisture, smooth the surface structure and reduce water loss in dry and sensitive skin. In addition, many patients experience a significant reduction in itching. Furthermore, an antibacterial effect can prevent dry skin from becoming infected. For this reason, St. John’s wort can also be used for skin problems in the facial area.The use of products containing St. John’s wort is therefore indicated, especially in the context of very dry skin that is associated with neurodermatitis.