St. john's wort

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Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health Joseph E. Mario See book keywords and concepts

Bloodwort, or Couchgrass and Cornsilk), aids healing (of wounds), nosebleeds, uterine or hemorrhoid bleeding, excess menses, leg ulcers, urinary ulcers, wounds, severed tendons and ligaments, gangrenous ulcers; pyelitis (with baths); the liver and gallbladder; for dropsy; for acute kidney inflammations (spring infusion), anti-kidney stones (with baths and tea) and infections, cystitis, urethritis, cystic urinary ulcers and hemorrhage, the bladder, for urine stoppage, painful urination, bed-wetting (with St.

Death By Prescription: The Shocking Truth Behind an Overmedicated Nation Ray Strand, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Many people take st. john's wort to treat their depression, because it works similarly to the antidepressants physicians prescribe, such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and Effexor. As I've said before, patients are self-medicating and self-treating more now than ever before. Only when their symptoms do not improve do they typically consult their physician. Often patients are too embarrassed to tell their physician that they've been trying to treat their depression on their own. Unknowing, the physician will go ahead and prescribe an antidepressant, and send the patient on his or her way.

Conscious Eating Gabriel Cousens, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

John's Wort. st. john's wort inhibits serotonin breakdown and enhances serotonin receptor-site activity. The herbal action of st. john's wort enhances serotonin levels by artificially keeping the inter-neuronal levels high like Prozac does, but without the side effects of Prozac. Neither substance speaks direcdy to the core of the problem, although either may ameliorate it. My approach to depression is holistic in that I look at all the contributing factors.

The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy: How to Break fee from the Medical Myths of Menopause National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts

Fair-skinned people using SJW should wear sunblock for normal daily sun exposure and should avoid sunbathing. st. john's wort can decrease the effects of tricyclic antidepressants, warfarin, digoxin, theophylline, cyclosporine, indinavir, and other drugs. It may increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding in women on oral contraceptive pills. It increases side effects in those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. St. John's wort is a reasonable antidepressant but should not be combined with other antidepressants.

The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

She already was taking SAM-e, st. john's wort, and Ginkgo biloba. Dick added Rhodiola rosea to her existing regimen, which quickly calmed her down. Soon after, she was back at work, creating more complex designs with fewer mistakes than she had been able to since her accident. Two months later, she reported feeling "fantastic." Now that Cheryl has added galanthus to her regimen, she's getting even better results. On her own, she has found ways to compensate for residual short-term memory loss. She has reestablished her strong social network, too.

Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health Joseph E. Mario See book keywords and concepts

Tomira's Green Cream for candida/yeasts, cervical dysplasia, colds, herpes sores, infections, inflammations, lesions/kaposi sarcoma, chronic open diabetic ulcers, rashes, boils, warts, lumps, scars, torn membranes (after birthing), enlarged thyroid, viruses, and women's problems; with antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasite, antitumor, and anti-viral herbs Aloe vera, Astragalus, Borage, Chaparral, Comfrey, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Maitake, Pau D'Arco, Reishemushroom, St.

Natural Health Solutions Mike Adams See book keywords and concepts

Healing foods for Anxiety and Nervousness ***** wild rice A A A** chia seeds ***** lettuce ***** nori ***** mulberries ***** kava ***** apricot ***** cloves ***** oats ***** olives ***** plum ***** skullcap (also scullcap) ***** valerian root ***** kava kava ***** valerian root ***** gotu kola ***** black cohosh ***** borage ***** geranium ***** blue vervain ***** lavender ***** basil ***** wheat grass ***** passion flower ***** St.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

This is true for st. john's wort as well. Although the long-term administration of valerian is not recommended, passion flower or valerian extract taken in moderation for short- to medium-term treatment of insomnia in conjunction with the other thetapies mentioned may be helpful. A study with mice and an aquaeous exttact of passion flowet showed sedative properties (Soulimani et al. 1997). It is available as a tea, in capsules, and as a tincture. Some people use the herb valerian to fall asleep.

There is a report of a serotonin-like syndrome (extreme anxiety, nausea, hypertension, tachycatdia) associated with the use of st. john's wort, especially if combined with tryptophan or SSRIs and other antidepressants. Dosages of 200 meg a day are considered safe. Some people take doses in excess of 400 meg a day. Toxic levels, probably starting at more than 1000 meg a day, cause hair loss, muscle soreness, nausea, fatigue, and brittle nails. Do not take shark liver oil for more than 30 days because it may cause the overproduction of blood platelets.

