How do I Take St. John’s Wort?
Feb 24, 2022
What is the History Development of St. John’s Wort?
The medicinal record of St. John's wort can be traced back to ancient Greece. Legend has it that Dioscorides and Hippocrates used it to cleanse the bodies of evil spirits. St. John's wort has been traditionally used to treat nerve pain, anxiety, neurasthenia and depression, as well as topical use on bruises, wounds and shingles since the time of the Swiss physician and botanist Paracelsus (1493 to 1541).
How do I Take St. John's Wort?
The dose of St. John's wort that is right for you depends on several factors, including your age, sex, and medical history. It is best to work with your doctor, pharmacist and/or alternative health practitioner to personalize your dosage to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Do not use more of St. John's wort than is recommended by your doctor, pharmacist and/or alternative health care practitioner. Do not use different forms of St. John's wort (tablets, capsules, liquid, tinctures, teas, etc.) at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together may increase the risk of overdose.
How much St. John's Wort Should I Take?
St. John's Wort is available in ointments, creams, and gels. St. John's Wort Extract is most commonly used by adults in doses of 600-900 mg per day in 2-3 divided doses for up to 12 weeks. Talk to your healthcare provider to figure out what type of product and dosage may be best for your particular condition.
St. John’s Wort Extract is applied to the skin for wound healing according to the following dosage: apply an ointment containing a 5% St. John's wort extract three times daily, starting 24 hours after a cesarean section and continued for 16 days has been used.
What Should I be Careful about If I Use St. John's Wort?
Increased sensitivity to the sun, especially if you have fair skin and are taking high doses
High blood pressure
Do not take St. John's wort during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What are Other Potential Benefits of St. John's Wort?
Some evidence showed that St. John's wort can be used as an alternative treatment for PMS, wound healing, and menopause symptoms.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): One study found that St. John's wort supplements reduced PMS symptoms. However, a recent review of studies found it was no more effective than a placebo.
Wound healing: When applied to the skin, it has been found to be effective in treating pressure ulcers, wounds, bruises, burns, and hemorrhoids.
Menopause symptoms: One small study found that menopause-related symptoms were significantly reduced after taking a liquid St. John's wort extract compared to a placebo.
