Uses of Hypericum Perforatum

Hypericum perforatum is the scientific name for an herb which is more commonly known as St. John's wort. St. John's wort is a perennial plant that smells like balsam or turpentine. The plant is a native of Europe and has been naturalized in the United States. St. John's wort has small, oblong, light green leaves and bright yellow, five-petal flowers that bloom in July and August. The plant grows naturally in meadows and woods. Upon crushing, the flowers appear to bleed and were commonly used by ancient Roman and Greek physicians to dress wounds. The potent ingredients in the plant are a resin, a volatile oil, a tannin and a dye.

Warning: As with any potential remedy, discuss medicinal uses of this herb with your physician or other qualified medical professional.

Depression

• St. John's wort has been used to treat mild to moderate depression. Some studies have indicated that in some cases the herb is as effective as prescription antidepressants but with relatively fewer side effects and lower cost. The use of St. John's wort for depression is much more common in Europe than in the United States. According to the British Medical Journal (1996), "St. John's wort is a promising treatment for depression... the herb may offer an advantage... in terms of relative safety and tolerability, which might improve patient compliance."

  Warning: You should never use St. John's wort if you take other antidepressants, as one may intensify the effect of the other with unknown results.

Insomnia

• St. John's wort tea is used to treat sleep disorders, insomnia and feelings of general unrest. The herb is also used as a diuretic and for treating gastritis. A vegetable oil preparation containing the flowers of the herb is used externally to relieve hemorrhoids. St. John's wort also can relieve anxiety and fatigue.

  Warning: Discuss the use of this herb with your doctor if you intend to use it for any of these conditions.

Inflammation

• St. John's wort relieves inflammation and bacterial infection. The herb is available in tea, tincture, oil and capsule form. St. John's wort soothes wounds and the pain associated with contusions. An analgesic ingredient in St. John's wort helps relieve pain associated with arthritis and other joint conditions, and can also relieve neurological pain.

  Warning: Discuss the use of this herb with your doctor if you intend to use it for any of these conditions.