ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum)

DESCRIPTION: St. John's wort is the world ís a leading herb to help in promoting a healthy mood. Studies suggest it helps to balance serotonin levels and maintain normal neurotransmitter activity. St. John's Wort is an herb perennial that grows along the ground, woods, hedges, roadsides and meadows. Flowers are yellow and blooms June to August. St. John's wort is native to Europe but is commonly found in US and Canada. St. John’s wort was given its name since it blooms about June 24th, the birthday of John the Baptist. 'Wort' is an old English word for plant.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Helps maintain a positive outlook and healthy sense of well being. Facilitates normal neurotransmitter activity. Helps balance serotonin levels. Assists with afterpains, bed wetting, bronchitis, lung congestion, painful menstruation, suppressed urine and uterine support. St. John's Wort is most commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, anxiety tiredness, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Used to treat heart palpitations, moodiness and for symptoms associated with menopause, ADHD, OCD and seasonal affective disorders. St. John’s Wort oil is used topically to the skin for bruises and scrapes, inflammation and muscle pain, burns, wounds, bug bites and nerve pain. Also acts as an anti-depressant and a nerve tonic. Used as an aromatic, astringent, resolvent, expectorant and nervine. The use of St. John's wort dates back to the ancient Greeks. Hippocrates recorded the medical use of St. John's wort flowers.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: When taken in large doses for a long time, St. John's wort may cause sun sensitivity, especially in fair-skinned people. May interact with prescription drugs for depression. Can cause some side effects such as trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, upset stomach, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, skin rash, diarrhea, and tingling.

PARTS USED: Herb tops and flowers

GENERAL USAGE: May be used daily up to 12 weeks.

[ back to top ]

DISCLAIMER