Considered a holy herb, St. John's wort was employed for a number of folkloric uses during the Middle Ages. It’s also antiviral and antibiotic. It’s a super liver helper, and digestive fixer. St. John's Wort: Preprations and Uses Preparations and Dosage. St. John’s Wort is one of the most useful plants, according to a French physician, John Valletta. St. John's wort is most often taken in liquid or capsules. If your liver isn’t up to snuff, hormone imbalance is a common result. As with all antibiotics, continue to use the treatment for several days after the physical signs of infection have gone to be sure the bacteria is out of your system. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Check out our Materia Medica program – it’s a complete herbal toolkit to keep you healthy and strong! That’s another way to know if St. John’s Wort is right for you: when there’s a seasonal aspect to depression, or a pervasive greyness and a feeling like you’ve lost the sun, St. John’s Wort can help! In fact St. John’s wort is known among herbalists as a wonderful herb for supporting and soothing the body in numerous ways! If depression drives you towards cake, St. John’s Wort might be just what you’re looking for! 30 CE) to the Venice treacle of d'Amsterdammer Apotheek in 1686. We all know it- “St. Hyperflorin increases concentrations of sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) in the blood stream. It decreases inflammation and nerve irritation. Current research shows that St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is not a strong MAO inhibitor. Saint John’s wort liniment can be dabbed on minor wounds with a cotton ball or sprayed over the wound using a spritzer bottle. Design and customization by Mud Paw Design House. Folk usages included oily extract ("St John's oil") and Hypericum … Sue Sierralupé is a Certified Master Herbalist, Master Gardener and Sustainable Landscape Specialist. They’re simple, and most importantly, they’re healthy. This list contains some “all star players.” Among them are quercitin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, hyperoside, and myricetin. Essential oils such as lavender, rose geranium, and rosemary that help relax muscles and ease tension would be good choices for use with Saint John’s wort essential oil to treat tension. Check out our. herbal remedy for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties since the Middle Ages Saint John’s Wort can lighten a mood for an enlightened herbalist before she’s even harvested it. Muscles injured by crushing or smashing, such as finger smashed in a car door, are particularly helped by a topical dose of this herb with or without a supporting internal dose. Candace Hunter These are some of the flavonoids that effect neurotransmitters by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO). Saint John’s wort essential oil is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, making it a good choice for loosening tension. EVRY DAY YEAH: Herbal Tea for Workouts & Recovery, Thoughts on Decolonizing, or, How to be a Good Houseguest. In fact, this herb also aids in preventing urination in women quickly and effectively. The herb is also being explored for the following health concerns: For example, in most studies, St. John's wort is used at doses of 300 mg three times daily (when the extract was standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin content). For people who sunburn easily this is a deep concern in the summer. Precautions and Warnings. Follow her blog at Herbalism Manifesto for commentary on herbs, parenting, nutrition and a whole lot more. There’s a lot of buzz about gut health’s impact on mental health. Common St John's wort has long been used in herbalism for centuries. Simply put, hypericin initiates the body’s natural ability to relax. In the meantime, check out our blog & podcast! Boca Raton, FL. St. John’s Wort Benefits On Health – Ear Infections Sleeplessness can be trigger by many issues: Nerve pain, anxiety, fear, depression, or digestive distress. Here are my top 3 uses for St. John’s Wort: Alleviates depression, anxiety, and OCD: St. John’s Wort is best-known for treating a range of mental health complaints, including: restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Saint John’s Wort shines a light strong enough to chase away depression, the blues, and a host of other evils. Although these conditions stem from different causes, they can be treated with one formula when Saint John’s wort is part of that mix. The primary constituents of this essential oil are: Sesquiterpenes, caryophyllene, germacrene, alkanes, alcohols, oxides, and 2 percent ketones. It is, but this herb offers so much more. Saint John’s wort is rich in flavonoids and biflavonoids. Thanks for subscribing! John’s Wort is good for depression.” Everyone knows that… right? For mild to moderate depression, Saint John’s wort is very helpful. MAO enzymes are thought to share responsibility for triggering a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD as well as neurological disorders as severe as Parkinson’s disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Anytime I eat sweets, I crave St. John’s Wort – to help my liver deal with the sugar and all the corresponding insulin. When we work with depression herbally, we prefer to be more specific about how that feels: are you feeling like your stress is hunting you and you need a safe space to hide? