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St
John's Wort -- Possible Natural Alternative to
Prozac
St John's Wort is
sometimes known as a miracle herb because it is used
for so many afflictions.
Traditional Chinese medical practitioners have used
St John’s Wort for over 4000 years. It has more
recently come into its own in the West as a
treatment for mild to moderate depression. Some
people take St John’s Wort as a natural alternative
to Prozac, and in Germany, where St John’s Wort is
an approved treatment, it outsells Prozac by about
10:1.
Until recently it was thought that the hypericin
content of St John’s Wort was responsible for its
antidepressant effect. However, more recent studies
are inconclusive, and it is not known exactly how
the herb works in alleviating depression. What is
certain is that there are millions of people, all
over the world who are taking St John’s Wort and
reaping benefits. Because of the herbs popularity,
research studies are widely available, and excellent
books have been written with up to date information.
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Researchers continue their
endeavors to discover the secret of St John’s Wort, but
to its many beneficiaries, why it works is not as
important as that it does work! Moreover, it seems that
although its therapeutic effects are best known in the
West for treating depression, it is useful for many
other conditions. Herbal healers have used St John’s
Wort to heal the body from ancient times until the
present day, noting its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic
properties. Preparations for internal use include
tinctures, infusions and most popularly, capsules.
Ointments, creams and oils are available for external
use.
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