Johannis herbs

Synonyms in a broader sense

medical: Hypericum perforatum

Common names:

  • Hard hay
  • Blood weed
  • Locust blood
  • Wound herb

introduction

St. John's wort belongs to the group of herbal medicines (phytopharmaceuticals). St. John's wort is particularly used in the therapy of mild to moderate depression.
It is also used as a drug with few side effects in the field of asthma, gout, rheumatism and muscle pain.

Application in homeopathy

Hypericum is an important resource. Applied to skin diseases triggered and aggravated by exposure to light. Also with mild depression, crushed nerves and inflammation, concussion. Common exponentiations are D3 to D6.

ingredients

Essential oil, flavonoids, resins, tannins and rhodan. The most important active ingredient is hypericin, the red pigment from the petals, also called hypericum red.

Manufacturer / trade name

Manufacturers are named as examples and were selected at random. we have with none Manufacturers a personal connection!

St. John's Wort Sandoz® 425 mg hard capsules N2 60 tablets € 14.80

St. John's Wort Sandoz® 425 mg hard capsules N3 100 tablets € 23.50

ST. JOHN'S WORT ratiopharm® 425 N1 30 tablets € 7.80

ST. JOHN'S WORT ratiopharm® 425 N2 60 tablets € 14.30

ST. JOHN'S WORT ratiopharm® 425 N3 100 tablets € 23.50

Effect of St. John's Wort

St. John's wort has different effects in the human body depending on the application. Essentially, the ingredients hyperforin and hypericin are responsible for this.

When used internally in high doses, St. John's wort acts primarily on the synapses between two nerve cells of the central nervous system (CNS). To transmit signals, a nerve cell releases various neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap, which bind to receptors of another nerve cell and transmit the signal. The remaining neurotransmitters are then broken down and taken up again into the nerve cells via transporters. Hyperforin non-selectively inhibits this re-uptake of various neurotransmitters from the synapses into the nerve cells. This extends and strengthens the signal transmission between two nerve cells. A simultaneous increase in the concentration of the transmitter serotonin due to the inhibited breakdown by the active ingredient hypericin contained in St. John's wort is also discussed.

One of the causes of depression is a lack of neurotransmitters (Serotonin, norepinephrine) in the CNS. This deficiency can be counteracted by the targeted administration of St. John's wort. The concentrations of these transmitters increase significantly in the course of therapy. In addition, there are also higher quantities of other transmitters (i.a. Dopamine, GABA, glutamate).

When used externally, St. John's wort is used for a wide range of diseases. It is often used to support wound healing. The exact mechanism of action is not yet known. A compaction of the tissue by the contained tannins and a consequent difficult penetration of pathogens into the wound is discussed. This should enable wounds to heal faster.

In addition to being used to support wound healing, products containing St. John's wort are also popular for treating lumbago, gout and rheumatism. The treatment of bruises or accompanying therapy for shingles can also be done with St. John's wort.

Read more on the topic: Effect of St. John's Wort

Duration of action of St. John's Wort

When St. John's wort is used externally, the onset of action is rapid. Depending on the symptoms, regular treatment with St. John's wort can be continued for several days and weeks until the symptoms have significantly improved or resolved.

In the case of high doses of internal use of St. John's wort to treat mild and moderate depression, the effect usually only occurs after a few weeks (see also: Therapy of Depression). For final psychological stabilization, the therapy often has to be continued over several months and years. This period of time until stabilization is achieved varies significantly depending on the patient.

As a rule, the psychological stabilization remains after discontinuation of the preparation.

Dosage and dosage forms of St. John's wort

When treating with St. John's wort, it should be noted that the preparations come from the pharmacy. In Germany they are sold without a prescription. There are alcoholic extracts or an oily form (red oil).

Depending on the area of ​​application, the dosage of St. John's wort differs significantly. According to experts, daily doses of at least 900 mg are required for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Depending on the preparation, the tablets can be taken one to three times a day. As a rule, there is no risk of overdosing up to an amount of 2000-2500 mg. A daily dose of 450 to 1000 mg of extract or 3.0 to 4.5 ml of tincture is recommended. For external use, oil (red oil) is suitable for rubbing in.The exact dosage should be individually adapted to the patient in consultation with the attending physician. You should also talk to a doctor about the duration of the therapy.