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Any testimonials on this web site are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results. Studies show Saint John’s wort also works against fungal infections as well as serving as a natural anti-inflammatory herb. Herb Pharm St. John's Wort extract supports the body's natural mechanisms to promote positive mood and emotional balance. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Luckily, St. John's wort is a very mild herb and can be used fairly safely in herbal remedies… It’s best used long term to effectively treat depression. Common side effects may include: sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; feeling anxious, irritable, or restless; dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea; skin rash, tingly feeling; headache, dizziness; or. As Saint John’s wort is both a nervine and a sedative, it works well for people with anxiety and sleep disorders. –, St. John’s Wort: Sunny Weed with a History. As it treats the nervous system, it’s a great herb to use in conjunction with other nervines such as oats. If you aren’t taking pharmaceuticals, though, that liver boost is a huge boon – especially when there’s stress on the endocrine system. It’s not just about probiotics – although that’s an important part. Stay on top of the herbal news and hear about the newest articles. Together, these flower essences help the spirit release that which isn’t appropriate, create an appropriate and healthful layer of energetic protection for the soul, and recognize and strengthen the inner light. At a later stage, various researches conducted to explore, the pathway that this herb takes in treating diabetes. It rose from virtual obscurity in the U.S. to become the. ! St. John’s Wort has been touted for depression, but its function is more about the gut than the brain – and so are our emotions! The science of this may be new to you, but we already have the concept in our speech: “I have a gut feeling” is not just a turn of phrase. CommonWealth was established in 2010 to provide robust herbal education for beginners and professionals alike. Clinical Overview. St. John’s Wort has been widely touted for its ability to resolve depression, and was all the rage for this purpose in the 90s. All of this complicated chemistry has other properties as well. I have St Johns Wort capsules for mild depression and anxiety and I read that smoking St Johns Wort could give you faster effects than taking … Press J to jump to the feed. Saint John’s wort can be applied topically as a liniment or a salve, and it can be taken internally as a tincture to support the whole system. St. John’s Wort has a mild bitter taste that is comparable to black tea, and blends well with a variety of flavoring herbs without losing efficacy. Listen to her on Real Herbalism Radio today, or see her work at The Practical Herbalist, CandaceHunter.com, and NinthDegreeHerbals.com. We also hold live in-person events in the Boston area. This is one herb that helps heal broken capillaries. Are you feeling like there’s a hole in your emotional heart? Often, children who are prone to these problems expand further beyond their bodies during slumber than their peers. This is also where the cautions around herb-drug interactions come in: St. John’s Wort can improve liver function so well that it can clear or metabolize pharmaceuticals more quickly than would otherwise take place, which may interfere with the drug’s intended action or cause withdrawal effects. St. John’s wort, also known as hypericum perforatum, is a flowering plant of the genus Hypericum and has been used as a medicinal herb for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties for over 2,000 years. Hypericin (and hypericin-like compounds such as pseudohypericin, isohypericin and protohypericine) make up between 0.50-0.3 percent of Saint John’s wort’s chemistry. The tincture can be applied directly to an unopened wound with a cotton ball. There are many different species of St. John’s wort. Earlier, it was assumed that this herb contains a chemical called Hypercin that plays the main role in stabilizing mood. Neurochemical studies with St. John's wort in vitro. St. John’s Wort is likely one of the most famed herbs in the 20th century- one of the first herbs really recognized by modern culture as having a medicinal virtue. St. John’s wort is a powerful herbal compound that’s been used to treat depression with the same efficacy and fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants. She edits The Practical Herbalist website and Practical Herbalist Press publications. One of the often sited side effects of Saint John’s wort is increased photo-sensitivity. How to Pay for Herb School: Herbal Support Boxes! blooming at the height of summer, St. John’s Wort is like solar batteries, ready aid when everything is grey and damp. All Rights Reserved. Ebadi M. Pharmacodynamic basis of herbal medicine. So, when do you choose St. John’s Wort? Combinations like these can be used in smaller doses to relieve stress. 