St John's Wort - The Microcosmic Sun
St. John's wort is specific for injuries to the spinal cord and nerves, including nerve injuries to fingers and toes. It is to be considered with all chronic pain in conjunction with nervous exhaustion or pain with a sharp shooting characteristic. It is indicated for depression due to feelings of isolation, lack of community and a sense of being disconnected from the rest of the world. St. John's wort facilitates the body receiving sunlight. (Sharol Tilgner, N.D)
Stumbling upon a field of wildly growing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is like discovering a ray of Earth-bound sunshine. Profuse bright, happy yellow flowers hint at this plant’s well-known use for soothing those suffering from depression. Yet, those cheery flowers hold many more herbal actions and uses within than most of us are familiar with! The traditional uses and benefits of St. John’s are numerous – this plant really is not just for depression! In fact St. John’s wort is known among herbalists as a wonderful herb for supporting and soothing the body in numerous ways!
The five-petaled flowers are a lovely, vivid yellow that when crushed release a reddish purple oil. And when fresh St. John’s wort is made into an infused oil or tincture, the menstruum turns a beautiful red color. Another interesting feature of this plant is its leaves. When held up to the light of the sun, little dots of light shine through the leaves giving the appearance of tiny holes, hence the species name “perforatum.” (Angela Justis, The Herbal Academy)
The five-petaled flowers are a lovely, vivid yellow that when crushed release a reddish purple oil. And when fresh St. John’s wort is made into an infused oil or tincture, the menstruum turns a beautiful red color. Another interesting feature of this plant is its leaves. When held up to the light of the sun, little dots of light shine through the leaves giving the appearance of tiny holes, hence the species name “perforatum.” (Angela Justis, The Herbal Academy)
Benefits & Uses
This amazing plant is a nervine with a scope beyond depression and was traditionally used as a plant for the nervous system long before recent research has explored its use for depression. St. John’s wort was used as a nervous system tropho-restorative - acting as a tonic to deeply balance and nourish the nervous system and restoring health (LaLuzerne, 2013).
This beautiful herb brings light to many issues of the nervous system and is used by herbalists to help ease anxiety, tension, neuralgias, seasonal affective disorder, and indeed, mild to moderate depression. Beyond emotional support, St. John’s wort is also used to help relieve physical tension and pain.
Pain Reliever
“When injuries to the nerves are involved, [St. John’s wort] is often among the most beneficial and broadly acting herbs available. It is appropriate for conditions ranging from sciatica to atrophy of nervous tissue, and also often relieves the pain of sore muscles” (McDonald, n.d., para. 26).
Many herbalist turn to St. John’s wort to help sooth and ease pain. Herbalist Mary Bove explains that “St. John’s wort is known for helping to diminish pain” both externally or internally (LaLuzerne, 2013). Specifically indicated for trauma and damage to the nervous system whether through injury or viral infection, St. John’s wort is the herbalist's go-to for painful issues such as neuralgias, sciatica, Bell’s palsy, head and spine trauma, pinched nerves; after surgical and dental work, as well as injuries to any area that is rich in nerve endings (Winston, 2007; LaLuzerne, 2013; McIntyre, 1996).
St. John Wort’s ability to help soothe nerves combined with its antiviral actions make this plant a wonderful ally for anyone dealing with the pain of shingles as well as herpes infections. In fact, herbalist Susun Weed explains that she finds St. John’s wort to be “one of the most effective antiviral plants I have ever worked with but especially focuses on the nerves,” therefore being particularly helpful when there is a “virus in the nerves” (LaLuzerne, 2013).
As an antispasmodic, St. John’s wort helps to relax muscles spasms including spasms in the lungs, colon, and reproductive tract. This helps to soothe the pain of digestive spasms and menstrual cramps as well as to ease spasmodic coughing. Also, St. John’s wort is wonderful to turn to when muscles are sore from over-exertion easing shoulder, neck, and back pain (LaLuzerne, 2013).
Soothing Topical Uses
St. John’s wort’s ability to soothe the nerves is beloved among herbalists who enjoy using the fresh plant oil topically to ease nerve pain. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar explains that this beautiful herb is “primarily valued as treatment for damage to the nerve endings” (Gladstar, 2001, p. 360).
Michael Moore explains that St. John’s wort benefits the skin in wound repair “as it stimulates granulation and capillary regeneration, as well as having substantial antibacterial effects” (Moore, 1993, p. 155). The fresh oil is used by herbalists as a vulnerary and anti-inflammatory that helps to hasten healing and soothe the pain of burns, cuts, wounds, insect bites, and even varicosities such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins as well as bruises, strains, and muscle pain (McIntyre, 1996; Winston, 2007). It is also wonderful as an antiviral and analgesic for ear drops. (LaLuzerne, 2013).
