Scientific name: Hypericum perforatum
Description:
A perennial herb with five-petaled yellow flowers that is named after St. John the Baptist, since it's usually in full bloom by the saint's feast day on June 24.
The elongated yellow petals have black spots on edges while its pale green leaves (when held up to the light) has tiny dots that appears to be perforations, hence the species name “perforatum”. The round numerous small black seeds are stored inside a three-celled capsule and have a resinous smell.
St. John's wort grows as high as 3 feet, shrubby and primarily found in Europe, but has since spread to the Americas, Russia, Middle East and Asia.
When the yellow flowers are crushed it releases a reddish purple oil and when made into an infused oil or tincture, it turns into red.
The best preparations of St. John’s wort are made from the fresh plant and are superior to anything you can find isolated or dried at the store. The fresh St. John's Wort tea is also delicious with a delightful lemony taste.
This plant blends well with a myriad of herbs (e.g. Chamomile, garlic, lemon, passionflower and valerian) to create tinctures, teas and oils.
Recipes:
St. John's Wort Oil:
Allow the moisture of the plant to dry off for a day.
Place in a jar and add enough olive oil to cover the flowers. Make sure it is completely covered with oil to avoid molds from setting in.
Leave in a warm place for 4 weeks.
Strain the flowers out and store the oil in a cool dark place.
To use: Apply topically to skin.
St. John's Wort Tincture:
Cover fresh flowers with 95 proof vodka, using 1:2 fresh herb ratio.
Shake every day.
After 4 weeks, strain out the flowers and cap tightly.
To use: Take 15 - 20 drops 3 times daily.
St. John's Wort Tea:
Steep 2 - 3 teaspoons of fresh flowers in hot water for 4 minutes, and then strain the flowers out.
If with the dried herb, tea can be made by steeping 2 to 3 teaspoons of herb per cup of water in a covered vessel for 30 minutes.
Strain and drink up to 2 cups/day
Parts used: Leaves and Flowers
Medicinal Properties:
St John's wort is known among herbalists as a wonderful herb for its many traditional uses and benefits. It is a
nervine that acts as a tonic and was traditionally used to deeply balance, nourish and restore the nervous system. It also has antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, astringency and antimicrobial properties. In addition, it has diuretic action that helps to promote waste and fluid removal.
It will help improve the overall condition of the whole body as it works to tone the vital organs. St John's wort is know to support the liver as a tonic and by helping to stimulate bile flow aiding in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
The leaves of St John's wort contain antidepressant compounds that regulate levels of dopamine, melatonin, and serotonin. Thus, it is used by herbalists to help ease anxiety, tension, neuralgias, as well as mild to moderate depression.
The flowers (oil, tincture) are used for the treatment of wounds, external ulcers, and bruises. Flower tea is used to relieve of bladder problems, worms, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Pain Reliever = relieves the pain of sore muscles caused by neuralgias, sciatica/ It is also proven effective in pinched nerves, Bell’s palsy as well as in head and spine trauma or anything that involves the nerve endings.
As an antispasmodic, St. John’s wort helps to relax muscles spasms including spasms in the internal organs.
Wound repair = it helps heal wounds quickly by stimulating granulation and capillary regeneration.
Common cold
Flu
PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), painful menstruation
Incontinence - it has a tonic effect on the urinary system easing incontinence
Precaution/Disclaimer:
St. John’s wort may cause photosensitivity and should not be used during pregnancy. It may also interact with other drugs and is not proven effective treatment for severe depression.
Best to consult your doctor before use. This blog is intended to give general information only and is not intended to cure or act as a physician.