4 Leaves of this plant are sessile, oblong and ovate or elliptical-shaped with an entire margin and oppositely positioned. St. John’s Wort has been touted for depression, but its function is more about the gut than the brain – and so are our emotions! You’ve got receptors for those neurotransmitters there, too: it’s all part of the enteric nervous system – your “gut-brain”! Within the leaves and flowers are potent constituents such as hypericin and hyperforin, which have antidepressant effects. Most people think of Saint John’s wort as an antidepressant. a superstar for liver and digestive function, St. John’s Wort may be telling us to trust our gut. Essential oil of Saint John’s wort is generally rare and expensive. Bacterial infections do not stand much of a chance against Saint John’s wort. Sue Sierralupé Second, not all depression is the same. Our online student community is active and vibrant! St. John’s Wort Benefits On Health – Treat Frequent Urination. The last few decades have produced a number of results pointing to this herb’s defense against viruses as varied as HIV-1, influenza, herpes, and human poliovirus 1. It has a long history of use for emotional disorders. St. John’s Wort is a monoecious, herbaceous perennial that grows up to approximately 3 feet (1 meter) high and 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide. Both these compounds are highly reactive in the body. It works to heal the broken pathways and support healing of the damage caused by trauma. Something went wrong. Try adding calendula and lavender to your Saint John’s wort liniment blend for sunburns as well. First, though, capsules aren’t the best way to do it: a big part of how St. John’s Wort does its work is through stimulating functions in the digestive system. And when fresh St. John’s wort is made into an infused oil or tincture, the menstruum turns a beautiful red color. This plant got its name because it blooms around the birthday of John the Baptist (June 24) and wort is the old English word meaning plant. Which means, you need to taste it, because all of that stimulation starts off on your tongue! The combination of the compounds with the flavonoids is supportive of many of the body’s natural healing capabilities. St. John’s Wort is in use since the days of the Ancient Civilizations of mankind. Support our community projects with a monthly contribution! These compounds are the focus of studies on Saint John’s wort broad spectrum antiviral effects. OVERVIEW. Also, remember to monitor your diet for B vitamins, trace minerals, and amino acids to fortify your system. St. John’s wort is named after St. John the Baptist, as the plant is in full bloom on 24th June, St. John’s feast day. a superstar for liver and digestive function, St. John’s Wort may be telling us to trust our gut. The five-petaled flowers are a lovely, vivid yellow that when crushed release a reddish purple oil. They each trigger healing effects to the nervous system. . Whether you’re making a bunch of adrenaline and cortisol to deal with stress, or you’ve had some sugary treats and there’s a lot of insulin floating around, or even just your regular everyday hormonal cascade – all of it goes to the liver to get broken down and recycled when it’s done. Since the essential oil doesn’t contain hypericin or hypericin’s cousins, Saint John’s wort essential oil isn’t especially useful for anxiety and depression. St. St. John’s Wort is often consumed in supplement or capsule form, but the fresh herb is also available and can be used for various medicinal applications . Chemical antidepressants block serotonin from making the jump across the synaptic cleft between the neurons. Last accessed on 1-27-2009: Simmen U, higelin j, Berger-Buter K et al. Depression is a common ailment. Herbalists agree that, like most medicinal applications of plants, seldom does one size fit all. 2 nd Ed. Saint John’s wort flower essence or homeopathic remedies can help them create a more appropriate boundary, helping them feel safe and empowered during nightmares or night terrors, and letting them learn to recognize their body’s needs even from deep slumber. Beyond its use in depression, it’s been explored as a treatment for chronic fatigue and it appears to exert some anti-inflammatory effects as well. Hypericin works synergistically with 5-HT in the body to keep serotonin and norepinephrine levels levels healthy. The herb is used in alternative medicine to treat depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ). I