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St. John's Wort (SJW)

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Herbal Supplement Assignment Shane Paap and Marcie Wetzler DH340 – Prevention IV November 1, 2017 St. John’s Wort (SJW) History St. John’s wort has been used for medicinal purposes going back to the use among ancient Greeks. The name is derived from the St. John the Baptist and the St. John’s wort blooming around the time of his feast day. Intended Uses Over the years, it has been used for many ailments ranging from insomnia to depression as well as wound healing. Currently, the primary use of SJW is for depression; however, it is also used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and ADHD. The only use backed by research is the use for depression. All other uses were inconclusive or are not backed by research. …show more content…

Additionally, SJW can reduce the efficacy of birth control leading to unplanned pregnancies. Where to Find Supplement This supplement is available at Walmart, Fred Meyer, GNC, and Amazon.com. Evening Primrose History Evening primrose is a plant that is found primarily in North America and was used by Native Americans. The yellow flowers that bloom in the evening helped to give evening primrose its name. Intended Usages Native Americans used evening primrose for ailment such as bruises, sore throats, minor wounds, and hemorrhoids. The current uses include treatment for eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, breast pain, and menopause symptoms. There has been no research to back the use of evening primrose oil for any of these ailments. Side Effects • Stomach aches • Headaches • Diarrhea Drug Interactions Drugs that may interact with evening primrose include: • Epilepsy Medications • Warfarin (Coumadin) Contraindications of Use Evening primrose oil may increase bleeding when taken with blood thinners/anticoagulants. It may also increase the risk of some pregnancy complications. Where to Find Supplement This supplement is available at Walmart, Fred Meyer, GNC, and Amazon.com. Saw …show more content…

Its berries were used as food and medicine by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Intended Usages In the early 1900s, men used the berries for urinary tract problems, to increase sperm count, and to boost libido. Today, the main use of saw palmetto is to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP)/enlargement of the prostate gland. It is also used for a decline in sex drive, migraines, prolonged pelvic pain, as well as hair loss. Side Effects • Nausea • Dizziness • Headache •

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