Natural Factors St. John’s Wort 300mg 90 capsules

Herbal Factors Standardized Potency St. John’s Wort

A full spectrum formula containing guaranteed levels of .3% hypericin (the same potency that produced such excellent results in clinical studies) as well as pseudohypericin, and hyperforin, another important active that benefits people with depression and works synergistically with hypericin.

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is probably the most thoroughly researched herbal anti-depressant available. Eminent European physician Rudolf Fritz Weiss recommends it for treatment of restlessness, anxiety and depressive moods.1 Studies show that people taking St. John’s Wort have fewer feelings of sadness and hopelessness and they sleep better, without the side effects common to anti-depressant drugs.

St John’s Wort is antibacterial and antiviral and ointments made with St. John’s Wort have been used for centuries to treat burns, bites and other wounds. The antiviral activity is being studied as a treatment for HIV infection, and experimental studies show that hypericin and pseudohypericin exhibit strong antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1and 2 and influenza virus types A and B.

Other applications for St. John’s Wort include treatment of sleep disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, bed wetting, PMS, chronic tension headaches.

Depression

Depression is a common medical problem that affects millions of people each year.  It is a signal that one’s coping mechanisms have been overwhelmed.  Depression can be triggered by any perceived negative change in one’s life or a negative reaction to a situation.

Physical causes of depression include nutritional deficiencies, biochemical / hormonal imbalances, substance abuse, hypothyroidism, liver disease and anemia.  In these cases correcting the physical problem will result in alleviation of depression.

Symptoms of depression vary between individuals.  Common signs and symptoms include insomnia or hypersomnia, weight loss or gain, digestive disturbances, headaches, bowel changes, low libido and frequent colds and flus.  Severe depression can lead to hallucinations and suicidal ideation.  Types of depression include seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people in the winter months because of dark and damp weather.  Post-partum depression is a type of depression suffered by some women after childbirth.  Manic-depressive disorder is characterized by severe depressive episodes alternating with periods of euphoria and exhilaration.

Lifestyle changes to help with depression include regular exercise, proper rest and undertaking enjoyable mental activities.  Start a hobby that you enjoy.  Learn to deal with stress in positive ways.  Learn the triggers for your depression and how to avoid them.

Dietary treatment of depression begins by an assessment of nutritional status and toxin levels. Deficiencies of nutrients can alter the functioning of the nervous system. Deficiencies of nutrients can alter the functioning of the nervous system. A build-up of toxins in the brain can lead to symptoms that mimic depression.  Balancing blood sugar is important because fluctuations can cause depression. Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, tobacco, saturated fats, artificial sweeteners, wheat, refined flour products, refined sugar products and any foods you are sensitive to.  Eat a whole foods diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (especially oats) and nutritional yeast.  Include foods that are high in tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin.  They are ocean going fish, eggs, nuts and wheat germ.