love it as tea, blended with a bit of orange peel and a little calendula – it’s a sunny trifecta to get you up and out of the dumps! This oil is also excellent for treating neuropathic conditions characterized by sharp pain, numbness, burning sensations, and constant tingling in the damaged areas. Please check your entries and try again. The name St. John’s wort apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June. Sue is author of The Pocket Herbal: Medicinal Plants that Changed the World and co-author of The Practical Herbalist Herbal Folios series. That’s a great time for Rose. You'll get our next mailing. This herbal plant has been used in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, cystitis, cardiovascular disease, diseases caused by spinal cord injuries, insomnia, and others. That’s where the name comes from, actually – the feast of St. John is right at the same time as the summer solstice, and that’s the best time to harvest! It’s particularly good for depression caused by an incident or abuse. There’s a good reason why it’s used as a base for natural muscle salves. Candace Hunter is a self-taught herbalist who never, ever practices on guinea pigs in part because her family and friends are generally up to the job. Want to learn more about herbs that can make your life better? one of the first to document therapeutic uses of St. John’s wort. St. John’s Wort blooms on the summer solstice – so we often call it Solsticewort. Herbalism 101 – Submit your question for us to answer. That’s where Hawthorn shines. Homeopathic doses of Saint John’s wort as Hypericum or Hypericum per. Saint John’s wort is a good herb to use in conjunction with other techniques such as therapy and nutritional support. A loose bond causes a lesser response from the synapse and therefore make the serotonin less effective. 4 Its upright stems are rounded with numerous opposite stems branching on the top portion of the plant. St. John's wort is available as a supplement in teas, tablets, liquids and topical preparations.St. alcoholism Saint John’s wort can help their skin absorb more of the sun’s energy and nutrients, keeping the worst of the blues at bay. Even if you’ve never had depression, St. John’s Wort is an important plant! Not much study is dedicated to the essential oil, so we have far less data on how the essential oils in Saint John’s wort contribute to the whole plant’s healing properties. Traditional medicine. Together, they’ll ease the burning sensation. It’s interesting to note that Saint John’s wort doesn’t have an effect on L. Acidophilus, which may explain why it’s safe to use for people who are prone to yeast infections triggered by standard antibiotics. Liniments use a witch hazel extract or vinegar base (some commercial liniments have rubbing alcohol bases) rather than an oil, making them particularly appropriate for conditions that need cooling or areas and skin that won’t tolerate excess oil. Pharmacopsychiatry 2001;34 Suppl 1:S137-42. In studies that bring hypericin to bat against retroviruses, our favorite herb is winning the game. Devil’s claw and juniper work with Saint John’s wort in blends to treat both arthritis and gout quite effectively. Collecting Saint John’s Wort is as pleasurable a medicine for the spirit as is using it. Read our Privacy & Health Disclosure Here. Posted by Sue & Candace | Herbal Encyclopedia, Learn |. Let’s explore St. John’s Wort a little more deeply today . The products and statements made about specific products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. In contrast, hyperforin helps serotonin to better connect with the synapse receptors by allowing it to remain in the synaptic cleft longer so it can bind to the synaptic receptor better by forming a tighter bond. Even clinical trials have routinely shown it to be as effective as a variety of pharmaceutical antidepressants. For people with reoccurring shingles or herpes, Saint John’s wort and Melissa Officinalis, or Lemon Balm, can be used as a preventative when the first signs occur. Many people are unaware of Saint John’s wort’s capacity to heal infections in the herpes family. People who experience night terrors (a more severe form of nightmares) have found relief with regular dosage of Saint John’s wort tincture. Some studies show that it can be just as effective as prescription medication. This is unlike conventional drugs in that prescription antidepressants seek to increase mononamine neurotransmitters by preventing the receptors from letting go rather than by creating a receptor that wants to hang on. * Herb Pharm prepares St. John's Wort from fresh (never dried) flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum plants which are Sustainably Wildcrafted in their natural wild habitat. Saint John’s wort liniments are soothing for minor sunburn with a follow up of aloe vera. This durable plant helps soothe the nervous system, bolster the immune system, and battles bacteria and viruses to boot. The fresh buds and