St. John’s Wort extract 0.3% | Hypericum perforatum

St. John’s Wort extract 0.3% | Hypericum perforatum

Properties: In natural medicine, St. John’s Wort has been used since ancient times. The first mentions of this plant’s interesting properties can be found in the texts written by the “father of medicine” – Hippocrates. In different cultures, people believed that Hypericum has some magical effects – including power to destroy evil spirits. St. John’s Wort was also used by Roman gladiators who rubbed their skin with red oil derived from this plant, believing it would bring them good fortune. Today, the popularity of Hypericum perforatum has not decreased at all. This herb is still used in order to improve the work of the nervous system, and especially to soothe shattered nerves.

St. John’s Wort primarily affects the activity of neurotransmitters, which are key if you want to have a good mood and better results in coping with stress. The active substance of St. John’s Wort, hypericin, influences GABA receptors, and thus is involved in the regulation of serotonin levels. In this way, it stimulates the secretion of these neurotransmitters, which causes improvement of mental well-being. In addition, GABA, as an inhibitory factor, helps to “calm down” and control strong emotions. It also makes it easier to act under stress. As a result, the active substances found in St. John’s Wort help to calm the nerves and reduce the level of perceived stress.

Moreover, the use of Hypericum perforatum has a positive effect in the entire nervous system. Based on the studies, it has been shown that the active compounds of this plant support the metabolism of nerve cells and, consequently, facilitate the transmission of impulses between neurons. As a result, the nervous system works more efficiently.

It is also worth mentioning that St. John’s Wort can improve the functioning of the immune system. There are studies showing that Hypericum perforatum helps in a fight against specific bacteria and viruses. In addition to that, it stops the excessive development of inflammation, and due to its antioxidant properties, it protects neurons against harmful factors.

St. John’s Wort will therefore work primarily as a support for our psyche. It will help to regain emotional balance while giving more energy to act. Currently, there are studies on the use of St. John’s Wort in alleviating the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. The results are promising, and some studies have even shown effects comparable to pharmacological agents.

Occurrence: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial plant that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is quite a distinctive herb, as it has a lignified reddish stem at the base that goes upwards. St. John’s Wort also has yellow, black dotted flowers and many small holes on the surface of narrow and oblong leaves. These openings are reservoirs of volatile oils, which are responsible for the specific smell of the plant. Hypericum perforatum occurs naturally in Europe, West Asia and North Africa, where it can be found near balks, forest glades and meadows.

St. John’s Wort was known in ancient times by herbalists and it was used to heal wounds, burns, eczema and even psoriasis. There are records of ancient scholars: Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen, in which they described its healing properties. This plant was also popular in the Middle Ages, because it was mentioned by Hildegard of Bingen and Paracelsus devoted much attention to Hypericum in his works. It was Paracelsus – a learned physician and naturalist – who used to call St. John’s Wort an “arnica for the nerves” and “brightness for the soul”.

Biochemistry: The substance to which St. John’s Wort owes its properties is primarily hypericin. Chemically, it belongs to the naphthodiantrons and is responsible for the characteristic red color of juice and oil. One of the particularly interesting ingredients is also hyperforin. What is more, St. John’s Wort also contains flavonoids (including rutin, quercetin, luteolin), phenolic acids, essential oils, xanthones, carotenoids, pectins, resins, beta-sitosterol, tannins, mineral salts and vitamins: A, B3 and C.

Fun fact: St. John’s Wort has many common names and every one of them reflects a characteristic of the herb. The popular names “St. John’s” and “St. John’s Wort” are associated with its flowering period. It always blooms before June 25th, and on June 24th is the day St. John the Baptist. Another folk term – “Mary’s blood” is associated with the red juice that the plant releases after rubbing the flowers with fingers.