St. John's Wort, Flowers, Closeup
Latin Name: Hypericum perforatum
Family: Hypericaceae
Description
St. John's Wort is native to the woods of Europe and Temperate Asia. It prefers well drained to dry soil and full sun. It is commonly found on North American slopes or stone-filled grasslands at the edge of pine forests.
This herb was used by Dioscorides and other physicians of ancient Greece. Hypericum means "power over an apparition", referring to its ability to repel evil spirits and demonic possession or, in modern times, for symptoms of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety or not being oneself.
The ancient, alleged magical powers of St. John's Wort were partly due to the fluorescent red pigment, "hypercin", that oozes like blood from the crushed flowers. Today, this small perennial is the number one alternative treatment for depression and hypericin is seen as the "active ingredient". With small, bright yellow, 5 petal flowers that seem to overflow along the stems of the plant, this plant seems to radiate happiness! Hold a tiny petal up to the sky or bright light and peer at its equally tiny pin holes.
There are at least 10 pharmacologically active constituents in this herb. Researchers currently focus on hypericin and pseudohypericin. This herb has also been used in drug trials for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This herb has also used in the treatment of physical wounds, especially those involving nerve damage.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
St. John's Wort has anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, astringent, and vulnerary properties. It is useful for menopausal or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), neuralgia, rheumatism, coughs, colds, and stomach ulcers.
This nervine is also appropriate for anxiety, nervous tension, irritability, emotional upsets, and some forms of depression. St. John's Wort outsells pharmaceutical anti-depressants in Germany. It has been found to be just as effective, but without the side effects. The herb is most appropriate for mild to moderate depression.
The herb also has anti-microbial properties that prevent infection. It helps prevent scars and speeds healing when applied topically to wounds, injuries, and burns. Use externally for lacerated wounds, bruises, varicose veins, mild burns, and sunburn.
Source
Whole aerial parts, especially the flower tops. The highest hypericum levels can be found in the buds just before opening.
When growing this herb, harvest the entire aerial part of the plant and dry as quickly as possible. For the highest hypericum levels, use only the flowering tops just before opening and make a tincture.
Preparations
In general, St. John's Wort needs to be taken for an extended period of time -- 2 to 3 months -- for chronic conditions such as nervous tension and depression.
Infusion: Use 1 to 2 tsp. dried herb per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily. St. John's Wort tea tastes initially sweet, then bitter.
Infused Oil: Apply topically as needed.
Supplement: Take 300 to 500mg 2 to 3 times daily. Preparations are often standardized to 0.3% hypericin.
Tincture: Method 1: Take 20 to 80 drops, 3 times daily.
Method 2: Take 30 drops 3 times daily for 2 weeks, followed by 30 drops two times daily thereafter.
Method 3: Take 2 teaspoons 3 times daily for two weeks followed by 1 teaspoon two times daily thereafter.
For stomach ulcers, take 1 teaspoon oil twice daily on an empty stomach.
St. John's Wort may be combined with valerian to treat depression, with chamomile to treat infect wounds, and may be alternated with arnica (Arnica montana) for nerve damage -- external use only.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Do not take if pregnant or nursing.
There have be incidences of severe photosensitization in cattle and other grazing animals but there has been no evidence of photosensitization in humans except upon ingestion of prolonged, very high doses, of hypericin as in the treatment of HIV and AIDS.
There have been occasional reports of contact dermatitis in fair skin people gathering the plant in moist sunny conditions. Discontinue if you develop a rash.
Do not take in concert with anti-depressant drugs.
St. John's Wort may interfere with iron absorption. May cause increased sedation.
Ailment / Situation Listing
