ST. JOHN’S WORT

St John's Wort

Botanical Name

Hypericum perforatum

Common Name

St. John’s wort, amber, touch-and-heal, goatweed, hypericum, johnswort, Klamath weed, rosin rose, St. John’s grass, tipton weed

Family

Hypericaceae

Parts Used

Flowers, leaves

Native To

Hypercium perforatum is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East

Harvesting Guidelines

When harvesting St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), it is best to collect the flowers just as they begin to bloom, typically during the peak of the summer months. This is when the plant contains the highest concentrations of active compounds, such as hypericin and hyperforin, which contribute to its medicinal properties. It is important to harvest the flowers carefully, as over-harvesting can damage the plant population. Always leave enough plants in the wild to ensure the sustainability of the species. If you are cultivating St. John’s Wort in your garden, ensure you are growing it in a location with full sunlight, as the plant thrives under these conditions.

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St. John’s Wort, known scientifically as Hypericum perforatum, has a rich history of medicinal use, spanning across Europe, Asia, and North America. It has been utilized for centuries in treating a wide array of ailments, particularly those related to mental health, such as depression and anxiety. The name "St. John’s Wort" is believed to come from its traditional flowering time around the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24th, a celebration of the summer solstice.

In European folklore, St. John’s Wort was associated with protection against evil spirits and was often hung in homes to ward off negative energies. Its vibrant yellow flowers were believed to have the power to heal the body and spirit.

St. John’s Wort has been utilized by Indigenous peoples of North America and by ancient cultures in Europe for its healing properties. In Native American herbal traditions, it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, burns, and sores. The plant was also applied as a poultice for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.

Modern Uses of St. John’s Wort

In contemporary herbalism, St. John’s Wort is perhaps most well-known for its role in treating mild to moderate depression. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of depression, particularly in cases of mild to moderate depression, making it one of the most widely used natural remedies for this condition. The active compounds in St. John’s Wort, especially hypericin, are believed to increase the availability of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, all of which play key roles in mood regulation.

In addition to its use in treating depression, St. John’s Wort is also commonly used for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound-healing properties. It has been used topically to treat minor burns, cuts, and abrasions, often in the form of oil infusions.

Modern Studies Supporting Indigenous Uses

1. Antidepressant Properties St. John’s Wort has a well-established role in treating mild to moderate depression. The active compounds, particularly hypericin and hyperforin, are believed to influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, much like conventional antidepressants, but with fewer side effects. Research shows it can be as effective as pharmaceutical options for certain types of depression.

   • Study Example: A study published in The Lancet (2008) found that St. John’s Wort was effective in treating mild to moderate depression and had similar efficacy to standard antidepressant medications without the same level of side effects. Study Link

     
     

2. Wound Healing and Pain Relief St. John's Wort has been found to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. In folk medicine, it was used in poultices to treat burns, cuts, and bruises. Modern scientific studies support this, indicating that SJW’s ability to heal wounds and alleviate pain may be linked to its bioactive compounds, such as hypericin and flavonoids.

   • Study Example: A study published in Phytomedicine (2007) explored the wound-healing properties of St. John's Wort, particularly its potential to promote skin regeneration. Study Link

     
     

3. Nervous System Support In traditional use, St. John’s Wort was frequently employed to treat anxiety, nervous tension, and stress. Modern studies confirm these uses, suggesting that the plant’s nervine properties can help calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

   • Study Example: A randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2001) found that St. John's Wort was effective in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Study Link

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Safety Considerations and Dosage

While St. John’s Wort is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using St. John’s Wort, especially if you are already taking prescription medications.

St. John’s Wort is most commonly used in the form of capsules, tablets, tea, or oil. Here are typical dosages:

• Standardized Extract: 300-600 mg of standardized St. John’s Wort extract, taken 1-3 times per day, for mild to moderate depression.

• Tea: 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 8 oz of hot water, steeped for 10-15 minutes, up to three times per day.

• Oil Infusion: The oil can be applied topically to wounds, burns, or areas of inflammation.

Actions: Analgesic,Antiinflammatory,Antidepressant,Antimicrobial,Antiseptic,Antiviral,Astringent,Diuretic,Nervine,Vulnerary

Energy

Drying, Neutral to warming

References

1. Müller, W. E. (2004). Hypericum perforatum in the treatment of depression. Pharmacopsychiatry, 37(5), 184-192.

2. Linde, K., et al. (2008). St. John’s Wort for major depression—systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 108(1-2), 3-12.

3. Kasper, S., et al. (2006). Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum perforatum extract in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 16(6), 431-438.

4. Schneider, B., et al. (2008). Antiviral activity of Hypericum perforatum extracts. Phytomedicine, 15(4), 294-298.

5. Wölfle, U., et al. (2014). Pharmacological properties of St. John’s Wort: An update of the current research. Phytotherapy Research, 28(1), 13-24.

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