Strengthens the Seat of Personal Power
Herbalist Matthew Wood explains that St. John’s wort has “a particularly affinity for the solar plexus and the nerves of digestion” and it “strengthens the action of the solar plexus” (Wood, 1997, p. 313). And indeed we find that St. John’s wort benefits and supports the organs that correspond to the solar plexus and third chakra organs such as the liver and gallbladder, digestive tract, and kidneys. This propensity “will help improve the overall condition of the whole body as it works to tone the vital organs” (Adelmann, n.d., para. 13).
Here traditional use brings us insight yet again! Herbalists used to look to St. John’s wort to support the liver as a both a tonic and a cholagogue helping to stimulate bile flow aiding in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients (Bergner, 2001). Furthermore, the astringency and antimicrobial properties from St. John’s wort also aid in re-balancing the digestive tract during gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and dysentery (McIntyre, 1996).
This amazing plant also exhibits a diuretic action that helps to promote waste and fluid removal while at the same time exhibiting a tonic effect on the urinary system easing incontinence and even helping with bedwetting in children (McIntyre, 1996).
Supports the Immune & Respiratory Systems
You may be surprised to find that the benefits of St. John’s wort even extend to the immune and respiratory systems. As an antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory, St. John’s wort is wonderful for soothing discomfort during illness and helping to fight infection (McIntyre, 1996). Think of St. John’s wort when faced with illnesses that are caused by viruses such as the common cold and the flu!
A Women’s Ally
St. John’s wort can be a useful herb during menopausal transition to help soothe emotional upheaval (McIntyre, 1996). In fact it is “considered especially appropriate for use when menopausal changes trigger irritability and anxiety” (Hoffmann, 2003).
While this lovely plant can be useful for women transitioning later in life, it is also helpful when we, as women, are in the thick of things. St. John’s wort’s pain relieving properties along with its ability to help relax the nervous system make it useful during bouts of PMS and painful menstruation (McIntyre, 1996). Midwife and herbalist Ruth Trickey explains that St. John’s wort is “indicated in conditions where exhaustion and tension combine—a common finding in women who present with hormonal problems” (Trickey, 1998, p. 360).
(https://theherbalacademy.com/st-johns-wort-not-just-depression/)
This beautiful herb brings light to many issues of the nervous system and is used by herbalists to help ease anxiety, tension, neuralgias, seasonal affective disorder, and indeed, mild to moderate depression. Beyond emotional support, St. John’s wort is also used to help relieve physical tension and pain.
Pain Reliever
“When injuries to the nerves are involved, [St. John’s wort] is often among the most beneficial and broadly acting herbs available. It is appropriate for conditions ranging from sciatica to atrophy of nervous tissue, and also often relieves the pain of sore muscles” (McDonald, n.d., para. 26).
Many herbalist turn to St. John’s wort to help sooth and ease pain. Herbalist Mary Bove explains that “St. John’s wort is known for helping to diminish pain” both externally or internally (LaLuzerne, 2013). Specifically indicated for trauma and damage to the nervous system whether through injury or viral infection, St. John’s wort is the herbalist's go-to for painful issues such as neuralgias, sciatica, Bell’s palsy, head and spine trauma, pinched nerves; after surgical and dental work, as well as injuries to any area that is rich in nerve endings (Winston, 2007; LaLuzerne, 2013; McIntyre, 1996).
St. John Wort’s ability to help soothe nerves combined with its antiviral actions make this plant a wonderful ally for anyone dealing with the pain of shingles as well as herpes infections. In fact, herbalist Susun Weed explains that she finds St. John’s wort to be “one of the most effective antiviral plants I have ever worked with but especially focuses on the nerves,” therefore being particularly helpful when there is a “virus in the nerves” (LaLuzerne, 2013).
As an antispasmodic, St. John’s wort helps to relax muscles spasms including spasms in the lungs, colon, and reproductive tract. This helps to soothe the pain of digestive spasms and menstrual cramps as well as to ease spasmodic coughing. Also, St. John’s wort is wonderful to turn to when muscles are sore from over-exertion easing shoulder, neck, and back pain (LaLuzerne, 2013).
Soothing Topical Uses
St. John’s wort’s ability to soothe the nerves is beloved among herbalists who enjoy using the fresh plant oil topically to ease nerve pain. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar explains that this beautiful herb is “primarily valued as treatment for damage to the nerve endings” (Gladstar, 2001, p. 360).
