In a world full of medicine being prescribed to people, there is an element of potential negative impact to the overall makeup of the body's biological structure. Drugs seem to be the end of all, all for our desire to rid ourselves of the many problems we face and have. Our body is naturally self-healing and often the science behind the drugs we take alters the chemical structure.
One of the drugs that have become more prevalent in society is St. John's Wort. Used to treat depression and a variety of sleep disorders, this yellow flower carries within its chemical compounds capacity to alter the brain's functioning and overall biology. "St. John's Wort: Good for the Mind and Heart," by Peter Bongiorno, discusses the positives of St. John's Wort, which has become popular over the last few years. The article discusses how St. John's Wort changes and how the liver processes other medications that are taken in combination with the herbal drug. Bongiorno discusses how St. John's Wort may be "gaining ground in the field of cardiology," (Bongiorno, 2011).
Hypericum perforatum, commonly called St. John's Wort is sold in the form of tablets and liquids. As with all drugs, liquids are absorbed into the bloodstream at a faster rate because with tablets, the digestive system must break them down first. St. John's Wort works primarily "preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing the chemical messenger serotonin, or by reducing levels of a protein involved in the body's immune system functioning" (St. John's Wort and Depression"). "This is what has led to the drug becoming taboo", says Bongiorno. Doctors are hesitant to use the drug for its altering effects on the overall functions of the body and how the body processes the over the counter medications a patient may be taking.
[...] From the viewpoint of educating the public on the fact that St. John's Wort isn't as taboo as it has been presented, Bongiorno seems to show his knowledge here. As with all drugs and supplements, when used properly they have beneficial effects. The biological aspects of St. John's Wort effects on the bodily function are varying. Considering it has been said that each and every person's body chemistry is different, one person may be affected differently from St. John's Wort than another. [...]
[...] Given the fact that there are so many prescription medicines that treat acute and chronic cases of depression, St. John's Wort, has come under criticism of doctors for their documented biological side effects, which is why Bongiorno speaks of how the natural drug is not “necessarily a bad thing to be feared.” (Bongiorno, 2011). Considering the basic issues that arise out of life, it is not uncommon for people to seek out medicinal options to cut down on stress and feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. [...]
[...] John's wort a first line therapy for cardiac patients.” (Bongiorno, 2011) The article continues to cite two studies where research was performed to assess the validity of such claims. It was found in one study that St. John's Wort increased the body's “anti platelet effect by (Bongiorno, 2011) The article is presented in Psychology Today and while informative, it feels to be lacking something. It is a quick overview of St. John's Wort and its on the mind and heart that by the time it is finished, the reader is left with a feeling that something is missing. [...]
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