St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum  Family: Guttiferae

 

Overview

St. John’s Wort is a bright, sun-loving herb known for lifting the spirit and calming the nerves. Traditionally used to ease anxiety, mild depression, and seasonal affective disorder, it supports emotional clarity and inner light during times of heaviness. Its golden flowers, rich in hypericin and flavonoids, also soothe nerve pain and speed the healing of bruises, burns, and injuries when applied topically. With cooling, astringent, and mildly sedative properties, St. John’s Wort is both a balm for the soul and a comfort to the body. Whether sipped as tea, taken as a tincture, or used in salve form, it offers warmth, resilience, and gentle restoration.

Traditional Uses:

• Anxiety, stress
• Mild depression
• Nerve damage
• Seasonal affect disorder
• Bruises, sprains, burns, injuries when applied topically

Caution:

May cause photosensitivity in some people. If a rash or skin irritation develops, discontinue use. If on prescription medication, particularly antidepressant medication, check with your health care provider before using. Avoid during pregnancy.

Applications:

1-2 tsp herb infused 1 Cup boiling water or 1oz dried herb for 1 pint of water, can take up to 3 times daily; 15-30 drops tincture, can take up to 3 times daily; infuse flowers in oil for use topically or made into a salve

Parts Used:

Flower and leaf

Habitat & Growing Conditions:

Native to Europe, western Asia and north Africa it is now grown worldwide, US zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade in moist, well drained soil

Traditional Chinese Medicine Flavors:

Cool, bitter

Properties:

• Sedative
• Antiinflammatory
• Astringent
• Antidepressant

Key Constituents:

• Hypericin
• Hyperforin
• Pseudohypercitin
• Procyanidins
• Tannins
• Flavonoids

Try the following products that include this soothing herb: 

• Mood Lifting Tonic
• Heavenly Relaxation Herbal Tea Blend

Sources:

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra p197

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar p197

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. If you are under the care of a health care provider and/or taking prescription medication, check with your health care provider before taking any herbal supplement.