St. John's wort is used as an oil to treat wounds (see also: St. John's wort oil). To do this, the St. John's wort flowers are poured over with olive oil. The over-the-counter St. John's wort oils contain significantly lower amounts of St. John's wort extract than the tablets or capsules. The oil should be applied thinly to the area to be treated and massaged in. For the treatment of muscle pain, injuries and minor burns, oil dressings made from St. John's wort oil, which contain about 40 to 50 drops, are used. St. John's wort in the form of tea is usually too low in doses to have any effect.

Which high-dose St. John's wort is there?

High-dose St. John's wort is used internally for mild and moderate depression. It is administered in the form of tablets or capsules. According to experts, daily doses of at least 900 mg of St. John's wort are required to guarantee the effectiveness of St. John's wort. Numerous, over-the-counter powder products, such as those sold in drugstores, contain significantly lower amounts of St. John's wort and are not sufficient for antidepressant therapy. These can only be used for mild and temporary depressive disorders.

Since 2009, the high-dose products for the treatment of depression have been available in pharmacies with a prescription. Therapy with St. John's wort must always be carried out in consultation with a doctor. Frequently prescribed preparations are Laif 900, Jarsin RX 300, Neuroplant and Texx RP 300.

Capsule or tablets - what's the difference?

The internal use of St. John's wort can be in the form of capsules as well as in the form of a tablet. The relevant quantities of active ingredients and the composition of the preparations usually do not differ. Both should be taken with sufficient fluids.

Tablets contain the active ingredient as a kind of compressed powder. It is not surrounded by a protective cover and dissolves at the latest in the area of ​​the stomach. This allows the various ingredients to interact with their surroundings before they are absorbed in the small intestine and, in rare cases, cause side effects (e.g. also an unpleasant taste) to lead.

In the case of capsules, the amount of active ingredient is instead surrounded by a gelatin shell. This has the advantage that the active ingredients are only released in the small intestine. The stomach can be bypassed and spared. Additionally, for many patients, swallowing a capsule is easier than taking a tablet. However, absorption into the body takes place somewhat delayed because the gelatine shell of the capsule has to be dissolved first.

Side effects of St. John's wort

As a natural remedy, St. John's wort is usually well tolerated. Side effects rarely occur.

With high-dose, internal therapy with St. John's wort (for depression) patients often show an increased sensitivity to sunlight. This is due to the active ingredient hypericin, which increases the skin's sensitivity to UV light. When sunbathing for longer periods of time, skin reactions similar to sunburn are to be feared. In addition, in the course of high-dose therapy with St. John's wort, patients often report complaints in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea and stomach cramps are possible. In rare cases, nausea and loss of appetite can also occur.

When St. John's wort is used externally, side effects are very rare. Allergic reactions to various ingredients in St. John's wort oil or other products containing St. John's wort are possible. These usually manifest themselves in the skin area. Swelling and reddening of the skin may occur. Patients often also report inner restlessness and an increased feeling of tiredness.

When treating with St. John's Wort, it should be noted that the combination with other drugs can lead to numerous interactions. Depending on the preparation, these can become noticeable through different symptoms and incorrectly interpreted as a side effect of St. John's wort.

In the following, side effects of St. John's wort in various areas of application are explained in detail.

Side effects of St. John's wort on the liver

In addition to the active ingredients hyperforin and hypericin, St. John's wort also contains numerous other ingredients, some of which work in the liver. These increase the activity of various enzymes in the liver (so-called cytochrome P450 monooxygenases), which play a major role in the liver's metabolic processes. Among other things, these enzymes lead to the activation and breakdown of numerous toxic substances and drugs. This can lead to significant interactions when combining St. John's wort with other medications. The liver is normally not damaged by this - on the contrary, by stimulating the liver metabolism, the liver's mode of action is strengthened.

Side effects of St. John's wort on the eyes

Frequently, patients report various symptoms in the area of ​​the eyes in the course of high-dose therapy with St. John's wort. Often times, these symptoms are initially noticeable as a constant burning sensation in the eyes. At the same time, the eyelids may be slightly swollen (see also: Swollen eyelids).

An increased sensitivity to light during treatment with St. John's wort can also manifest itself in the area of ​​the eyes. There is an increased risk of developing conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis). At the same time, there is a risk of clouding of the eye lenses (cataract) increased with long-term therapy with St. John's wort. Patients should therefore protect their eyes from intense sunlight during treatment.

Serotonin Syndrome

Another serious side effect that can occur during high-dose internal therapy with St. John's wort is the so-called serotonin syndrome. As already mentioned, St. John's wort leads to an increase in the concentration of serotonin in the central nervous system. With a very high dosage (or overdose) typical symptoms of high serotonin levels can occur. These typically include dizziness and impaired consciousness. Involuntary twitching of the muscles, anxiety and a general feeling of illness are also often noticed.

Serotonin syndrome is a very serious side effect that, in extreme cases, can also lead to loss of consciousness and coma. It should be noted that in addition to St. John's wort, numerous other drugs can cause an increased concentration of serotonin in the CNS and these typical symptoms. For this reason, these drugs must not be given in combination with St. John's wort.

You can find much more information under our topic: Serotonin Syndrome

Therapy and application areas of St. John's wort

St. John's wort oil

As a herbal medicine, St. John's wort is used today mainly because of its slightly mood-enhancing effect for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, winter depression or nervous restlessness. St. John's wort can be used for external as well as internal use.

When used externally, it is used in an oily concentration for injuries and burns. It is believed that the flavonoid content of St. John's wort causes the anti-inflammatory effect when used externally.

The antidepressant and nerve-calming effect can be traced back to an influence on messenger substances (= transmitters) in the brain, which could be determined for several of the ingredients contained in St. John's wort. However, St. John's wort can only develop this effect when used internally. By influencing messenger substances, it is used in the therapy of depression. Overall, the medicinal plant is a sensible treatment alternative for mild moods.

However, since St. John's wort interacts with other medications, it must not be taken without consulting the attending physician!

Areas of application of St. John's wort

A basic distinction is made when using St. John's wort between an internal and an external application.

The high-dose, internal use of St. John's wort (in the form of tablets or capsules) occurs in mild and moderate depression. The accompanying anxiety disorders can often be alleviated with the help of St. John's wort.

The low-dose, external use of St. John's wort (in the form of St. John's wort oil) is used for small wounds, injuries and first-degree burns. Muscle pain can also be alleviated by applying a dressing made from St. John's wort oil.

Finally, St. John's wort can also be used for digestive problems. It calms the gastrointestinal tract. St. John's wort is prepared in a kind of tea. Alternatively, you can drink a teaspoon of St. John's wort oil (pure or diluted) possible.

Here again the most important areas of application for St. John's wort:

  • depression
  • Winter depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Digestive problems
  • Muscle pain / sore muscles

St. John's wort during pregnancy and breastfeeding - is that possible?

Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, many women experience increased levels of depression during this period. However, for safety reasons, therapy for this depression with St. John's wort should be avoided. To date, insufficient investigations and studies have been carried out to prove the safety of St. John's wort during pregnancy. So far, however, there is also no evidence that St. John's wort is harmful in any way for mother or child. An intake of St. John's wort should therefore always be discussed with a doctor. Usually it is not recommended by the doctor.

The same applies to therapy with St. John's wort during breastfeeding. Studies have shown that St. John's wort does not pass the blood-milk barrier into breast milk, but changes in various hormones have been detected. These hormones are involved, among other things, in the production of breast milk in the mammary glands. Treatment with St. John's wort can therefore influence the production of breast milk.

Read more on the topic: Homeopathy in Pregnancy

St. John's wort during menopause

Depression is also common during menopause. Natural treatments are often used to treat this temporary depression (like using St. John's wort) are used. St. John's wort is effective against mild depression as well as insomnia, anger and headaches. Hormone replacement therapies used as an alternative often show a significantly broader spectrum of side effects.

