St. John’s Wort’s Secrets make for a Happier, Healthier You
St. John’s Wort Energetics
Generally considered to be neutral and drying.
Actions
Astringent
Antiviral
Alterative
Anti-inflammatory
Nervine
Nervous trophorestorative (nourishes & supports)
Hypatic (herb for the liver)
Diuretic
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a fascinating herb with a long history of use, dating back to ancient Greece.
Traditionally, it was even believed to ward off evil spirits and lightening!
Today, it’s known for its potential to improve mood and combat depression. But St. John’s Wort offers a surprising range of benefits beyond mental health. Let’s look at this remarkable herb.
Mood & Depression
If it’s beautiful yellow sunny disposition isn’t enough to make you smile, then you should know St. John’s Wort has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in managing mild to moderate depression.
Some research suggests it may be as effective as certain prescription antidepressants, with potentially fewer side effects. But, it’s important to note that it’s not a quick fix. It’s been shown to be most effective with consistent daily use over weeks and months.
These mood-boosting properties can be particularly helpful for those struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that worsens during the winter months.
An herbalist by the name of Christophe Bernard uses St. John’s Wort to help elderly folks who have lost their zest for life and have a dark view of life in general.
An Affinity for the Nervous System
St. John’s Wort has it’s affinity for and is a trophorestorative for the nervous system. That means with consistent use it can help nourish and support your nervous system.
This can also mean it can help relieve nerve pain. The King’s American Dispensatory (published in 1898) reported it’s use specifically for spinal injuries, among other things.
Because of this affinity as well as it’s antiviral properties, it’s effective in helping to relieve conditions brought on by the herpes virus, as the herpes virus lives in the nerve cells. This can include helping to relieve cold sores when used at the first sign of them coming on.
And it’s commonly used internally and externally to shorten the duration and help with the pain brought on by shingles.
Wounds and Skin Health
Several of St. John’s Wort’s actions work in this area.
As a vulnerary it can help heal the skin. And as an anti-inflammatory it can help with pain relief from wounds, bruises and contusions and plain old sore muscles.
Some folks have even utilized St. John’s Wort to protect their skin from sun damage.
Herbalist Rosalee de la Foret has shared cases where regular use of infused St. John’s Wort oil on areas with pre-cancerous skin cells led to noticeable improvements. While this showcases the herb’s effectiveness, it’s crucial to get medical care for any skin concerns of this nature.
Photosensitivity
While this herb is highly beneficial, it’s worth mentioning that in some regions, it is considered a noxious weed because of its potential to cause photosensitivity in cattle when consumed in large quantities.
Individuals with fair skin may also experience some photosensitivity issues in certain cases.
However as noted above, some folks use this same plant to protect their skin from the sun.
It’s been shown that these protective properties work best when used as a whole plant rather than as a supplement of specific constituents pulled from the plant.
As in most cases in nature, the whole works better together, than the individual parts.
Liver Support
Interestingly, St. John’s Wort can enhance liver metabolism, which is beneficial for individuals with stagnant or sluggish liver function.
But, this accelerated metabolism can lead to the rapid breakdown of pharmaceuticals in the body, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Here is a list of some of the drugs that can be affected by St. John’s wort. Please note this list is not all inclusive of all the pharmaceutical drugs that may be effected by the use of St. John’s Wort.
What’s In A Name
Hypericum Perforatum is a name that describes this plant well.
One way to know you are looking at St. Johns Wort is to look at the leaves. The leaves are covered in tiny little holes, like they are perforated. It’s one of the full proof ways to know this plant.
Another way to know your looking at St. John’s Wort is to squeeze the flowers or buds. While these beautiful bright yellow flowers resemble the sun, they exude a blood red juice when you squeeze them.
Now tell me there’s no magick in nature.
How do you use St. John’s Wort
In most cases it’s made into a tea, a tincture or an infused oil.
As a tea you can drink it or use it as a soak or add it to a relaxing bath.
As a tincture you can take it in a drop dose or add a teaspoon or so to a few ounces of water to create a spray. Make this in small batches and refrigerate. You’ll want to toss it after about a week.
Or you can create an infused oil, like the beautiful oil you see here. I like to put this oil in a roller ball so I can apply it directly where I need it. Or you can use this oil to create a wonderful soothing salve for sore muscles.
Precautions for using St. John’s Wort
As I mentioned above St. John’s Wort can metabolize pharmaceutical drugs faster than they have a chance to work. Always check with someone who has knowledge of both before taking St. John’s Wort if you are already taking a pharmaceutical drug of any kind.
Some people have had issues with photosensitivity with its use. Folks with fair or sensitive skin should be especially cautious of this.
St. John’s Wort begins to bloom around the Summer Solstice. So keep an eye out in the ditches near your or maybe in the pastures around you for this bright yellow beauty.
Enjoy what she has to offer, but leave some so it can return for you next year.
Will you be making an infused oil, a salve, tincture or tea using St. John’s Wort? Have you already tried it? If so, I hope you’ll share your experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
