St. John's Wort

Traditionally used :
		As a sedative for the relief of restlessness and nervousness
		To help treat symptoms of sleep disorders.
		Sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free

More Info

Composition

Each 30–drop dose contains:
Medicinal ingredient:
Tincture of fresh organically grown* and wild St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) aerial parts, flowers standardized to 0.066 mg hypericin.
Non-medicinal ingredient:
1 mL of tincture contains 0.63 mL alcohol (ethanol).
* Certified by Bio Suisse
1 mL = 33 drops. Dropper included.

Dosage

Adults: Take 30 drops in a small amount of water, 3 times daily, 15 minutes before meals. Insalivate before swallowing.
Duration: Use for up to 6 weeks.

Historical overview

Traditionally, St. John’s Wort was known as a panacea. In the Middle Ages, it was used to drive evil spirits away, to ward off witchcraft, as well as to heal sword wounds. Its antidepressant (see the information sheet on Hyperiforce®), antiviral, antibacterial and even antifungal virtues are well known. However, St. John’s Wort is also considered by many herbalists as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory (especially for neuralgia) and vulnerary. The herbalist David Hoffmann considers St. John’s Wort as a vulnerary for damaged nerves and recommends its internal use for anything related to the nervous system, from neuralgia to depression. The herbalist Nicolas Culpeper (17th Century) recommends St. John’s Wort for its aperitive, cleansing and diuretic properties. He suggests the use of a tincture of the flowers in spirit of wine against melancholy and madness.

Actions and pharmacology

The advantage of St. John’s Wort’s tincture, compared to the other preparations, is its easier dosage modulation and its faster absorption. Alcohol, a better solvent than water, allows for a more concentrated and more stable product.
The German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of: psychovegetative disturbances, depressive moods, anxiety and nervous unrest. (3) (See the information sheet on Hyperiforce®)

Precautions, contraindications and interactions

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid taking in case of allergy to any of the ingredients in the product.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV-light or UV-therapy.
Consult a healthcare practitioner if you experience sleep disturbances or if you are taking conventional medication, such as contraceptives, HIV-protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, digoxin, theophylline, serotonergic antidepressants, migraine therapies, SSRIs and/or anti-epilepsy drugs.
If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare practitioner.
Do not use if security cap is broken. Keep out of the reach of children.

References

1-Hoffmann D. The herbalist CD-Rom. Hopkins technology 1995. Hopkins, Minnesota USA.

2-Culpeper N. The Complete Herbal. W. Foulsham & co. London, UK.

3-The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Blumenthal M et al 1998. American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, Texas, 78723.