Depression is a widespread phenomenon in our time and pharmaceutical companies are producing more and more drugs to relieve the population. However, these products are not without danger to health and fortunately, natural alternatives to antidepressants are numerous and just as effective. In addition, they have the advantage of not causing any addiction, unlike traditional medication. However, it is important to understand that plants are not without risk and that contraindications exist even when taking natural remedies.

The most used and effective plant for nervous and psychic disorders is St. John's wort - Hypericum perforatum - which is becoming more and more known. Indeed, its action on depression is so effective that it is available in different forms in organic stores, pharmacies or parapharmacies. The active ingredients of this plant help to increase the level of neurotransmitters - serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, which are necessary for psychological health

Finding this alternative plant - without prescription - is easy but nevertheless it is important to know its benefits but also its harms for an optimal use.

Identity card

From the Hypericaceae family, St. John's wort is a herbaceous plant that grows in Europe, Africa, America and Asia. It is therefore easy to find and grow them. It is mainly the bright yellow flowers arranged in corymbs that are used, they can be grown all summer until early autumn.

The qualities of St. John's wort

• Antidepressant
• Action on serotonin in case of nervous or psychic disorders
• Antispasmodic
• Sedative
• Painkiller
• Antiseptic
• Arteriolar vasodilator

There are some contraindications

First of all, if you are a woman and you are on oral hormonal contraception, it is very important to know that the effectiveness of oral contraceptives is decreasing. This means that you may bleed even though you have not completed your cycle and it is quite possible that a pregnancy may occur even though you have not missed any pills in your pack. In fact, St. John's wort inhibits the effects of the contraceptive pill.
In the same spirit, be aware that taking St. John's wort decreases the effect of other medications if you are undergoing any treatment. Moreover, it is totally inadvisable - even forbidden - to take St. John's wort and MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) antidepressants at the same time, as the cocktail of the two would cause a disturbance of the blood pressure as well as a decrease of the desired effect. In the case of mixtures, you risk obtaining a very harmful fusion for the organism creating various inconveniences.

If you are taking St. John's Wort, it is recommended that you avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Indeed, this plant is photosensitizing both in external and internal use. A skin hypersensitivity that can go as far as a slight burn is possible, so be careful in the summer when the sun is out. However, the magic of plants can also act because if you suffer from a sunburn, know that St. John's wort vegetable oil is ideal to relieve and heal the skin. The magic of paradox...

Asthmatics may find that their attacks are made worse by a St. John's wort treatment, so if you suffer from asthma and would like to treat your depression, you should know that other solutions may be available to you. Many plants can support and help you.

Because some foods contain tyramine and tyramine is not recommended in combination with St. John's Wort, there are certain foods that are not recommended to be taken during treatment: beer, red wine, camembert, cold cuts, as well as chocolate and black tea.

Finally, if you are taking St. John's Wort and you have to undergo surgery, the priority is to inform the surgeon and hospital staff because there is a risk of bleeding. This is a very important piece of information to keep in mind.

The use of plants to treat ailments such as depression is the best solution to get out of it without any after-effects. So if St. John's wort is not suitable for you for one reason or another, you should know that nature offers us a whole range of other plants that are perfectly suitable: valerian, passionflower, hawthorn, lavender and lemon balm.

Do not hesitate to ask your therapist for advice. He or she will recommend the best treatment for your condition, profile and terrain.