The St Johns Wort Herb

Hypericum perforatum

INFORMATION:

For mild to moderate depression St Johns Wort herb is usually the first choice, since it has been better researched.

It has been found to be just as effective as SSRI antidepressant drugs like Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft while causing fewer side effects.

A typical dose of St Johns Wort herb is 300mg three times a day with meals. It can take a month or two before any benefit is noticed.

The herb St Johns Wort, when taken internally has a sedative and pain-reducing effect. Used externally, as a lotion, it is a valuable healing and anti-inflammatory remedy.

It will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins and mild burns.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The St Johns Wort plant is a perennial that grows in the woodlands across Europe, Asia, and the United States.

It blooms yellow flowers from June to September. The yellow flowers appear to have dots on the petals when held up to the light.

These dots are glands which hold little droplets of oil, when the flowers are steeped to make an infused oil or are bruised, they release a ruby-red liquid.

TARGET AILMENTS:

* irritability and anxiety triggered by menopausal changes

* mild to moderate depression

* will ease neuralgic pain, fibrositis, sciatica and rheumatic pain

* used as a lotion or oil it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins, shingles and mild burns.

PREPARATIONS:

Over the counter: St. Johns Wort herb is available over the counter in a variety of strengths, in both tincture and capsules.

Infusion Tincture:

Pour a cup of boiling water over the dried herb and leaves to infuse for 10-15 minutes.

Take 1 to 4ml of the 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of tincture three time a day.

Parts Used: Ariel Parts

Collection: The entire St Johns Wort plant is harvested for homeopathic use in the summer, when it’s beautiful yellow flowers are in full bloom.

Constituents: Glycosides including resin, volatile oil, tannin, resin and pectin.

Actions: Works as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, sedative and analgesic.

SIDE EFFECTS: None expected.

Caution:

* Consult a health professional before taking this herb if you are on any medication.

* Do not rely on the herb St Johns Wort as a treatment for severe depression.

* This herb might decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

* May cause sensitivity to sunlight.

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