Michael Moore explains that St. John’s wort benefits the skin in wound repair “as it stimulates granulation and capillary regeneration, as well as having substantial antibacterial effects” (Moore, 1993, p. 155). The fresh oil is used by herbalists as a vulnerary and anti-inflammatory that helps to hasten healing and soothe the pain of burns, cuts, wounds, insect bites, and even varicosities such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins as well as bruises, strains, and muscle pain (McIntyre, 1996; Winston, 2007). It is also wonderful as an antiviral and analgesic for ear drops. (LaLuzerne, 2013).
Strengthens the Seat of Personal Power
Herbalist Matthew Wood explains that St. John’s wort has “a particularly affinity for the solar plexus and the nerves of digestion” and it “strengthens the action of the solar plexus” (Wood, 1997, p. 313). And indeed we find that St. John’s wort benefits and supports the organs that correspond to the solar plexus and third chakra organs such as the liver and gallbladder, digestive tract, and kidneys. This propensity “will help improve the overall condition of the whole body as it works to tone the vital organs” (Adelmann, n.d., para. 13).
Here traditional use brings us insight yet again! Herbalists used to look to St. John’s wort to support the liver as a both a tonic and a cholagogue helping to stimulate bile flow aiding in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients (Bergner, 2001). Furthermore, the astringency and antimicrobial properties from St. John’s wort also aid in re-balancing the digestive tract during gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and dysentery (McIntyre, 1996).
This amazing plant also exhibits a diuretic action that helps to promote waste and fluid removal while at the same time exhibiting a tonic effect on the urinary system easing incontinence and even helping with bedwetting in children (McIntyre, 1996).
Supports the Immune & Respiratory Systems
You may be surprised to find that the benefits of St. John’s wort even extend to the immune and respiratory systems. As an antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory, St. John’s wort is wonderful for soothing discomfort during illness and helping to fight infection (McIntyre, 1996). Think of St. John’s wort when faced with illnesses that are caused by viruses such as the common cold and the flu!
A Women’s Ally
St. John’s wort can be a useful herb during menopausal transition to help soothe emotional upheaval (McIntyre, 1996). In fact it is “considered especially appropriate for use when menopausal changes trigger irritability and anxiety” (Hoffmann, 2003).
While this lovely plant can be useful for women transitioning later in life, it is also helpful when we, as women, are in the thick of things. St. John’s wort’s pain relieving properties along with its ability to help relax the nervous system make it useful during bouts of PMS and painful menstruation (McIntyre, 1996). Midwife and herbalist Ruth Trickey explains that St. John’s wort is “indicated in conditions where exhaustion and tension combine—a common finding in women who present with hormonal problems” (Trickey, 1998, p. 360).
(https://theherbalacademy.com/st-johns-wort-not-just-depression/)
Properties:
Antiviral; Anti-inflammatory; Astringent; Antibacterial; Antioxidant
Vulnerary (Heals wounds and inflammation);
Nervine (Beneficial to nervous System);
Sedative (Calms the nervous system and reduces stress and nervousness throughout the body);
Hepatoprotective (Tones and strengthens the liver);
Nerve Trophorestorative (Nervine Tonics or “trophorestoratives” are perhaps the most important contribution herbal medicine can make in the whole area of stress & anxiety, and in strengthening & “feeding” the nervous system. In cases of nervous debility, the nervine tonics strengthen and restore the tissues directly)
St. John's wort is used for depression, fear, insomnia, anorexia, anxiety or feelings of worthlessness. Usually the herb needs to be taken long term to see results in alleviating anxiety and depression. Results are often seen within 2-6 weeks, although some people report immediate effects. The antidepressive effect of St. John's wort appears to partially be due to blocking the resorption of serotonin by postsynaptic receptors. It may be increasing light utilization and influencing the serotonin-melatonin metabolism. One clinical trial had success using St. John's wort for seasonal affective disorder. The constituent, hypericin, raises the concentration of melatonin, a hormone formed from serotonin that has a sleep-regulating function. Hypericin was thought until recently to be the main active constituent in Saint John's wort. Recent research indicates that the constituents hyperforin and bioflavones are also involved. Hyperforin is a potent uptake inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA and L-Glutamate. St. John's wort is used for nerve pain, shingles, night terrors, hemorrhoids with pain, enuresis in children, facial neuralgia after dental extractions, toothache and neurasthenia. Internally, the oil is used for gastric inflammation and ulcers; and warmed, the oil is used as a retention enema for inflammation of the colon. Externally, the oil is used for burns, bruises, muscular pain, diaper rash and cradle cap.
