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St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Hypericaceae
  • Common Names: St. John’s Wort, Goatweed
  • Parts Used: Aerial parts (flowers, leaves)

Description

St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb native to Europe, now naturalized in many parts of the world. It is characterized by its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that contain small black oil glands. The plant has been traditionally used for its mood-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in traditional European herbal medicine to treat wounds, burns, and nerve pain.
  • Employed as a remedy for melancholy and mood disorders.
  • Traditionally gathered on St. John’s Day (June 24) for its magical and protective properties.

Constituents

  • Hypericin (naphthodianthrone)
  • Hyperforin
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Essential oils

Actions

  • Antidepressant
  • Nervine (calms the nervous system)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antimicrobial
  • Vulnerary (wound-healing)

Medicinal Uses

1. Mood and Mental Health:
St. John’s Wort is well-known for treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels.

2. Nervous System Support:
Its nervine properties help reduce nervous tension, irritability, and insomnia, promoting overall calmness.

3. Wound Healing:
Traditionally applied to cuts, burns, and wounds to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

4. Nerve Pain Relief:
St. John’s Wort is used topically to alleviate neuralgia, sciatica, and other forms of nerve-related pain.

5. Antimicrobial Effects:
It helps prevent infections in wounds and has been used to treat bacterial and viral infections.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried aerial parts per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink 1-2 times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml of St. John’s Wort tincture, taken 2-3 times daily.

Capsules:

  • 300-600 mg of standardized extract per dose, taken 1-2 times daily.

Topical Use:

  • St. John’s Wort-infused oil can be applied to wounds, burns, or areas of nerve pain.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Photosensitivity: May increase sensitivity to sunlight; avoid prolonged sun exposure.
  • Medication Interactions: Can interact with antidepressants, birth control, and blood thinners. Consult a healthcare professional if taking medications.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution and consult a healthcare provider.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic: Warming and uplifting, St. John’s Wort helps balance vata and kapha, while potentially aggravating pitta in excess.
  • Traditional European Medicine: Used to protect against negative energies, promote healing, and uplift the spirit.

Combinations

  • For Depression and Anxiety: Combine with lemon balm and passionflower.
  • For Nerve Pain: Combine with skullcap and valerian.
  • For Wound Healing: Combine with calendula and comfrey.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Aerial parts are harvested during peak flowering in late summer.
  • Drying: Dry the herb in a warm, well-ventilated area to preserve its active compounds.
  • Storage: Store dried herbs or extracts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Modern Research

Studies have validated St. John’s Wort’s effectiveness in treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Research is ongoing into its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

St. John’s Wort remains a versatile and trusted herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, valued for its mood-enhancing, pain-relieving, and wound-healing properties.