Natural Remedy For Depression: St. John's Wort

You should consider using a natural remedy for depression rather than have to rely on drug medications to help alleviate your moods. For some people, prescription drugs used to deal with feelings of being low are not very effective. Yet for others, there are many side effects to taking these type of drugs. These side effects, such as frequent headaches and nausea, can actually aggravate this condition further.

One of the most common natural remedy for depression is St. John's Wort. According to history, St. John’s Wort received its name from the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. It was said to be used as a wound treatment during the Crusades. During medieval times, it was also given to patients with mental disorder to help rid the body of evil spirits. The healing power was thought to lie in the yellow color of this plant. This color has led some people to draw a connection between the herb and jaundice or hysteria.

St. John’s Wort is described by herbalists as being drying, bitter with just a little sweetness, and cool. It contains flavonoids, glycosides, volatile oils, resins, and tannins. The herb can be used for several depression related symptoms and for restoring the nervous system.

It is easy to obtain supplies of this natural remedy for depression. Simply obtain them in your local herbal supplement stores. You can also consume this herb fresh such as in an infusion tea. The infusion can be ingested to help treat anxiety, emotional distress, and depression, but it is also used to treat menopause and PMS. Some herbalists also use the St.John’s Wort to treat colds or infections. It can also be mixed with elderflower to help treat cold symptoms.

A tincture or infused oil can also be easily made from St. John’s Wort. The tincture is used for depression and nervous tension by taking several drops daily for at least two months.

You can also use St John's wort for other applications. You can use the infusion of St. John’s Wort as a wash for skin disorders, wounds and bruises. You can also use a cream made out of this herb to be applied topically for treating localized nerve pain, sciatica, cramps, sprains, breast engorgement or as an antiseptic for skin ulcers, scrapes, or sores. Despite having the ability to heal in different situations, it is most well known as a natural remedy for depression.