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St. John’s Wort

Herbal diet pills are among the most popularly and effective on the market. Rather than getting other supplements, many who struggle with an overweight condition, usually consider herbal alternatives, and find them effective and safe. One such herbal weight-loss pill is called St. John’s wort.

History of St. John’s wort

Although its name is a bit odd, the yellow-flowering plant called St. John’s wort has a long and illustrious history. It was not always regarded as an herbal weight loss supplement. In fact, long ago, the plant’s most notable qualities were warding off evil spirits, effective when the devout would place the flower over a religious icon in their house. The “St. John” portion of the moniker comes the fact that plant flowers around the 24^th of June, the traditional day of St. John.

Uses of St. John’s wort

To most agriculturalists, St. John’s wort is simply an annoying weed. It takes over useful crops and hogs arable land, making it unusable. If eaten by cows or sheep, the weed can actually be fatal, or will at least cause nervous system problems and birth complications. However, humans have found the plant to be particularly useful for treating depression, mild mental disorders, and alcoholism. It is also an effective weight-loss supplement, though the studies and investigations regarding its effectiveness are scant and unreliable.

Side effects of St. Johns wort

Some of the chemicals in St. John’s wort interfere with tyramine—a commonly occurring amino acid. Tyramine is found in foods like cheese, aged meat, and some wines. It also has potentially serious complications when used with anti-depression medication, blood thinners, cold medicine, and birth control pills. It also heightens sensitivity to the sun.

Too little is known about the effect of St. John’s wort on weight loss to be able to make any hard-and-fast recommendations. There are risks, to be sure, but there are also potential advantages. Any use of St. John’s wort should be carefully considered and discussed with a medical professional.

Irvingia gabonensis