Benefits of St. John's Wort

The benefits of St. John's Wort are quite remarkable. This is a very popular herb used for the treatment of anxiety, tension, irritability as well as mild to moderately severe depression.

What makes it effective?

Researchers have found that a key compound in this herb, called Hyperforin, seems to play an active role in the mood-boosting properties of St. John's Wort. Hyperforin is a phytochemical, which basically means it is a compound that comes from a plant. In the case of St. John's Wort, hyperforin is one of the active constituents that gives the plant its effectiveness as a natural antidepressant. Hyperforin and another important element, hypericin, are thought to improve the function of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which are linked to feelings of anxiety and depression.

St. John's Wort works differently than the common anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs on the market, but in some studies the plant compounds have been found to be just as effective as the chemical drugs.

Common extracts of St. John's Wort contain between three and five percent hyperforin, between three and five milligrams in a 100-milligram pill. This range is usually claimed on products containing St. John's Wort and hyperforin, but the exact percentage is difficult to standardize because different plants vary in their concentration of the phytochemical.

How long will it be before you start experiencing the benefits of St. John's Wort?

Studies involving St. John's Wort and hyperforin at five percent have been shown to affect brain activity within eight days of beginning to take the pills. But, considering that everyone?s biochemistry is different it may take a bit longer than that to feel a significant result. If you have been taking St. John?s Wort for a month to six weeks and have not seen a significant improvement this herbal remedy might not be the right for you.

St. John?s Wort Side Effects

First of all, St. John's Wort does not cause the sexual side effects or nausea that many prescription depression medications can cause.

Possible side effects of this herb include dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, sensitivity to sunlight, allergic reactions, fatigue, dry mouth and restlessness.

St. John's Wort is not recommended for treatment of severe or manic depression, but it is considered quite safe and effective for mild or moderate depression. Of course it is important that you talk to your doctor before you self-medicate, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, have HIV/AIDS or have high blood pressure or other medical problems.

Recommended Dose

St. John's Wort is widely available. The recommended dose is usually 900 milligrams daily taken in three 300-milligram increments. For best results, use a formulation that has three to five percent hyperforin. Remember, though, that herbs are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so make sure you get a professionally manufactured brand. You also may want to try St. John?s Wort as a tincture or make your own herbal tea.

St. John?s Wort is just one of the most popular and effective herbal remedies for anxiety but as stated before it does not fit everybody. To learn about other safe remedies for anxiety and depression visit, top 10 natural remedies for anxiety revealed.

Written by Monica Villarreal and Gail Kaufman, co-founders of anxietysupplementreviews.com. For unbiased information on the top ten natural anti-anxiety remedies visit, anxiety supplement reviews.