You might also be interested in: Homeopathy for menopause

St. John's wort for depression

Depression is an affective disorder characterized by a change in mood. Patients show a depressed mood (pessimism, Listlessness, low self esteem), Insomnia, loss of appetite and, in some cases, a loss of libido. Delusions and phobias can also occur during depressive episodes. This leads to a recurring occurrence of depressive attacks. In 90% of all depressions, the patient has only depressive episodes. These so-called unipolar affective disorders are treated with antidepressants. The treatment of depression depends on the severity of the depression.

A distinction is made between mild, moderate and severe depression. In mild and moderate depression, the naturally occurring St. John's wort is an alternative to the other antidepressants. In severe depression, however, drug therapy with tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, clomipramine, nortriptyline) or many different reuptake inhibitors (Citalopram, fluoxetine) required. Depending on the patient, a decision about a therapy must be made individually.

Read more on the topic: Homeopathy for Depression

St. John's wort against fears

With mild and moderate depression, anxiety disorders often occur. Some of these can also be treated with the help of St. John's wort. Patients report a noticeable improvement after about two to three weeks. St. John's wort also influences the sleep-wake cycle, lightening the mood and improving the ability to concentrate. However, in the case of very severe anxiety disorders or of isolated anxiety disorders, clarification of the causes and further drug therapy are required. In any case, this should be done with the attending physician.

Read more about this: Homeopathy for anxiety

St. John's wort against neurodermatitis

In addition to the widespread antidepressant effect of St. John's Wort, new studies also show the preparation's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Among other things, the effectiveness of the active ingredient Hyperforin against a certain type of bacteria (Staphylococci) be detected. These can multiply especially with very dry skin in the context of neurodermatitis and lead to severe skin infections. Regular body care with creams based on St. John's wort or with St. John's wort oil can lead to a significant improvement in these infections within a few weeks. However, since the effectiveness of St. John's wort in neurodermatitis has not yet been fully understood, it should only be used in consultation with a doctor.

Read more on the subject: Homeopathy for neurodermatitis

Application of St. John's wort on the face

Many skin care products (Ointments, creams) contain St. John's wort extracts in addition to many other ingredients. The St. John's wort it contains is said to improve skin moisture, smooth the surface structure and reduce water loss in dry and sensitive skin. In addition, there is a significant decrease in itching in many patients. An antibacterial effect can also prevent infection of dry skin.

For this reason, St. John's wort can also be used for skin problems around the face. The use of products containing St. John's wort is particularly indicated in the context of very dry skin that occurs with neurodermatitis.

You might also be interested in: Proper skin care

Interactions of St. John's Wort with Other Substances

St. John's wort and the pill - are they compatible? Can St. John's wort be combined well with other medications? Can you consume alcohol during the Johannis therapy? You will find information on these and other questions below!

Interactions of St. John's Wort with Other Medicines

In addition to the active ingredients hyperforin and hypericin, St. John's wort contains numerous ingredients that affect the enzymes (Family of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases) affect the liver. Above all, the activity of the enzyme CYP3A4 is significantly increased, through which around half of all drugs are metabolized. As a result, there can be significant interactions when combining these drugs with St. John's wort. Both significantly increased amounts of a drug and significantly reduced concentrations of an active ingredient in the blood are to be feared and, depending on the drug, can have significant effects on the patient.

In addition to the (birth control pill), various AIDS drugs are often affected by an interaction with St. John's Wort (e.g. HIV protease inhibitors).

Also numerous

  • Antibiotics,
  • Cardiac glycosides,
  • blood thinner
  • as well as drugs for epilepsy and anxiety disorders (Anti-epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines)

can be massively influenced when taking St. John's wort at the same time.

When combining St. John's wort with various immunosuppressants, a rejection of a transplant is to be feared. For this reason, the attending physician must always be informed about other medications before taking St. John's wort. Depending on the patient, it may be necessary to stop or change medication.

St. John's wort and the pill - are they compatible?

