St. John's Wort is a natural herb that comes from a yellow-flowered plant with the Latin name Hypericum Perforatum. Perforatum means "perforated" and wort means "plant". It has been used for centuries in the treatment of wounds, kidney and lung ailments, bed wetting in children, anxiety and depression. It has also been used for treatment of infectious diseases such as colds, syphilis, tuberculosis, dysentery, whooping cough, mania, hypochondria, fatigue, hysteria and insomnia.

In centuries past and recent years St. John's Wort has been used as an antidepressant alternative for mild to moderate depression.

Recently St. John's Wort has received a great deal of attention in the treatment for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), the virus that can cause AIDS.

Depression is a world wide epidemic. In Germany, St. John's Wort is the leading treatment for mild to moderate depression and it is fast coming to the United States.

A compelling study of 3,250 patients found that approximately 80% of the patients suffering from mild to moderate depression experienced feeling better or were completely relieved of depression after four weeks.

In a study published in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 1988, researchers have reported the discovery of two substances in St. John's Wort, hypericin and pseudohypericin, that displayed anti-viral activity against some retroviruses. Retroviruses include the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV).

Recent medical studies confirm the safety of St. John's Wort. In Germany, sixty six million daily doses of Hypericum were taken in 1994. There were no reports of serious drug interactions or even toxicity after acidental overdose. Hypericum does not have a single recorded human death in 2,400 years of known medicinal use.

The main components are hypericin and pseudohypericin. Other possible active ingredients are plymerization products of hypericin, the flavonoids quercetin, hyperoside, isoquercitin, rutin, campherol, luteolin and biopigenin.

L-TYROSINE
L-Tyrosine functions as a building block of all proteins.

KAVA KAVA (PIPER METHYSTICUM)
This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific. Explorer Captain James Cook, who gave this plant the botanical name of "intoxicating pepper", first discovered kava kava. Kava has been used for over 3,000 years for its medicinal effects as a sedative, muscle relaxant, diuretic, and as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia.

In Germany, Kava Kava is used as a non-prescription drug to reduce anxiety. Kava was first mentioned in scientific records in 1886, and it is gaining popularity in the US for its relaxing effects.

Kava is effective as a pain reliever and can be used instead of aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Recent clinical studies have shown that the herb kava is a safe, non-addictive, anti-anxiety medicine, and as effective as prescription anxiety agents containing benzodiazepines, such as valium. While benzodiazepines tend to promote lethargy and mental impairment, kava has been clinically demonstrated as a means of achieving a state of relaxation without the adverse side effects. Common Use:

Kava root is primarily used as a natural sedative and sleep enhancement. Herbalists have traditionally used it as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia. Kava kava is an effective relaxant that can help relieve cramping due to spasms.

KAVA KAVA ROOT
Kava Kava root is excellent for insomnia and nervousness, as it will invoke sleep and relax the nervous system. It is used for pain associated with nerve or skin diseases. It relieves stress after injuries. The plant works by first stimulating the nervous system, and then depresses it. It is also a urinary antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, thus useful for cytitis and prostatitis. May be used in the treatment of rheumatism and gout. Externally used in liniments as an analgesic.

VITAMIN B6 (AS PYRIDOXINE HCI)

What this vitamin does:

• Acts as a co-enzyme for metabolic functions affecting protein, carbohydrates and fat utilization.
• Promotes conversion of tryptophan to niacin or serotonin.

• Participates actively in many chemical reactions of proteins and amino acids.
• Helps normal function of the brain.
• Promotes normal red blood cell formation.
• Maintains chemical balance among body fluids.
• Regulates excretion of water.
• Helps in energy production and resistance to stress.
• Acts as co-enzyme in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
• Treats some forms of anemia.
• Treats cycloserine and Isoniazid poisoning.

1 CAPSULE CONTAINS:

Vitamin B6 ................................................. 10 mg
(as pyridoxine HCI)
St. John's Wort extract ............................. 300 mg
(0.14% hypericin)
L-Tyrosine ................................................. 50 mg
Kava kava extract ...................................... 50 mg
(30% kavalactones)

St. John's wort is a promising treatment for depression ... Hypericum extracts were significantly superior to placebo and similarly effective as standard antidepressants ... The herb may offer an advantage, however, in terms of relative safety and tolerability, which might improve patient compliance.
British Medical Journal
August 3, 1996

Move over, Prozac, German and American researchers report the herb known as St John's wort may be effective in treating depression.
TIME
August 12, 1996

St. John's Kava Recommended Use:
Take 1 Capsule daily as a Dietary Supplement.