(Popular Herb Series 5/9) St. John’s Wort This beautiful yellow flowering plant blooms at the height of summer, or right around the Summer Solstice. It has been used traditionally for thousands of years, its uses originally recorded by ancient Greek medical herbalists such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galen. Its name comes from John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June.
St. John’s Wort was believed to have great protective powers and was used to ward off imps, evil spirits, and demons of melancholy. Carried in the pocket, it was believed to ward off witches.
St. John’s wort was used in early pre-Christian religious practices in England, and it has many legends written about it. Because of its bright yellow color, it was often associated with the sun and was often used for purposes of divination- for every situation from longevity to test one’s chances for matrimony. To predict their chances for marital bliss, young girls were in the habit of plucking a sprig of flowers- if the flowers were fresh in the morning, their chances were good, if wilted, a dismal outcome was predicted. This poem is translate from the German, where this custom was also practiced:
The young maid stole through the cottage door, And blushed as she sought the plant of power. “Thou silver glow-worm, oh! lend me thy light, I must gather the mystic St. John's Wort to-night, The wonderful herb whose leaf will decide If the coming year shall see me a bride"
It is clinically used as an antidepressant for moderate to severe depression. SJW is a relaxing nervine well known for its ability to soothe anxiety and tension and uplift the spirit. It has been researched extensively and is employed throughout the world for its antidepressant applications. Germany’s Commission E approves the internal use of SJW for”psychovegetative disturbances, depressive moods, anxiety and/or nervous unrest”.
SJW is also used for those with seasonal affective disorder caused by lower sunlight exposure in the winter months, making it a handy herb to have in a northern winter. It is also anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antimicrobial, making it a powerful aid for wounds, bruises, burns, sprains, and muscle pain and spasms.
SJW also helps soothe the pain associated with damaged nerves and neuralgia and is used to soothe painful sciatica, shingles, and rheumatism. It can even restore and repair nerve sensation in nerves damaged by traumatic injury or other causes.
A fresh herb tincture is generally agreed to help if you are after its antidepressant effects, using 5-60 drops 3x/day. Make an infused oil for topical applications.
Safety: St. John’s Wort interacts with many prescription medications. If you are taking any, especially if they are antidepressants, do not take St. John’s Wort. Among the list of pharmaceuticals that may interact with SJW are immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, calcium-channel blockers, antianginals, hormonal contraceptives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antivirals, statins, anticancer drugs, beta-adrenergic blockers, hypoglycemics, antiulcer agents, antifungals, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxers, antihistamines, antibiotics, and antiretroviral medications. Seek advice from a healthcare provider before taking SJW if you are on prescription medication.
Comments