Doses of 1800 mg or more a day of st. john's wort extract can be unsafe because of the risk of severe phototoxic skin reactions. Concomitant use with oral contraceptives may decrease steroid concentrations, resulting in breakthrough bleeding and irregular menstrual bleeding. Effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs such as nevirapine (Viramune), delavirdine (Rescriptor), and efavirenz (Sustiva) may be reduced. There is a report of a serotonin-like syndrome (extreme anxiety, nausea, hypertension, tachycatdia) associated with the use of St.

Many health-oriented people are taking aspirin in combination with natural platelet aggregation inhibitors including vitamins C and E, bromelain, garlic, ginkgo biloba, curcumin, st. john's wort, green tea, policosanol, vinpocetine (periwinkle), and fish oils. It is important to monitor template bleeding time to ensure stable blood thinning effects are consistent while avoiding fluctuations in platelet aggregation that may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The template bleeding time test is described later in this protocol.

Some of these supplements include vitamins C and E, CoQ^O' bromelain, ginseng, garlic, ginkgo biloba, curcumin, st. john's wort, green tea, policosanol, vinpocetine (periwinkle), and fish oils. If you are taking any of these supplements, do not vary your dose of Coumadin without rechecking your PTT (and INR) and template bleeding time. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Overview Many people are familiar with the dramatic portrayal of strokes in movies. While strokes are clearly a medical emergency, most strokes are far less dramatic.

No research exists on the use of st. john's wort in children. More importantly, any child suspected of being depressed deserves a psychiatric evaluation. As with all antidepressants, it takes a while for the effects of hypericum to be felt. Many patients will notice a change in 2-3 weeks, although it may take as long as 4 to 6 weeks. Hypericum's side effects are very mild and are typically limited to slight gastrointestinal irritation.

The Enzyme Cure: How Plant Enzymes Can Help You Relieve 36 Health Problems Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg See book keywords and concepts

Some doctors recommend giving an infusion of dandelion early in the day to help readjust the child's circadian rhythm (cycle of biological activities in sleep and waking). ?St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): used for many symptoms of nervous tension, including anxiety, colic, irritable bowel, and bed-wetting.54 If there is lack of nervous control of the bladder, try an infusion of one part each of st. john's wort, cornstalk, horsetail, wild oat, and lemon balm ('/> cup, three times a day). ?

Gary Null's Power Aging Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

Helpful herbs include garlic, st. john's wort, turmeric, echinacea, bee propolis, astragalus, skullcap, burdock, red clover, milk thistle, and kom-bucha. As we've mentioned before, you do not have to take all of these, and you most likely should not. They are listed here to show all that benefit the body, but your healthcare practitioner will work with you to determine your personal regimen.

Other nutrients that help fight viruses and bacteria are st. john's wort, bitter melon, astragalus, pau d'arco, echinacea, red clover, Chinese green tea, and vitamin C. It is extremely important to take them on a regular basis in a disciplined fashion. Bedsores (and ulcers) develop on bedridden people because there is no circulation in their bodies. To stimulate circulation, magnetic leg wraps can be applied, or magnetic mattress pads, placed on top of one's regular mattress, can help.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study examined the effects of a st. john's wort extract, LI 160, on patients suffering from moderately severe depression. While 66 percent of those receiving treatment responded positively, only 27 percent of the controls did so. U. Schmidt and H. Sommer, "Johanniskraut-Extrakt zur ambulanten Therapie de Depression. Aufmerksamkeit und Reaktionsvermogen bleiben erhalten" [St. John's Wort Extract in the Ambulatory Therapy of Depression: Attention and Reaction Ability are Preserved], Fortschr. Med. 111, no. 19 (July 10, 1993): 339-42.

Natural Health Secrets From Around the World Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S. See book keywords and concepts

John's wort Originally used to ward off witches and heal deep sword cuts, st. john's wort is now used in Europe as a natural antidepressant. St. John's wort's red color comes from a compound called hypericine, which research has shown to be effective in reducing Helpful Hints Researchers have found some simple ways that you can help protect yourself from depression. ¦ Eliminate sugars and refined foods from your diet. Sweeten foods with a limited amount of fructose. And drink fruit juices which have been diluted 50 percent with water.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Category of Herb Supporting Evidence from Human Trials Supporting Evidence from Test Tube Studies Antiretroviral Andrographis (page 626), boxwood, licorice (page 702), St.