Vulnerary (Heals wounds and inflammation);
Nervine (Beneficial to nervous System);
Sedative (Calms the nervous system and reduces stress and nervousness throughout the body);
Hepatoprotective (Tones and strengthens the liver);
Nerve Trophorestorative (Nervine Tonics or “trophorestoratives” are perhaps the most important contribution herbal medicine can make in the whole area of stress & anxiety, and in strengthening & “feeding” the nervous system. In cases of nervous debility, the nervine tonics strengthen and restore the tissues directly)
St. John's wort is used for depression, fear, insomnia, anorexia, anxiety or feelings of worthlessness. Usually the herb needs to be taken long term to see results in alleviating anxiety and depression. Results are often seen within 2-6 weeks, although some people report immediate effects. The antidepressive effect of St. John's wort appears to partially be due to blocking the resorption of serotonin by postsynaptic receptors. It may be increasing light utilization and influencing the serotonin-melatonin metabolism. One clinical trial had success using St. John's wort for seasonal affective disorder. The constituent, hypericin, raises the concentration of melatonin, a hormone formed from serotonin that has a sleep-regulating function. Hypericin was thought until recently to be the main active constituent in Saint John's wort. Recent research indicates that the constituents hyperforin and bioflavones are also involved. Hyperforin is a potent uptake inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA and L-Glutamate. St. John's wort is used for nerve pain, shingles, night terrors, hemorrhoids with pain, enuresis in children, facial neuralgia after dental extractions, toothache and neurasthenia. Internally, the oil is used for gastric inflammation and ulcers; and warmed, the oil is used as a retention enema for inflammation of the colon. Externally, the oil is used for burns, bruises, muscular pain, diaper rash and cradle cap.
Preparations:
Internal Uses: Tincture, Tea, Wild Juices - Harvest at the peak of summer when St. John's Wort is flowering. Harvest the aerial portions; the leaves and flowering tops. When possible use and prepare fresh. My favorite method of preparation is a fresh tincture. While in season and abundance I have added the fresh plant to green juices and teas. When harvested in abundance it's a nice plant to have dried and stored for Winter Blues.
May also be used as a single or combined herbal ingredient in an enema or douche.
External Uses: Begin with a fresh infusion of St. John's Wort into oil (coconut, olive, grapeseed, avocado, safflower, or sunflower - whatever you have on hand or drawn to use) Add cut portions of plant to oil and let steep approximately one moon cycle and then strain. This will yield a red/purple oil elixer you can then apply topically (directly to skin is most effective) as well as adding to your favorite skincare recipes. Many herbalists keep a bottle of infused St. John's wort oil on hand for topical application in the case of burns, cuts, or stings. The herb may also be used fresh or dried as an infusion for the bath. To make an infusion boil water and add the fresh or dried plant to produce a strong "tea" that may then be added to the bath.
May also be used as a single or combined herbal ingredient in an enema or douche.
External Uses: Begin with a fresh infusion of St. John's Wort into oil (coconut, olive, grapeseed, avocado, safflower, or sunflower - whatever you have on hand or drawn to use) Add cut portions of plant to oil and let steep approximately one moon cycle and then strain. This will yield a red/purple oil elixer you can then apply topically (directly to skin is most effective) as well as adding to your favorite skincare recipes. Many herbalists keep a bottle of infused St. John's wort oil on hand for topical application in the case of burns, cuts, or stings. The herb may also be used fresh or dried as an infusion for the bath. To make an infusion boil water and add the fresh or dried plant to produce a strong "tea" that may then be added to the bath.
Precautions:
The effectiveness of SJW as an antidepression agent is particularly well studied, and the underlying mechanisms are well understood. SJW preparations have relatively few adverse effects when taken alone at the recommended dosages. However, numerous interactions with other drugs have been reported. Recent research shows these interactions result from the ability of SJW constituents to induce intestinal or hepatic enzymes that either remove drugs from the body or metabolize them to inactive forms.
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/)
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/)
As with any pharmacologically active substance, although treatments involving St. John's Wort are generally safe, adverse effects can arise either when it is used alone or, especially, in conjunction with other medications. I will highlight some possible specific prescription drug interactions here but please if you are on any prescription drugs, including medication for birth control, depression, anxiety - keep in mind St. John's Wort encourages liver detoxification and will therefore reduce the clearance time for certain pharmaceuticals - please check with your healthcare professional before taking St. John’s wort with any prescription drugs. (Especially those medications that are taken on a regular basis)
Taken in large doses St. John’s wort may cause photo-sensitivity.
St. John's Wort is an emmenegogue should not be used during pregnancy without professional guidance.
Taken in large doses St. John’s wort may cause photo-sensitivity.
St. John's Wort is an emmenegogue should not be used during pregnancy without professional guidance.
Resources & Recommended:
Additional Sources Cited:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/
https://materiamedicaresource.wordpress.com/2013/06/28/st-johns-wort/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92750/
https://materiamedicaresource.wordpress.com/2013/06/28/st-johns-wort/