Herbal Medicines and How They Work: St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is another of the most commonly used herbal medicines in the United States. The majority of people who take the herb on a regular basis do so because of the reported benefits of St Johns wort in the relief of depression. Other medicinal uses exist in the treatment of alcoholism and as an antibacterial. On the down side, St. Johns wort side effects may be numerous. It has been shown to interact with a variety of prescription medications and is not recommended for use by people with certain medical conditions, including bipolar disorder.

How it Works as an Antidepressant

The benefits of St Johns wort in relieving the symptoms of depression are believed to be related to a process within the brain known as serotonin reuptake. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter (chemical found in the human body that transmits signals among nerve cells) that plays a role in regulating moods, body temperature, sleep cycles, appetite, emotions and sexuality.

Our understanding of serotonin and other neurotransmitters is limited and sometimes difficult to understand. In simple terms, one nerve cell sends out serotonin. The serotonin floats in a gap (known as a synapse) between that cell and a receiving cell. The receiving cell recognizes the signal and relays the information to other cells. Most of the serotonin is then “taken up again” (serotonin reuptake) by the sending cell and the process repeats.

The theory is that if we can prevent serotonin reuptake, there will be more present in the synapse and the desired signal is more likely to be received by the recipient nerve cell. In the case of depression, the signals that are being sent relate to moods and emotions. Most popular antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is believed that St Johns wort is also a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. All of this is theoretical. SSRI medications and herbal remedies work for some and not for others and no one knows why.

Other Benefits of St Johns Wort

In the treatment of alcoholism, a compound found in St John’s wort may reduce the desire to drink. Known as hyperforin, this compound can also be helpful to men who suffer from premature ejaculation, since it reduces contractions of the pelvic floor. On the other hand, this can cause one of the unwanted St Johns wort side effects that also accompanies prescription antidepressants; difficulty achieving orgasm. Particularly for women, one of the most unpleasant side effects of antidepressants is difficulty achieving orgasm.

Hyperforin has also been identified as a natural antibacterial agent. Ultra-purified concentrations of St John’s wort have been found to kill resistant strains of staphylococcus bacteria.

St Johns Wort Side Effects

In discussing most herbal medicines and how they work, I have not felt it necessary to cover negative side effects, because in most cases they simply do not exist. While studies have shown that St John’s wort is mostly well tolerated, there are a number of possible adverse reactions and a large number of possible drug interactions that I felt should be mentioned.

Negative St John’s wort side effects may include stomach upset, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and even sedation. As with prescription and non-prescription sleep aids, caution should be used if driving is necessary, even in the morning. There have been reports of early morning automobile accidents caused by drivers falling asleep behind the wheel after taking a sleep aid or sedative the night before. Caution should also be used when operating machinery, until you know how the herb will affect you.

Probably because of its antibiotic or antibacterial activity, St Johns wort makes some people sensitive to light and more likely to burn in the sun. Once again, you should use caution until you know how the herb will affect you.

One of the negative St Johns wort side effects that have been studied is possible infertility or at least reducing the fertility of both men and women. So, those of you who are trying to become pregnant, you should avoid this herb. And, as mentioned above, women taking St Johns wort may have difficulty achieving orgasm. Men could too, but it is less common.

In my opinion, one of the worst St John’s wort side effects occurs in people who suffer from bipolar disorder. Anyone who suffers from mood swings, depression, or erratic behavior should have their symptoms evaluated by a physician, one who has time to fully evaluate the symptoms and not simply hand out a package of pills. Bipolar disorder, manic depression and major depressive disorders are serious conditions that can lead to aggressive and violent behavior and possibly suicide. In bipolar patients, St Johns wort has been known to cause manic behavior. This is not an herb to be purchased off the shelf and taken without supervision. It is a mood altering substance that affects people in widely different ways.

In addition, if the St Johns wort side effects are not enough, the herb interacts with more drugs than any other herbal remedy that I know of. Medications for epilepsy, viruses, birth control, hormone replacement, drugs that suppress the immune system (commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.), blood thinners, heart medications and many others can be affected by St Johns wort. In all of these cases, the prescription drugs become less effective.

A final word of caution is that St Johns wort should not be taken along with any other prescription medication, herbal medicine or illicit drug that affects the blood levels of serotonin. A life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can result.

My Suggestions

Most people who take St Johns wort are looking for a natural alternative to prescription antidepressants, often because of the negative side effects of those drugs. I suffered from depression for many years and found St John’s wort to be ineffective. Prescription antidepressants caused me too many other problems and made me feel numb, sleepy and headachy all of the time.

My search for a natural antidepressant eventually led me to 5-HTP. I can say that 5-HTP was effective for me, had no negative side effects and I like the fact that it is a natural compound found in seeds, cheeses, meats and other foods. I would recommend that you use good judgment when purchasing the supplement. There are several products that I would recommend, because I trust the manufacturer and the quality of the ingredients. They are Neuro-Natural Serenity, Neuro-Natural General, Female Rejuvenator and Neuro-Natural Sleep. To learn more about any of these products, just click on the product name. I believe that any of them are safer and more effective than St John's wort.

More Suggestions

Regular physical activity improves mood and helps relieve depression. You don't have to be a body builder, just walk for a couple of miles every day. Depression is a symptom of several vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to take a good multi-vitamin every day, one that contains the B-complex, C and D vitamins. All of those are particularly important for fighting off depression, improving energy levels and overall health. If you are not already taking a fish oil supplement, you should know that research has shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves the symptoms of depression. Along with its many other health benefits.

I know that this has been a very long post, but since I have personally conquered depression in my life, I believe it is important to let people know what worked for me!

Next Post: Herbal Medicines and How They Work: Peppermint

Herbal Medicines and How They Work: Garlic

Garlic supplements are the fourth most commonly purchased health supplement in the United States, according to surveys conducted by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. When I began this blog, I thought that I could cover herbal medicines and how they work in one post, but, because there are so many different herbal medicines and how they work depends on the different compounds found in the herbs, I felt that the only way to provide the information that people are looking for was to first write posts covering the most popular herbal medicines. Eventually, I hope to cover as many herbs as possible on this site, but today, I'm focusing on garlic.

What are the health/medicinal benefits of garlic?

There are many health benefits of garlic, but first lets look at a component called allicin.

Long before modern antibiotics were available, physicians were using garlic to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Why? When crushed, garlic yields allicin. Allicin is a compound that kills bacteria and fungi. With the widespread use of penicillin, antibiotics and anti-fungal medications, the medicinal benefits of garlic for the purpose of treating fungal and bacterial infections was relegated to that of a "folk remedy". As with most folk remedies, modern scientists have been able to explain why they work, but sometimes they are not used correctly. For example, a fairly popular remedy for cold, coughs, flus and sore throat is a ginger root and garlic tea. Ginger root is a natural anti-inflammatory and fever reducer. Crushed garlic has natural anti-biotic properties, but cooking garlic all but destroys the allicin that was released by crushing it. So, over cooking or even over seeping in a tea could render the component ineffective. This is probably the reason that the ginger root and garlic tea does not always work.

Garlic and Cholesterol

The relationship between garlic and cholesterol levels is a subject of modern interest. Modern antibiotics and other medications have allowed us to conquer many of the life-threatening diseases that were the primary concerns of ancient physicians. So, now modern physicians hope to conquer one of our biggest killers; heart disease.

We know that certain types of cholesterol stick to the walls of our arteries and blood vessels, causing them to become less flexible over time, causing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Eventually, the cholesterol becomes hard plaques creating blockages that can cause strokes and heart attacks. Can garlic slow or reverse this process? Some physicians, researchers and nutritionists think so. But, recent research conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has cast doubt on whether garlic can effectively lower LDL or bad cholesterol. To read the results of their research click here and then come back, because there are supplements that can help you naturally control unhealthy cholesterol levels. They are considered alternatives to statin drugs and the risks associated with their use. I call them Heart Healthy Supplements. Click here to learn more. Instead of focusing on a single herb, these supplements contain a number of herbs, vitamins and other natural components that have been shown to help lower unhealthy cholesterol levels. Because of the number of ingredients, it is impossible for me to touch on all of them and how they work, but many are covered in detail at Heart Health Diet Tips.com.

Next post: St. John's Wort

Ginkgo Biloba

This post is a continuation of the series "Herbal Medicines and How they Work", but today we are focusing on ginkgo biloba. Pictured above is the ginkgo biloba leaf.

Ginkgo Biloba is actually the name of a very hardy tree, native to China and other parts of Asia. The name Ginkgo biloba is commonly used now to refer to the extract that is used in many health supplements. Ginkgo biloba is commonly referred to as an herbal supplement, but a more accurate description would be a botanical supplement, since it is not truly an herb. But, on to the good stuff…

One of the most common uses of ginkgo biloba is to improve memory. How does ginkgo biloba do that? Scientifically controlled double blind tests have shown that ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation to the brain, thereby improving the oxygen content of brain tissue and cells. More oxygen to the brain means more clarity, increased ability to focus, increased attention span and a general feeling of being more awake. This is the reason that ginkgo biloba is an ingredient in some energy drinks. However, it is questionable whether the small amount of ginkgo biloba extract in the drinks is actually effective. Most of the drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can increase energy, if a person is not sensitive to caffeine.

Ginkgo biloba is used as an ingredient in heart health supplements, because it protects the arterial walls and may prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. How does it do that? In the same way that it improves brain function, by improving blood circulation. In addition, ginkgo biloba has been shown to prevent blood clotting and prevent blood platelets from “sticking” together, technically referred to as “platelet aggregation”. Ginkgo biloba also protects the cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals and oxidative stress are involved in numerous diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Ginkgo biloba is found in some of the better supplements for erectile dysfunction. Why? Reduced circulation in the tiny blood vessels and capillaries is typically a factor in erectile dysfunction. As with the other health benefits of ginkgo biloba, its effectiveness in relieving or reducing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction are related to its ability to improve circulation.

Ginkgo biloba may be beneficial in hearing disorders, vertigo (dizziness), senility, Alzheimer’s, impotence, premenstrual syndrome, macular degeneration, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), asthma, depression and many other disorders, in which poor circulation plays a role. Apparently the flavonoids and antioxidants that protect the trees from damage and allow them to survive disasters and live for as much as 1500 years can protect us humans, too. The better dietary supplements designed to counter the effects of aging and prevent the development of age related conditions contain ginkgo biloba.