St. John's Wort - Σπαθόχορτο - Hypericum Perforatum
 
Each pack contains ½ cup (125ml) of the Herb. The weight varies due to the density of each herb.
 
Basic Medicinal Properties:
Supports the treatment of depression, anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances.
 
 
Depression
There is strong evidence that St. John’s Wort may alleviate symptoms in individuals with mild to moderate depression, though it is not considered effective for severe (major) depression.
Multiple studies suggest that it works similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of antidepressant prescribed for depression treatment.
SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft).
Additionally, St. John’s Wort does not appear to cause sexual dysfunction, which is one of the most common side effects of antidepressant medications.
St. John’s Wort contains several active compounds, including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids. Some researchers propose that the herb functions similarly to SSRIs by increasing the availability of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters that help regulate mood.
 
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Research indicates that St. John’s Wort may help relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in some women, including cramps, irritability, food cravings, and breast tenderness.
One study reported a 50% reduction in symptom severity.
 
Menopause
Some evidence suggests that St. John’s Wort, when combined with Black Cohosh, may help improve mood and reduce anxiety during menopause.
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
When used alone, St. John’s Wort has been shown to improve mood in individuals with SAD, a type of depression occurring in winter due to reduced sunlight exposure.
SAD is typically treated with light therapy (phototherapy), and research suggests that using St. John’s Wort alongside light therapy enhances its effectiveness.
 
Eczema, Wounds, Minor Burns, Haemorrhoids
St. John’s Wort has antibacterial properties and may also help reduce inflammation.
When applied topically, it can relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritations.
 
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Agoraphobia
A preliminary open study found that taking 450 mg of St. John’s Wort twice daily for 12 weeks improved symptoms of OCD and agoraphobia.
 
 
 
About the Herb
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Hypericaceae family. Native to temperate regions of Eurasia, it has spread to various parts of the world, including North and South America, South Africa, and Australia, where it is sometimes considered an invasive species. Recognisable by its bright yellow flowers, St. John’s Wort has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its mood-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The name "St. John’s Wort" originates from its historical association with St. John the Baptist, as the plant typically flowers around the time of his feast day in late June. It has been used in European folk medicine since ancient times, believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. During medieval times, it was commonly included in herbal remedies for melancholy and nervous disorders.
While it is widely used today as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, St. John’s Wort is also known for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. However, it interacts with various prescription medications, making it essential for individuals to consult a healthcare provider before use. Ongoing research continues to explore the potential of its active compounds, particularly hyperforin, for their neuroprotective and therapeutic benefits.