How Can St. John’s Wort Help with Seasonal Depression?

What is St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Known for its bright yellow flowers, this plant is celebrated for its potential to improve mood and alleviate mild to moderate depression. It contains bioactive compounds like hypericin and hyperforin, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Topical vs. Oral Applications

Topical Use: St. John’s Wort oil, when applied to the skin, offers numerous benefits:

• Soothes inflamed joints and tendonitis: Helps reduce inflammation and pain in affected areas.
• Eases nerve pain: Provides relief for conditions like neuropathy and sciatica.
• Calms the nervous system: Applying the oil to your arms, chest, torso, and even ear lobes can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Heals minor wounds and burns: Accelerates the healing process for cuts, scrapes, and minor burns.
• Relieves muscle pain: Massaging the oil into sore muscles can help alleviate tension and strain.
• Improves skin health: Helps with dry, itchy, and eczema-prone skin, while improving skin elasticity and hydration.
  
  You can find our wildcrafted St. John's Wort Oil for topical use here.

Oral Use: Taking St. John’s Wort internally as a supplement or tea is more suited for systemic issues like mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Research suggests that it works similarly to standard antidepressant medication by increasing the activity of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline, which are thought to play an important part in regulating mood.

Note: The St. John's Wort Oil we supply is for topical use. Find a raw herb supplier that practices sustainable wildcrafting or practices organic cultivation. The plant medicine we use in our products goes directly into oil infusions for topical use and is not intended for oral consumption. 

Seasonal Depression

• Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms of SAD may include feeling hopeless and anxious, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep and appetite. If you think you may be experiencing seasonal depression, there are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms:
  • Get enough sunlight and exercise: Taking a walk outside each day or sitting near a bright window can help.
  • Engage in activities you enjoy: Whether it’s listening to music, playing an instrument, gardening, cooking, or doing a craft, make time each day to do something you find enjoyable.
  • Create a daily routine: Structure can help ease the symptoms of depression. Make it a priority to do something each day that brings you comfort and joy.
  • Reach out to friends and family: Talk to people you trust and make sure to stay connected with them.
  • Seek professional help: If your symptoms persist, talk to a mental health professional about treatment options.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing seasonal depression, so it’s important to find what works best for you.

St. John’s Wort and Depression

In 2016, an in-depth review of 35 studies found that St. John’s Wort:

• Reduced symptoms of mild and moderate depression more than a placebo.
• Reduced symptoms to a similar extent as prescription antidepressants.
• Appeared to have fewer side effects than prescription antidepressants.
• Didn’t seem to reduce sex drive, a common side effect of antidepressants.

Another recent analysis looked at 27 studies comparing the effects of St. John’s Wort and antidepressant medication. It showed that St. John’s Wort had effects similar to those of antidepressants on mild to moderate depression. It also found fewer people stopped taking St. John’s Wort during the studies, compared to antidepressants, possibly due to its fewer side effects.

However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking St. John’s Wort, as it can interact with certain medications and supplements.