Herb Database Entry - St. John's Wort (Hypericum)

HYPERICUM
(St. John's Wort)

(Guttiferae)

�� A genus of about 370 species of annuals, perennials, and deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen shrubs and sub-shrubs found mainly in temperate regions. H. perforatum is native to woods in Europe and temperate Asia. This varied group provides many fine garden plants for most settings. Hypericum may derive from the Greek hyper, "above" and eikon "picture" because the flowers were placed above religious images to keep away evil at the Northern Midsummer Festival (June 24th).

�� The ancient alleged magical properties of H. perforatum were partly due to the fluorescent red pigment, Hypericin, which oozes like blood from the crushed flowers. Hypericin is an antidepressant and has been used in drug trials for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Hypericum perforatum

(St. John's Wort)

�� St. John's Wort flowers at a time of the summer soltice; in Medieval Europe it was considered to have powerful magical properties that enabled it to repel evil. Medicinally, it was used to treat emotional and nervous complaints and was a folk remedy in the Middle Ages for insanity. In the 19th century the herb fell into disuse, but recent research has brought it back into prominence as an extremely valuable remedy for nervous problems.

�� Herbalists have long used it as a tonic for anxiety, tension, insomnia, and depression - particularly that associated with menopause.

�� The Herb is especially helpful for menopausal problems, alleviating the symptoms of hormonal change and treating decreased vitality.

�� St. John's wort is a valuable tonic for the liver and gallbladder.

�� Infused oil: The red oil is an excellent antiseptic. Externally, it is used for wounds and burns and to relieve cramp and nerve pain. Internally, the oil may be taken for peptic ulcers and gastric inflammation. Its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and healing powers work just as well within the body as externally.

�� Native to Britain and Europe, St. John's Wort now grows wild throughout much of the world. It is found in meadows, on banks, and by roadsides.

DESCRIPTION: Upright, rhizomatous perennial, woody at base, with blunt, linear-ovate leaves. Yellow, 5-petaled, gland-dotted flowers, 3/4 in. (2 cm.) across, appear in summer.

HEIGHT: 12-24 inches, SPREAD:� 6-18 inches.

PARTS USED: Aerial parts.

CONSTITUENTS: Volatile oil (carophyllene), hypericin & pseudohypericin, flavonoids.

KEY ACTIONS: Antidepressant, antispasmodic, stimulates bile flow, astringent, sedative, relieves pain, anti-viral.

PROPAGATION: By seed, or by division in autumn or spring.

SPACING: 12 inches apart.

CULTIVATION:� Well-drained to dry soil in sun or partial shade. prefers sunny positions and chalky soils.

HARVEST: Plants are cut as flowering begins and used fresh or dried in creams, infusions, liquid extracts, medicated oils, and tinctures.

PROPERTIES: A bittersweet, cooling herb that is astringent, calms the nerves, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. Locally antiseptic & analgesic.

MEDICINAL: Internally for enuresis (especially in children), anxiety, nervous tension, menopausal disturbances, premenstrual syndrome, shingles, sciatica, and fibrositis.

NOTE: Not given to patients with chronic depression.

Externally for burns, bruises, sores, injuries (especially deep or painful wounds involving nerve damage), cramps, sprains, sciatica, neuralgia, and tennis elbow. Works well with Hamamelis viginiana or Calendula officinalis for bruises.

��Used in homeopathy for pain and inflammation caused by nerve damage.

Also, plant yields a red dye, and extracts are used in cosmetics.

Warning: May be harmful if eaten, can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Restricted in some countries.

RESEARCH:

�� Depression: In a recent research study in Austria, 67% of patients with mild to moderate depression improved when given an extract of St. John's wort. This confirmed findings of earlier trials that showed the herb to be good for depression.

�� Hypericin: The red color of the oil is due to products of Hypericin. This constituent is antidepressant and so strongly anti-viral that it is being researched for use in treating HIV and AIDS.

�� Whole herb: Research shows that the whole herb is effective against many viral infections.

KEY PREPARATIONS & USES:

�� Infused oil: Dab onto minor wounds and burns.

�� Cream: For cramps or neuralgia, rub onto the affected area.

�� Tincture: For depression, take 1/2 tsp. with water 3 times a day.

�� Infusion: As a digestive tonic, drink 100 ml daily.

�� Anxiety, depression & tension, drink up to 4 cups a day of infusion.

�� Back pain, back problems that cause neuralgia, stiff joints, chronic muscle aches and cramps, take 2 tbsp. of St. John's wort infused oil, add 20 drops of Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) essential oil, 10 drops each of Rosemary and Pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil, and 1 tsp. of Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) tincture. Shake and rub into tense areas, either after a bath or having first warmed area with a hot towel.

�� Minor bites, stings & swellings, apply St. Johns wort oil.

�� Cold sores, chicken pox & shingles, take 1/2 tsp. of tincture with water 2-3 times a day, or drink up to 1 cup daily of infusion.

�� Depression & decreased vitality (due to menopause), take 1/2 tsp. of tincture with water 3 times a day.

�� Neuralgia, apply neat St. John's Wort infused oil to painful areas, or add 20 drops each of Clove (Eugenia carophyllata) and lavender (Lavandula officinalis) essential oil to 50 ml of St. John's Wort infused oil and then apply every 2-3 hours as required.

�� Stiff & aching joints, mix 2 1/2 tbsp. of infused oil with 20-40 drops of lavender essential oil and gently massage into the affected area.

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