Organic St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Family:

Hypericaceae

Common Names:

Goatweed, Klamath Weed, Tipton’s Weed

Origin:

Native to Europe, now widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide, including North America, Asia, and Australia.

Parts Used:

Aerial parts (flowers, leaves, stems)

Habitat:

St. John’s Wort thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil and is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and forest edges. It prefers full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

History and Folklore:

St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries in traditional European herbal medicine. It was named after St. John the Baptist, as it typically blooms around his feast day on June 24th. The plant was believed to ward off evil spirits, and its bright yellow flowers were thought to capture the sun’s healing energy. Traditionally, it was used to treat wounds, burns, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Metaphysical Properties:

St. John’s Wort is associated with protection, healing, and light. It is often used in rituals to dispel negativity, protect against harm, and bring clarity and peace of mind.

Botany:

St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb that grows up to 1-3 feet tall. It has branching stems, small, oblong leaves with tiny translucent dots, and bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with five petals. When the flowers or leaves are crushed, they release a reddish-purple pigment, which contains the plant’s active compounds.

Growing and Harvesting:

St. John’s Wort can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, though it can tolerate poor soil conditions. The aerial parts of the plant are harvested during the flowering season, typically in midsummer. The flowers and leaves can be used fresh or dried for various herbal preparations.

Constituents:

• Hypericin: A naphthodianthrone that contributes to the plant’s antidepressant and antiviral effects.
• Hyperforin: A phloroglucinol derivative with strong antidepressant properties.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that support overall health and reduce inflammation.
• Tannins: Provide astringent properties, helping to tighten and heal tissues.
• Essential Oils: Contribute to the plant’s calming and healing effects.

Energetics:

• Temperature: Warming
• Taste: Bitter, Astringent

Medicinal Actions:

• Antidepressant: Used to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
• Antiviral: Effective against certain viruses, including herpes simplex virus.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the skin and muscles.
• Vulnerary: Promotes wound healing and tissue repair.
• Nervine: Calms the nervous system and helps to alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Astringent: Tightens tissues and helps reduce excessive bleeding.

System Affinities:

• Nervous System: Supports mental health, alleviates depression and anxiety, and promotes emotional balance.
• Skin: Used topically to treat wounds, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
• Immune System: Enhances immune function and has antiviral properties.
• Musculoskeletal System: Reduces muscle pain and inflammation, often used in massage oils.

Uses:

• Tea: St. John’s Wort tea is used to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Tincture: Taken internally for depression, anxiety, and nerve pain, or applied topically for wounds and skin conditions.
• Oil: St. John’s Wort oil is used externally to treat wounds, burns, and muscle pain. It can be massaged into the skin to soothe inflammation.
• Capsules/Tablets: Available as a supplement for treating mild to moderate depression and mood disorders.
• Topical Application: Used in creams, ointments, and salves to promote healing of the skin and reduce inflammation.

Cautions:

• Photosensitivity: St. John’s Wort can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. It’s advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure when using this herb.
• Medication Interactions: St. John’s Wort interacts with several medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and antiretrovirals. It can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Always consult a healthcare provider before using St. John’s Wort if you are taking any medications.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established, so it’s best to avoid use during these times unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Scientific Studies:

1. A study in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews confirmed that St. John’s Wort is effective in treating mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.
2. Research in Phytomedicine highlighted the antiviral properties of hypericin, supporting the use of St. John’s Wort in treating viral infections like herpes.
3. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated the wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects of St. John’s Wort oil, particularly in treating burns and skin injuries.