What Is Saint Johns Wort Used For?

A perennial herb, St. John's Wort in indigenous to Europe but has been introduced around the world. The plant, with its distinctive five-petaled yellow flowers, grows in many temperate regions. St. John's Wort is a key component in holistic remedies and possesses a number of health benefits.

Depression

• St. John's Wort is used to treat mild to serious depression. It contains hypercin, a chemical that inhibits monoamine oxidase, one of the causes of depression.

Wounds

• St. John's Wort gets its name from St. John of Jerusalem, who used the herb to treat battlefield wounds during the Crusades. It has strong antiseptic properties and is still used to treat wounds, especially those with severe inflammation.

Blood

• Often employed to treat internal bleeding, St. John's Wort is also a natural blood purifier, removing toxins and other harmful contaminants from the body.

Pain

• St. John's Wort is a natural pain reliever. It can be made into a poultice to treat a myriad of physical complaints.

Nerves

• St. John's Wort has sedative properties and can produce a calming effect on the body, making it a valuable treatment for anxiety and other nervous disorders.

Considerations

• St. John's Wort may cause heightened sun sensitivity, leading to possible burns and blistering. It may also cause headaches, high blood pressure, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting.