Benefits of St. John’s Wort

TRANSCRIPT: It’s a beautiful day in Ontario today and I’d like to talk to you about a spectacular herb called St. John’s Wort. A native of Europe and Asia, you can find it here at forest edges and in meadows, where there’s lots of sun It gets its name from St John the Baptist whose birthday is on June 24th – that’s when the plant is traditionally believed to flower. You can identify it by its beautiful yellow flowers and it’s see through oil glands under its leaves – these little perforations are reflected in its botanical name, Hypericum perforatum. This herb has been used medicinally for centuries – traditionally used as an oil to treat cuts, scrapes and other wounds and to repair nerve damage It also used as a homeopathic remedy for nerve related problems. More recently scientific research has shown that it is as effective as anti-depressant drugs for treating depression, with a significantly lower risk of side effects. There are some cautions to be aware when using St. John’s Wort – it can cause light sensitivity on the skin, so you need to be conscious of not getting too much Sun in the warmer months. Several medications interact with it and it’s not recommended to be taken while pregnant. If you’re considering using St. John’s Wort, consult with a qualified health practitioner to find out if it’s right for you and get instructions on correct dosage. Thanks for watching today’s video. For more on health related issues, subscribe to my YouTube channel and visit me on Facebook.

Until next time, this is Dr. Pat Nardini, ND, putting “Your Wellness First!”