Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily for mood-related symptoms. However, its contemporary use as a support for "emotional sensitivity" is grounded in scientific evidence, particularly in the management of mild to moderate depression, which often includes symptoms such as mood swings, heightened emotional responses, and increased sensitivity to stressors. Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews have demonstrated that standardized extracts of St. John’s Wort are more effective than placebo and similarly effective to standard antidepressants for mild to moderate depressive disorders, with fewer side effects. For example, a 2017 Cochrane review analyzed 29 trials with over 5,000 participants and found statistically significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to placebo.

While "emotional sensitivity" is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, it is often a component of depression and anxiety, conditions for which St. John's Wort has shown benefit. The main active constituents, hypericin and hyperforin, are believed to modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play key roles in regulating mood and emotional responses. However, St. John's Wort can interact with many medications and is not recommended for severe depression or bipolar disorder.

In summary, the use of St. John's Wort for emotional sensitivity is justified by scientific evidence primarily within the context of its antidepressant effects, with a robust body of research supporting its efficacy for related symptoms.

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