About St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a herb well known for its medicinal properties. The lovely yellow flowering plant is a popular treatment for depression, among other ailments. St. John's Wort has been used since the Middle Ages to treat both emotional disorders and physical ailments.

History

• St. John's Wort was named for John the Baptist since its traditional flowering occurred on June 24th, St. John's Day. "Wort" means plant in Old English. In ancient Greece St. John's Wort was used as an astringent and for its antiseptic properties. In the Middle Ages the herb was used to cast out demons. It later gained popularity as a nerve tonic. Throughout the years St. John's Wort has been discovered to have several medicinal properties that can be used to treat numerous disorders.

Features

• St. John's Wort is a perennial herb indigenous to Europe. It has numerous branches and five-petaled yellow flowers. The leaves of the plant have a perforated appearance, making it easily recognizable. The plant flowers from late spring to mid-summer. The flowers and the leaves are used medicinally. Hypericin and pseudohypericin are two medicinal components found in the leaves and flowers. Although they are the most studied components, they may not be the most active.

Function

• St. John's Wort is used in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders such as depression, stress and anxiety. It is also useful as a sedative to combat sleep disorders. The herb is useful in balancing mood swings. St. John's Wort is used as a pain reliever and to treat cough, congestion, colds, flu, diarrhea and digestive upset. St. John's Wort is effective in treating bacterial infections and alleviating the discomfort often associated with monthly menstrual periods.

Types

• The herb can be used in several forms. As an ointment St. John's Wort is used to treat bruises, burns, sunburn, wounds, insect bites and even varicose veins. It can be taken as an herbal tea before bedtime to benefit from its calming sedative properties. St. John's Wort can be purchased in several forms, including dried, powdered, tincture, tea, lotion, capsules or tablets.

Warning

• St. John's Wort is generally well tolerated, but you should consult your physician before taking it as a supplement since it may cause side effects and interactions with prescription medications. Common side effects include drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, headache and fatigue. St. John's Wort may cause photosensitivity, in which the skin becomes overly sensitive to sunlight. The herb should not be taken by pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding. St. John's Wort may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Considerations

• Herbs are believed to have metaphysical as well as medicinal properties. Lore has it that St. John's Wort could attract love, health and happiness. It was believed to embody strength, protection and the power of divination. It was even believed to make soldiers invincible. St. John's Wort was also used to protect against evil spirits.