While taking St. John's wort, the effect of the birth control pill can be canceled. The exact interaction of St. John's wort and the pill is not yet fully understood, but there is a significant increase in the incidence of unwanted pregnancies. This is because St. John's wort in the liver increases the activity of various enzymes (Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases) elevated. These enzymes are also involved in the metabolism of the pill, among other things. As a result, the pill is broken down more quickly and cannot fully develop its hormonal effect. There is a significantly increased risk of unwanted pregnancies.

These interactions between St. John's wort and the pill depend on the dosage of St. John's wort. Low-dose applications in the form of a tea or St. John's wort oil do not have any consequences for the effectiveness of the pill. Studies have shown that drug therapy with a daily dose of less than 900 mg shows no effects on the birth control pill. Nevertheless, you should always consult your doctor (gynecologist) or a pharmacist before taking St. John's wort regularly.

St. John's wort and alcohol - are they compatible?

An interaction between St. John's wort and alcohol has not yet been established.

The years of experience gathered about possible side effects and interactions during therapy with St. John's wort could not show any signs of an effect of alcohol consumption. This is because St. John's wort and alcohol are metabolized independently in the liver.

While St. John's wort increases the activity of the so-called cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, which are responsible, among other things, for the activation and breakdown of drugs, the alcohol is metabolized by other specific enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase). There are no consequences for the liver to fear. On the contrary, the effects of St. John's wort stimulate the metabolism of the liver.

St. John's wort and sun - what should be considered?

The active substance hypericin contained in St. John's wort increases the patient's sensitivity to light. This process is called Photosensitization designated. While on the one hand the formation of the important vitamin D in the skin is stimulated, on the other hand the risk of sunburns caused by UV radiation increases.

For this reason, patients with a known, increased sensitivity to light should refrain from taking St. John's wort and, if necessary, switch to other preparations. At the same time, intensive sunbathing or a visit to a solarium should be avoided in any case during treatment with St. John's wort. Serious sunburns with severe skin damage are to be feared. The increased sensitivity to light often manifests itself in the area of ​​the eyes. Patients complain of itchy and watery eyes (typical symptoms of conjunctivitis). The increased sensitivity to light only subsides about two weeks after discontinuing the preparation.

St. John's wort and the desire to have children - is that possible?

St. John's wort preparations contain traces of female sex hormones (Estrogens), which can affect hormone production in both women and men. However, the exact effect of St. John's wort on the maturation of egg cells and sperm is not yet clear. There are only a few studies that prove a harmful effect of St. John's wort when trying to have children. For this reason, the intake of St. John's wort should always be discussed with a gynecologist. If possible, the preparation should be discontinued if you want to have children. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to clarify further causes in the event of an unfulfilled desire to have children.

You might also be interested in: Tips - how do I get pregnant?

What should be considered when stopping St. John's wort?

An antidepressant effect of St. John's wort and other antidepressants occurs no earlier than after 2 weeks of regular use of the medication. Often, patients only report an increasing decrease in relapses of depression after 4 to 6 weeks. For long-term psychological stabilization, the therapy usually has to be continued for several months and years.

When stopping St. John's wort, there is no risk of addiction with withdrawal symptoms compared to numerous other substances that act in the central nervous system. Therefore no gradual dosage is necessary.

Just 7 days after the product was last taken, no traces of St. John's wort are detectable in the patient's blood. There is also a decrease in the side effects of St. John's wort that may have occurred within a few days. At the same time, many patients still experience long-term psychological stabilization.

St. John's Wort or Valerian - What's the Difference?

Both St. John's wort and valerian are naturally occurring remedies that are used for various types of nervous and psychological ailments. Valerian works mainly as a sedative and sleeping aid. It is available over-the-counter at the pharmacy. The valerian preparations on offer are often supplemented with hops, lemon balm or hawthorn. Even so, valerian usually has only a weak effect on the treatment of sleep disorders.

Valerian is also approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders. These can also occur in the context of mild and moderate depression, which is treated with St. John's wort. For this reason, St. John's wort is often combined with valerian for mild depression in order to achieve an effect against depression as well as against anxiety and sleep disorders. Especially at the beginning of therapy, high-dose treatment with valerian has a rapid anti-anxiety and relaxing effect, while the effect of St. John's wort is delayed after two weeks at the earliest.

