| ST. JOHN'S WORT
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hypericum perforatum  NOTE This herb can sometimes cause mild stomach irritation. Hypericin can increase photosensitivity and has been recently linked with the formation of cataracts with long-term use. Farmers and ranchers in the western United States often regard St. John's Wort as a noxious weed because cattle that graze on large amounts, then stand in sunlight may develop severe sunburn. The chemical in the herb responsible for this photosensitizing effect is hypercin, a red pigment that is found almost exclusively in St. John's Wort. When swallowed, hypercin is absorbed by the body's tissues, including the skin; when skin cells are exposed to light, hypercin reacts with the light to form chemicals that are toxic to the cells. But ironically, this reaction can be fatal to cows could be lifesaving to humans. People taking illicit drugs or narcotics heroin, crack or speed should not take St. John's Wort. Such drugs could produce dangeous interactions when taken with St. John's Wort. Some of these drugs can actually contribute to depression. INTERNET SOURCES All Natural BOTANICAL Health World Online Henrietta's Herbal Herb For Depression Mental Health Netsmart BOOKS Secrets of St. John's Wort by Larry Katzenstein copywrite 1998 Product |
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