Perhaps one of the best known herbal remedies, St John’s Wort refers to a flowering plant that once was found in limited quantities in Europe although is now prolific through much of the world including The United States, China, Russia, the Middle East and more. While evidence supporting medicinal use of most herbal remedies exists exclusively in anecdotal or folklore only, St. John’s Wort is one exception, with supplements of the plant being prescribed for various health conditions in countries like Germany. St John’s Wort tea benefits are also thought to be abundant, thanks to two chemicals called hypericin and hyperforin that are found in the plant. Much clinical study has been done with these two naturally occurring chemicals, which has produced evidence of the herbal remedies’ plentiful health benefits, ten of which can be found here. But, speaking with a health care provider is imperative before using the herb, as it’s been associated with multiple drug interactions and other hazards related to its classification as an MAO inhibitor.
Making herbal tea recipes that include St. John’s Wort are an excellent way to take advantage of the important chemical constituents found in the plant. A St John’s Wort tea recipe starts with one to two teaspoons of the herb that are added to just boiled water and steeped until a drinkable temperature. Because the herb is considered mildly bitter, it’s nicely complemented with sweet additions like other herbs or honey. St John’s Wort tea benefits have long been thought to include positive neurological effects, and that’s not the only way the invasive plant species may benefit the body.
1. Depression
The single most well known use of St John’s Wort is in battling symptoms associated with depression. There is actually a substantial amount of scientific evidence to support the herb’s use in this way. Hypericin and hyperforin are thought to help regulate mood by impacting nervous system chemical messengers, which is likely the source of this positive relationship.
2. Quitting Smoking
Many products exist to help nicotine users kick the habit, but the same St John’s Wort tea benefits that may contribute to a positive mood and less anxiety in people with depression may have underlying effects that include helping smokers stop.
3. Menopausal Symptoms
Specifically with regards to hot flashes as can occur during menopause, St John’s Wort has been shown to be effective at reducing their recurrence in some women. Studies do however remain conflicted on this use, with some suggesting the effects are limited and only exist when black cohosh is also used.
4. Brain Tumors
Interestingly enough, St John’s Wort tea benefits may include helping shrink the size of certain types of tumors in the brain. Studies are very preliminary and still not fully conclusive, but it’s been suggested that specifically hypericin, as is found in the plant, may both improve rates of survival and reduce tumor size in persons with the condition.
5. PMS Symptoms
Studies into the use of St John’s Wort in menstruating women has produced varying results. In some cases, anxiety and emotional distress associated with monthly cycles were reduced, while others had little to no effect. However, given the herb’s known uses in affecting mood, it’s likely there is some evidence to support the plant’s use in reducing the symptoms of PMS.
6. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This condition is characterized by many symptoms including a reduction in sexual drive, anxiety and trouble sleeping. St John’s Wort tea benefits have been shown in some small, preliminary studies to help reduce some of these symptoms in some individuals.
7. Hypothyroidism
One use of St John’s Wort historically has been in treating mild cases of hypothyroidism, though there is little scientific evidence to support the herb’s use in the condition likely because the relationship has not yet been thoroughly studied.
8. Sciatica and Back Pain
The effects that the chemicals in St John’s Wort have on neurotransmitters are likely what have led to the linking of the herb with helping relieve back pain caused by nerve problems. In time, it’s possible that a natural remedy for some types of chronic back pain may be uncovered.
9. Colds and Flu
When most people think about St John’s Wort tea benefits, they don’t think of the common cold or flu symptoms. However, throughout history, the herbal remedy has been considered a natural antiseptic and has long been considered beneficial for people with certain types of illnesses. The herb is also being explored for use against other viruses as well, including herpes and HIV.
10. Fibromyalgia
Only a recently discussed condition, fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and extreme fatigue as well as generalized pain and discomfort. St John’s Wort tea benefits may help counter both the physical and mental problems associated with the condition.
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