Gary Nulls Ultimate Anti Aging Program Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

As users of the herb have known for centuries, st. john's wort is, however, far more than simply a remedy for depression. Studies have shown it can reduce the intensity level of enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes of lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes in vitro and in vivo. It has demonstrated anti-herpes in vitro. Contemporary research points to the herb's promise as an effective therapy for cancer, AIDS, alcoholism, hepatitis, and isomnia. st. john's wort has been used historically against symptoms associated with PMS and as an reliable treatment for wounds and burns.

John's Wort While widely used in Europe for decades, st. john's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has received a lot of attention in the U.S. of late as a promising new treatment in the fight against depression, and for good reason. st. john's wort contains hypericin which inhibits monoamine oxiadase, a chemical that is associated with depression. Results from dozens of studies indicate that the herb is an effective alternative to more conventional pharmaceutical approaches that often are accompanied by serious side effects.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

John's wort has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): Rating Health Concerns Depression (page 145) Eczema (topical application) (page 177) Seasonal affective disorder (page 397) Somatoform disorders Anxiety (page 30) Cold sores (page 90) Ear infections (recurrent) (page 383) HIV support (page 239) Infection (page 265) Menopause (page 311) Ulcerative colitis (page 433) Wound healing (page 319) Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies) In ancient Greece, St.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Most of our mood-oriented herbs like st. john's wort, kava root, milky oat seed, skullcap, Siberian ginseng root bark, and ashwagandha root are safe to try as milder alternatives prior to taking psychiatric drugs. Once you are taking one of the stronger drugs, it is important to check with your physician about monitoring and managing your dosages to see if you can benefit from combined or replacement therapy. In my experience, mild to moderate depression and anxiety can be controlled with herbs, but more severe problems cannot.

So it must be assumed that the presence of hypericin ensures the presence of whatever antidepressant compound or group of compounds makes st. john's wort effective. It may even be that the antidepressive effect comes from a detoxification effect on the liver. Only time will tell. There are no set rules in the industry on how to standardize for each herb. Because each plant is unique, it will take an estimated 5 years to "standardize" standardization for the most popular herbs, and decades to do the rest. Each plant is unique.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Ll Never use a light therapy box when taking khella, pso-ralea, or st. john's wort. These herbs may sensitize the retina to bright light and raise the risk of ocular damage from using the box. Do not use a light therapy box without your doctor's approval if you are taking any prescription medication that increases sensitivity to sunlight, such as fosinopril (Zestril) or lisinopril (Prinivil), for high blood pressure, frequently prescribed for people who have both depression and high blood pressure.

There is also another possible explanation of how st. john's wort works to counteract depression. Scientists at Humboldt University in Berlin have found that hypericin stops the production of cytokines, hormonal messengers that transmit sensations of pain and irritation. Small changes in cytokine balance apparently can make huge differences in brain function, affecting not only depression but also partial seizure disorders.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Western herbalists use echinacea, wild indigo root (Baptisia tinctoria), cat's claw inner bark (una de gato or Uncaria tomentosa), and st. john's wort as internal treatments. A useful external preparation is a tea made from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). My personal favorite external treatment, however, is Earl Grey tea bags (see the review of tea leaves in Section Two). Tea leaves work better in the short term than the common allopathic internal treatment acyclovir, cost far less, and have fewer side effects.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

St. John's wort increases sensitivity to light. Photodynamic therapy is a type of treatment based on the ability of cancer cells to selectively take up a specific compound that makes the cancer cells more sensitive to specific wavelengths of light, so that irradiation kills only the cancer cells. In experiments using mice, hypericin was shown to accumulate specifically in tumor tissue. When the hypericin-treated mice were irradiated, tumor growth was inhibited. Similar results have been found in human tumor cells.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

But in the interim, such natural agents as 5-HTP and st. john's wort can provide the necessary serotonin boost to support making important changes in diet and lifestyle. Rule Out an Underlying Cause Depression can often be due to an underlying organic (chemical) or physiological cause. Identification and elimination of the underlying cause should be the primary therapy. Failure to address an underlying cause will make any antidepressant therapy less successful.

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