How to use St. John's Wort for Healing

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), is also known by the names Goat Weed, Hypericum and Klamath Weed. The plant grows to 18 inches high and has clusters of bright yellow flowers. It originates in Europe but is grow world wide. It has fascinated herbalists as far back as Ancient Greece when it was used to treat menstrual cramps and to heal burns and wounds. During the Medieval era it was believed to banish evil and give soldiers strength during battle. Today scientific studies have confirmed that St. John’s Wort has a number of healing properties.

Things You'll Need

• St. John's Wort herb dried or fresh
• St. John's Wort herbal supplements

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Instructions

How to Use St. Johns Wort for Healing

• 1

  Make a pleasant tasting tea. The dried herb can be made into a pleasant tasting tea with all the medicinal benefits by adding 2 teaspoons of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes then strain the tea and drink while warm. You may add honey or sugar to the tea to sweeten it.

• 2

  Use St. John's Work as a balm. St. John's Wort can be used in a balm to treat minor wounds, burns and insect bites. To make a soothing balm, take 1oz of fresh St. John’s Wort. Place over water in a double boiler. Add one pint of sunflower oil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 2 hours, continuing to maintain the level of water. Allow to cool then strain the oil into a sterile jar.

• 3

  Several years ago German scientists began to get excited about the possibility of using St. John’s Wort as an alternative to the anti-depressant Jarsin (similar to Prozac). Since then, German Commission E has studied the herb extensively and built a strong case for the uses of St. John’s Wort with the mood disorder. One of its particularly useful components is an agent called hypericin. Hypericin is the chemical that produces the red die so abundant in the plant. It can also be produced synthetically.

• 4

  St. John's Wort capsules are available from herbalists. The daily dose of St. John’s Wort for capsules standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin at 300mg, is 3 times per day. For tea it is 2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of boiling water, 3 times per day.