St. John’s Wort Review

St. John's Wort Review - St. John’s  Wort, also known as Hypericum Perforatum, has a long history of medicinal use. It is a perennial, hardy plant that grows 1-3 feet tall, is shrub like, and has a woody root, lower stalk and branching, two-edged stems.

Its composite leaves are green ovate to oblong and with reddish translucent subsurface oil glands. The 5-petaled flowers, arranged in terminal cymes, are bright yellow with multiple stamens and bloom from June through August. The sepals and petals are black dotted, frequently more so along the edges. Crushing the flowers produces a deep purple dye.

It grows throughout the United States, Australia and Europe in woods, open fields, and on the sides of roads.  It grows especially well in lime rich soils.  St. John’s wort is well established as a remedy for mild to moderate depression.  Since depression can lead to weight gain, and since medications with actions similar to that of St. John’s wort have been used for weight loss, some people have proposed that St. John’s wort can be useful for weight loss. 

Few studies have evaluated its effectiveness for promoting weight loss.  St. John's wort and ephedra were the two primary ingredients in herbal phen-fen, which is now band for legal sale.

What we like about this plan   There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression it can become severe.  Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider.  There are effective proven therapies available.  As for its weight loss ability, there is not proof, so there is not a lot to like about this plan.

What we dislike about this plan  Since this product may cause sun sensitivity ("sunburn") reactions, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you are affected. Limit sun exposure at least until you know how this product affects your skin.  You should also check with your doctor before taking any other medications, since it has many potential harmful interactions with antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, heart medications.  Side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness, insomnia and mild allergic reactions.

How Healthy is this plan?   It is not.  Since depression can lead to weight gain, and since medications with actions similar to that of St. John’s wort have been used for weight loss, some people have proposed that St. John’s wort can be useful for weight loss.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, St. John's wort has not been proven safe or effective for weight loss.  It is never recommended for children, or for pregnant or breast feeding women.

Here Is The Bottom Line  There is too much unknown with this herb. It is likely that there are many drug interactions with St. John's wort that have not yet been identified. St. John's wort stimulates a drug-metabolizing enzyme that metabolizes at least 50% of drugs on the market.  That in addition to the fact that there is no established link between weight loss and the herb, keep it on the shelf and invest in a healthy living cookbook or a pair of hand weights!

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