Herbs - St. John's Wort - 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.