Mood Health Support With St. John's Wort & Kava By Martin Avenue Pharmacy Overview & Drug Interactions

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant native to Europe and is known for its medicinal properties. St. John's wort has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is one of the most extensively used and researched natural medicines in the world, and is thought to work similarly to certain conventional antidepressants by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Kava is a tropical plant native to the Pacific Islands. The roots of the plant contain kavalactones, which are known to have sedative and relaxing effects. Kava has traditionally been used in social and cultural settings for its relaxant effects and is available as a dietary supplement to help with symptoms of anxiety and stress. It is important to note that Kava has been linked to causing liver damage and must be used cautiously, although the results of studies in this regard are mixed. Nevertheless, kava is banned in some parts of the world (e.g., the UK).

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a plant native to Asia and a member of the Araliaceae family. It is also commonly known as 'Siberian ginseng' or 'eleuthero root'. The root of the plant is used in traditional medicine for its purported ability to improve physical and mental performance, boost the immune system, and reduce fatigue. It is also claimed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Eleuthero is often referred to as an 'adaptogen'. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist stress. It is important to note that although eleuthero is known as 'Siberian ginseng', it is not related to Panax ginseng.

L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid produced within the body through the conversion of the essential amino acid, phenylalanine. It is often used as a dietary supplement to support cognitive function, enhance focus, and mitigate stress by serving as a precursor for neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Inositol is a type of carbohydrate (sugar alcohol) that is found in a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, and grains. It is also known as vitamin B8 but is not considered 'essential' as it can be synthesized in the human body. Inositol is involved in a number of important physiological processes, including the metabolism of fats, the regulation of insulin, and the transmission of nerve impulses. Inositol is a popular dietary supplement and is believed to have a number of potential health benefits. It is thought to have a role in the treatment of certain mental health conditions, is believed to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and may be helpful in the prevention or management of heart disease. In addition, inositol may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be helpful in the treatment of certain skin conditions.