Symmetry Products with St. John's wort:  NeuroCalm

St. John’s wort is one of the most frequently recommended substances in all of Europe to help people cope with daily life. There, doctors write millions of prescriptions for St. John’s wort every year, and as many bottles are sold as dietary supplements in the US.

St. John's wort has been traditionally used for a change in mood, anxiety and nervous unrest. Recently it was reported that St. John’s wort was successful in helping women cope with their menstrual cycle. St. John’s wort has been extensively researched and this research has provided supporting evidence for the traditional uses of St John's wort.

Originally, hypericin was thought to be the constituent of St. John’s wort that provided the health benefits. However, hyperforin has recently emerged as one of the major constituents responsible for the mood enhancing effect. While there is much known about the activity of St. John’s wort, the exact mechanism of action of hypericum and hyperforin are not clearly defined.

One of the mechanisms attributed to St. John’s wort is to inhibit the uptake of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, and L-glutamate. Hypericum appears to be nonspecific in this inhibition whereas hyperforin has been identified as the main component responsible for these effects

Inhibiting the uptake of these neurotransmitters helps to maintain healthy levels within the brain that promote a feeling of well-being. This is confirmed in randomized, controlled trials that compare the efficacy of St John's wort extracts to a placebo.

More and more therapists are recommending St. John's wort extract to improve mood and reduce anxiety. The recommended dose is 200-300mg of a standardized St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) extract, taken 2-3 times daily. St. John's wort appears to be effective if taken for at least 4-6 weeks. Do not use St. John’s wort if you are severely depressed, taking MAO inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other medication for depression. If you are taking any medications, discuss the use of St. John’s wort with your health care practitioner. Do not use if you are pregnant or lactating. Use a sunblock and avoid sunlamps or tanning beds while taking St. John’s wort.

St. John's wort is a bushy perennial with numerous yellow flowers speckled with tiny black dots that, when rubbed, release a red pigment containing one of the active constituents, hypericum. It grows in dry gravely soil and is native to many parts of the world, including Europe and the United States.

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