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HYPERICUM PERFORATUM

ST. JOHN’S WORT

St. Johns wort is a bushy, flowering shrub found the world over. The leaves and flowers have long been used for their diuretic, emmenagogic, and antidepressant qualities. The ancient Greek scholar, Galen, describes the herb as the antidote to intestinal worms.

PROPERTIES

Bitter, astringent, sweet, and cooling. St. John’s wort has moisturizing, vulnerary, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory properties. It is an expectorant, a nutritive tonic, and a nervine.

Part of Plant Used The leaves and flowers.

Conditions Treated Spinal problems, skin problems, joint pain, problems associated with aging, trauma, and eczema. St. John’s wort has been indicated for stomachache, colic, congestion in the lungs, insomnia, anemia, headache, jaundice, catarrh, burns, wounds, and sores. It can be used to treat carcinoma, bedwetting, melancholy, depression, uterine cramping, and menstrual problems.

Form Taken As a massage lotion, compress, or salve; as a tea, tincture, or infusion.

Used with Other Herbs? Angelica, chamomile, rosewood, yarrow.

HOW TO USE

 St. Johns wort reduces pitta and kapha, and increases vátha. An oil extract of St. John’s wort can be used internally for stomachache, colic, or intestinal disorders. Externally, the oil will soothe wounds, burns, and treat skin cancer. Put the fresh leaves and flowers in a glass jar, and fill it with olive oil. Close the jar and leave it for six to seven weeks, shaking it often. The oil will turn red. Strain the oil through a cloth. If a watery layer appears when the oil has stood for a while, decant or siphon it off. Stored in a dark container, the oil will keep for up to two years.