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Herbs > St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)
Also known as Hypericum, Amber and Klamath weed, St. John’s Wort has gained
significant attention in recent times, due largely to
its antidepressant quality. However, it has a long
history of usage, both as a healing herb and as a
magical herb with protection qualities. The yellow
flowers produce a red liquid when crushed, which was
said to represent the blood of St. John the Baptist,
who was beheaded. The association probably came about
because the plant flowers at midsummer, 24 June in
the Northern Hemisphere, which is the feast day of
St. John. In medieval times, it was said that putting
St. John’s Wort under one’s pillows on
Midsummer’s Eve would ensure that the sleeper
would not die during the following year. Burning it
in the fireplace is said to protect one’s home
against lightning and severe storms.
Healing uses:
St. John’s Wort is most recognised for
its antidepressant qualities. It works by increasing
the amount of serotonin in the brain, the chemical
which is responsible for transmitting emotions. A
lack of serotonin is the direct cause of chemical
depression. It has few of the side effects associated
with pharmaceutical medications for depression, and
is considered a safer, more organic treatment. It is
an extremely effective mood enhancer in cases of mild
depression and is effective for pre-menstrual
mood-swings. However it is less effective for more
severe depression or depression associated with other
psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. In
cases of mild depression, take 2 capsules of St.
John’s Wort extract (widely available from
health shops and pharmacies) twice daily. Maximum
benefit will be obtained by continuing this dosage
for at least 2 months. A health professional should
be consulted in cases of more severe depression.
St. John’s Wort has also
been shown to increase theta waves in the brain
during waking hours. This phenomenon usually occurs
only during deep sleep, times of creative activity
and moments of euphoria. As a result of increased
theta wave activity, individuals will find themselves
more focused with clearer thoughts and improved brain
power. Capsules of St. John’s Wort extract can
be taken for a more sustained effect. For a short
boost, St. John’s Wort tea, which is available
in supermarkets, is very effective. This can be an
excellent pick-me-up during a busy work day, or prior
to sitting an exam.
While the mood-enhancing
qualities of St. John’s Wort have taken centre
stage in recent times, the herb has other equally
useful healing functions. Steeping the flowers in
olive oil for several weeks produces a red oil which
has pain-relieving and antiseptic qualities. It is
useful for all types of wounds, as well as bruises,
burns and blisters. It is said that knights used this
oil for their battle wounds during the Crusades. For
a more immediate application when no oil is
available, juice can be squeezed from the leaves and
flowers and applied directly to the area.
St. John’s Wort is also
effective for pain associated with rheumatism and
arthritis. It is best applied as a poultice for these
conditions. Place enough fresh leaves and flowers to
cover the affected area into a pot and cover with
water. Simmer for 2 minutes, the squeeze excess
liquid from the herb. Wrap the herb in gauze and
apply to the area, then cover with plastic wrap,
which will help retain the heat. Leave in place for 2
hours, then apply a fresh poultice, if necessary.
This poultice is also effective for muscular aches
and pains.
St. John’s wort, in
combination with horsetail, can help children
overcome the problem of bedwetting. Give them a small
cup of the tea, made with 1/2 teaspoon of the each of
the dried herbs to 1 cups of boiling water, several
hours before bed.
Cautions:
St. John’s Wort can cause an over-sensitivity to
light in some individuals.
It should not be taken in combination with any
prescription medication for depression or psychiatric
disorders.
Some doctors report there is some evidence that St. John's wort may
interact with estrogens and oral contraceptives and that the
combination may be associated with intermenstrual bleeding, and
there have been unsubstantiated reports of women becoming pregnant
while taking St. John's wort while on oral contraceptives.
Other uses:
Because St. John’s Wort increases the serotonin
supply to the brain, it can be extremely useful to
alleviate the come-down after taking drugs such as
ecstasy which rapidly deplete serotonin levels.
Growing St. John’s
Wort:
This herb grows wild in Britain, North
Africa, Europe, Western Asia, Australia and in parts
of America. In America and Australia, it is
considered a weed because. Given the right
conditions, it will grow quickly and prolifically
from seed. The conditions it prefers are light, dry,
non-alkaline soils with sun or partial shade. The
leaves and flowers are gathered in mid-Summer, and
allowed to dry in a paper bag hung in an area free
from any moisture. They are sufficiently dried when
they crumble easily between the fingers. The dried
herb should then be stored in an airtight container.
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