St. John's Wort 20%, TPA alkaloid extract of Hypericum perforatum
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial plant with distinctive bright yellow flowers from the Hypericaceae family, native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa and now naturalised worldwide. It gets its common name because it typically flowers around 24 June, the feast day of John the Baptist. It is one of the most researched herbal remedies and is recognised in the European Union as a traditional herbal medicine for mild low mood and temporary mild tension.
Its main active compounds are hypericin and hyperforin. Hyperforin inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, among others, and is considered the compound most responsible for both the herb's effect and its well-documented drug interactions. St. John's wort induces the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which speeds up the breakdown of many medications and can weaken their effect; this can persist for one to two weeks after stopping.
This extract is made using the TPA method (Total Purified Alkaloids): hypericin and hyperforin are isolated from the herb through several extraction and purification steps to a concentration of 20% and then dissolved in an ethanol and water base. The result is a clear liquid extract without plant residue, wax or chlorophyll.
Dosage
Start with 5 to 10 drops (about 0.25-0.5 ml) per use, up to a few times a day, and assess your reaction before increasing the dose; due to its high purity, this extract is stronger per volume than dried St. John's wort tea. As with other St. John's wort preparations, continuous use for several weeks is usually needed for a noticeable effect.
Use
The extract can be taken sublingually (drops under the tongue) or diluted in a small amount of water; the taste is sharp due to the ethanol content, so diluting makes it more pleasant to take. Never combine St. John's wort with antidepressants such as SSRIs (due to the risk of serotonin syndrome), and always check with a doctor or pharmacist if you take other medication, including the contraceptive pill, blood thinners or heart medication, since St. John's wort can weaken their effect. The herb can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, especially at higher doses; avoid excessive sun or tanning beds after use. Do not use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are under 18.
Storage
Store the extract cool, dark and upright with the cap closed, out of reach of children. Close the cap tightly after use to prevent the ethanol from evaporating. At Dutch-Smart you will also find the alkaloid extracts of Happy Skullcap and Passionflower in the same range, two other mood-supporting and calming herbs.
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