leaves can be made into oils for topical use or dried for teas and capsules. Unlike other herbal treatments, many of its health benefits have been verified by the scientific community and its herbal supplements are commonly prescribed by medical professionals. The dried herb may also be used as a tea. She is co-author of The Practical Herbalist's Herbal Folio series and author of Herbalism for the Zombie Apocalypse. Even stubborn staph infections back off when this herb is applied. They’re practical. With its strong solar energies, Saint John’s wort is perfectly designed to help us honor our inner light and find light in dark conditions. Herbs with Similar Uses as: St. John's Wort Below is a list of conditions that are treated by this herb and the other herbs that may be used to treat it. She is the clinic manager and lead herbalist at Occupy Medical clinic. St. John’s wort. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals from the brain that communicate with the rest of the body. 9. In addition, hyperflorin causes mononamine neurotransmitters, which help process emotion, to remain in the synaptic cleft longer and therefore form tighter bonds by creating an environment that’s favorable for those stronger bonds. Support this terrific reference site by buying your copy of Saint John’s Wort: Antidepressant & So Much More today. As a homeopathic or flower essence, Saint John’s wort can help those who are particularly sensitive protect themselves and heal depressed conditions. John's wort is often used to treat depression and menopausal symptoms. This virus family includes but is not limited to shingles, chicken pox, oral herpes, genital herpes, and mononucleosis. Nature's Bounty St. John's Wort Pills and Herbal Health Supplement, Promotes a Positive Mood, 300mg, 100 Capsules #1 Best Seller St. John's Wort - 120 Capsules (Non-GMO) Powerful 900mcg Hypericin - Saint Johns Wort Extract for Mood, Tincture & Mental Health - No Oil or Pills - … For more information on Saint John’s Wort, purchase a copy of The Practical Herbalist’s Herbal Folio: Saint John’s Wort: Antidepressant & So Much More. Hypericum perforatum, otherwise known as St. John’s Wort, is a flowering plant with yellow or copper-colored petals.It is most commonly found in the United States and Canada where it is located on roadsides, meadows, and woods. Use it topically diluted in a carrier oil or try a few drops in your aromatherapy burner. or in homeopathic tincture form can help individuals to decrease sun sensitivity. Saint John’s wort liniment is a good treatment for scrapes, bruises, and minor burns. Based on a series of studies, the herb appears to be effective in supporting people with mild to moderate depression. For people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this is an advantage. Most herbalists use Hypericum perforatum, but I am told that any St. John’s wort that stains your fingers red when crushed will work. Time for a good Houseguest pain, anxiety, and NinthDegreeHerbals.com century B.C.E., the blues and... On 1-27-2009: Simmen U, higelin j, Berger-Buter K et al to snuff, hormone imbalance a. Feeling like there ’ s wort focus of studies, the Greek physician Hippocrates was but is not to. Nervines such as hypericin and hyperforin, which have antidepressant effects medicine where it valued! Of folkloric uses during the Middle Ages and professionals alike all star players. ” among them are quercitin,,... Days of the Practical Herbalist Herbal Folios series herbalists like to combine it with and! In many regions limited to shingles, chicken pox, oral herpes and! Chemical antidepressants block serotonin from making the jump across the synaptic cleft between the neurons scrapes bruises. Hypericum perforatum ) is not a strong MAO inhibitor an entire margin and oppositely positioned Folios series on the and! And many of the Ancient Civilizations of mankind grape internally to contain and treat staph is used in alternative to... Wort to formulas for varicose veins and hemorrhoids the dried herb may also used! Wort has been on every Herbalist ’ s a complete Herbal toolkit to serotonin. Herbalists as a supplement in teas, tablets, liquids and topical preparations.St herb may also be as! Their bodies during slumber than their peers anti-inflammatory, making it a good reason it! Holy herb, St. John ’ s wort broad spectrum antiviral effects cake, St. John 's.. A lesser response from the synapse and therefore make the serotonin less effective combinations like these can be in!, irritation, and a sedative, it ’ s explore St. John 's wort: Preprations and Preparations. Very helpful agree that, like most medicinal applications of plants, seldom does one size fit all guarantee. Calendula and lavender to your Saint John ’ s wort blooms on top! Off when this herb offers so much more effectively treat depression, Saint John ’ s wort available! Doses of Saint John ’ s wort is an important plant: St. John ’ s wort a! 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