Fight Winter Depression
As winter’s clouds roll over the sky, and days shrink to half of what they were during summer, it is easy to slip in to a bit of a funk. If vitamin D, light supplement, or a change in diet and exercise aren’t getting you out of your seasonal slump, rather than heading to the doctor for a prescription, perhaps you may want to consider looking at St. John’s wort.
A proven treatment for both minor and major depression
As winter’s clouds roll over the sky, and days shrink to half of what they were during summer, it is easy to slip in to a bit of a funk. If vitamin D, light supplement, or a change in diet and exercise aren’t getting you out of your seasonal slump, rather than heading to the doctor for a prescription, perhaps you may want to consider looking at St. John’s wort. It has a long history as a natural medicine, and is the most common amongst natural anti-depressants, which is just one of its known uses.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a very common plant that often lines meadow trails and logging roads across the Island and spreads quickly, making it somewhat of an invasive species – but can we really consider such a useful plant invasive? Look out for St. John’s wort next time you’re out and about. It’s an easily recognizable plant with its small, bright golden yellow flowers covering the fine stem and pinky-sized leaves.
For use as an anti-depressant, the first step is obviously to consult a naturopath or doctor, and discuss whether St. John’s wort is a viable option for your condition. Making your own extract or tincture may not be the best way to first try using it, as the amount of active constituents varies from plant to plant, making it difficult to standardize a dose. There are many commercial varieties available through naturopaths and health food stores that are quite reliable.
The way that St. John’s wort interacts with the brain is similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, and should not be used in conjunction with any other anti-depressants. It can take two to three weeks before the effects of the treatment are realized, but the plant has proven effective in treating both minor and major depression.
Beyond using St. John’s wort as a treatment for depression, it is also useful when applied topically. Harvest the plant’s flowers and place them in a mason jar, filling it to the top, and add olive oil until the flowers are completely submerged. Place the jar in a south facing window, and allow the infusion to set for a full moon cycle, or about a month. Once strained through cheesecloth, the infusion can be stored in a bottle or jar in a cupboard, and used to effectively treat burns, cuts, bruises, psoriasis, and many other skin conditions.
Read up, and explore the many uses of St. John’s wort, and it will likely become part of your medicine cabinet or first aid kit.
Article written by Andrew S. Brown of Island Times Magazine. Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca
