St. John's Wort as an Herb

(Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's Wort is the dried herb or flowering top of a member of the St. John's Wort family, native to Europe and naturalized in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Australia. There are many ancient superstitions regarding this herb. Its name Hyperieum is derived from the Greek and means 'over an apparition,' a reference to the belief that the herb was so obnoxious to evil spirits that a whiff of it would cause them to fly.

St. John's Wort has interested herbalists since the first-century Greek physicians Galen and Dioscorides recommended it as a diuretic, wound-healing herb, and for the treatment for menstrual disorders.

Medicinal Uses for St. John's Wort

During the Middle Ages, remarkable, even mystical properties were attributed to St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort was thought to be best if harvested on St. John's Day (June 24). In nineteenth century America, it was used by physicians for wound healing, especially for lacerations involving damaged nerves, and as a diuretic, astringent, and mild sedative. Also an aromatic, astringent, resolvent, expectorant and nervine.

One ounce of the herb should be infused in a pint of water and 1 to 2 tablespoonsful taken as a dose.

Eighteen double-blind clinical trials in humans indicate that standardized St. John's Wort preparations are safe and effective in the treatment of depression and have far fewer side effects than conventional drugs.

Externally, St. John's Wort oil is used for the treatment of wounds, abrasions, and first degree burns.

Culinary

Generally not recommended. The oil of St. John's Wort is made from the flowers infused in olive oil. This can be used in tea or in poultices for external applications.

Cautions

The use of this herb can produce photosensitivity over the long term. Individuals using it should avoid strong sunlight, especially those predisposed to sensitivity of the sun.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.