Hypericum: properties, uses and contraindications

What is hypericum and what is it used for?

He St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has become famous for its antidepressant properties, but it is not only one of the best-known medicinal plants, but also one of the most controversial.

In some countries, such as Germany, medicines containing St. John’s wort extract they are prescribed and consumed far more than clinical antidepressant drugs. But on the other hand, St. John’s wort has certain side effects and interactions with drugs that should not be underestimated.

The hypericum plant grows wild in meadows and grasslands, on the edges of forests and paths, mixed with scabies and oreganos, among other plants. For medicinal purposes, the flowery tops, around the festival of San Juan –hence its popular name–, when the plant experiences its maximum splendor. It should be left to dry in the shade, in a cool but dry place.

Infusions are prepared with the dried plantat a rate of one tablespoon of plant per cup of water, which is taken up to three times a day.

If it is macerated in olive oil for about 15 days, the St. John’s Wort Oil, an oleate used as an anti-inflammatory and vulnerary.

It is also used in capsules or tablets As a natural antidepressant.

St. John’s wort properties

This plant so closely linked to the sun seems to also bring light on the mood, dispelling the mists that sometimes hang over it and bringing well-being.

The main component of St. John’s wort, and to which its antidepressant properties are attributed, is hypericin. Various studies have shown that this substance can inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that can destroy serotonin.

He increased serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter, produces a feeling of greater well-being, greater ability to concentrate and greater self-esteem. Instead, its decrease is related to states of sadness and depressive episodes. In fact, the famous fluoxetine-based drug Prozac exerts a similar action.

Added to this antidepressant capacity of hypericin is the relaxing effect of hyperforinwhich makes it the best herbalist’s resource to relieve mild depressions, mild anxiety states, night terrors, childhood hyperactivity, and nervous disorders associated with menopause.

How to take St John’s wort

When taking St. John’s wort it is recommended to do treatments three to four weeks to appreciate improvementwhich can be extended to eight if symptoms persist.

As an antidepressant it is usually prescribed in 250 or 300 mg capsules or tabletsin one or two daily doses for adults.

In herbalists and pharmacies you can find mixed formulas that associate the hypericum with other medicinal plants, such as eleutherococcus, oats, valerian, ginkgo or passion flower. They are indicated for mild depression, insomnia, tachycardia and irritable bowel syndrome.

He essential oil and the flavonoids give St. John’s wort a notable antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic and healing action. externallySt. John’s wort is also indicated to cure sores, burns, scalds, eczemaagainst him juvenile acne and about bumps and bruises. In this case, the most common is to use St. John’s Wort oil.

St. John’s wort contraindications

A few years ago, the Spanish Medicines Agency warned of the risk of taking St. John’s wort for its interaction with other medications, such as certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline, etc.), oral contraceptives, etc. These drug interactions could lead to decreased plasma concentrations and one loss of therapeutic effect of these drugs.

As a conclusion, it was recommended that they refrain from taking St. John’s wort patients treated with antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV infection. It was also discouraged women taking oral contraceptivessince it could reduce its effect.

In this regard, Dr. María José Alonso, member of the College of Pharmacists of Barcelona, ​​comments: “Although the reports of decreased efficacy have been with low-dose contraceptives and in small numbers, it should be considered not taking St. John’s wort or taking another type of contraceptive measures.

On the other hand, those people who are already taking St. John’s wort and medicines at the same timethey should not stop taking them immediately without first consulting the doctor, since a sudden withdrawal could cause an increase in the plasmatic levels of these drugs.

In general, it is recommended Consult a specialist before taking St. John’s wort in these cases: heart disease, HIV, high blood pressure, organ transplantation, depression (whether or not taking medications), stroke, liver failure, and during pregnancy and lactation.

Applied in external use, no indications of interaction of St. John’s wort with drugs have been observed. On the other hand, hypericin can cause photosensitizationso it is better to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Natural remedies with hypericum

In addition to taking it in capsules, you can prepare home remedies with hypericum:

Infusion of hypericum. It can be prepared by combining St. John’s wort in equal parts with hawthorn, lemon balm or valerian (of this, half), plus a flavor corrector such as green anise. Two tablespoons of the mixture are put per 0.5 liters of water. It is boiled for 10 minutes, left to rest for another ten and drunk before meals, three times a day.Antihemorrhoidal gel. It is prepared with liquid extracts of witch hazel, butcher’s broom, horse chestnut and St. John’s wort: about 10 g of each, plus 100 g of neutral gel. The ingredients are mixed well and applied in sitz baths up to 4 times a day, if appropriate followed by a cool bath. The extracts can be replaced by the dry plant and a decoction can be prepared with it to pour into the bathroom.

Other names

In addition to St. John’s wort, this plant is also known as St. John’s wort, hypericum, St. John’s flower, St. John’s plant, St. John’s wort or pericón.