Plant description

St. John's wort is an upright, branched plant in the upper part with two-edged reddish-coated stems that grow 20 to 100 cm high and grows herbaceous for several years.
When viewed against the light, the oval leaves of St. John's wort contain a light liquid made of essential oils that appear as black dots. The small dots give the impression that the plant is perforated. The golden yellow, asymmetrical flowers are five-toothed and have a diameter of about 2 cm. They are notable for their numerous long stamens. The stamens, in turn, form cymes that are composed of grapes. The flowering time of St. John's wort is from mid-June.

History of St. John's Wort as Medicine

On St. John's Day, June 24th, St. John's wort is found in abundant bloom in many gardens. If you pick the flowers and grind them, a blood-red juice comes out of which many legends are told.
The emerging red color should symbolize the shed blood of Christ. Furthermore, a story tells that St. John's wort emerged from the blood of the beheaded John the Baptist.
Already 2000 years ago the ancient doctors in Greece and Rome used St. John's wort as a remedy.
It was also very much appreciated in the Middle Ages. As early as 1525, the recognized doctor and natural scientist Paracelsus (1493 to 1541) wrote enthusiastically about St. John's wort as a medicinal plant. It was not until the 18th century that the nerve-strengthening and antidepressant effects were discovered.
It was not until the 1930s that the medicinal plant was remembered again in the context of conventional medicine.

Manufacture and preparation of St. John's Wort as a medicine

St. John's wort is collected for the production of medicines during the flowering period. In order to achieve high quality, good growing conditions must be in place. Locations and climatic conditions as well as the nature of the soil are decisive for the good quality of St. John's wort. The plants must have a high content of active ingredients. The St. John's wort used for extraction is high quality plant material. Compared to wild herbs (devil's claw) it can be obtained more easily and with higher quality. You only harvest the flower horizon from St. John's wort, from the top 20 cm of the plant, which consists of stems, leaves and flowers. The medicinal plants are dried in a gentle process and checked for their ingredients and active ingredients. They are dried and crushed and mixed with a methanol-water mixture (alcohol). The final extract is obtained in this way.

The following preparations of St. John's wort are still possible:

  • St. John's wort tea: 2 heaped teaspoons of dried herb are poured over with ¼ l of boiling water, left to steep for 5 minutes and then strained. One cup two to three times a day. Applied as a cure for several weeks, the patient does not expose himself to the sun, sunlamps or solarium because Hypericum makes the skin sensitive to light.
    Most of the time, the dosage of tea is too low, so that there is usually no effect.
  • St. John's wort oil: 150 g of fresh flowers are crushed in a mortar and ½ l of olive oil is poured over them. Place in a well-closed container (milk glass) in the sun. Shake once a day. The content turns a bright red color. After about 3 weeks, filter through a sheet and press out. Keep cool and closed, limited shelf life.

Phytopharmaceuticals in Germany

The list of the best-selling herbal preparations led by far the ginkgo:

  1. ginkgo
  2. Johannis herbs
  3. Devil's claw
  4. Horse chestnuts
  5. artichoke
  6. Milk thistle
  7. Nettle
  8. Umckaloabo
  9. Hawthorn
  10. ivy

A list of all medicinal herbs / medicinal plants that we have already published can be found under: Medicines A-Z.

Summary

St. John's wort is a perennial plant. In winter, the visible parts of the plant die off, and a new plant will grow out of the rhizon the next year.
The yellow sun wheels bloom from June to September. The leaves, which are 10 mm long and 3 mm wide, have a light-colored liquid made of essential oils when viewed against the light. They make the sheet appear perforated. When you cut up the fresh flowers, a dark red dye comes out, which is used medicinally. Today the herbal medicinal product St. John's wort is used because of its slightly mood-enhancing effect or for the treatment of mild to moderate depression and nervous restlessness.

Disclaimer / Exclusion of Liability

Please note that we do not claim to be complete or correct in any of our texts. The information may be out of date due to current developments.
All details are only excerpts, therefore important information cannot be given.
We expressly point out that all medications may never be discontinued, applied or changed independently and without consultation with your treating doctor.