St. John's Wort
St. John’s Wort
St. John's Wort is primarily used as a remedy for damaged nerve endings in such ailments as burns, neuralgia, wounds, bruises, and other skin trauma. It is also used often to relieve stress, mild depression and anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. It has many other uses, including skin healing properties, making it a great addition to any first aid salve or ointment.
In the 1990s, St. John’s Wort became the number one herb to treat depression and anxiety. St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries for nerve damage and depression, and was held in high esteem by herbalists throughout western Europe and the Mediterranean. St. John’s Wort doesn’t require healthy soil and grows easily in dry, sunny conditions. It can be identified by five-petaled yellow flowers with black dots on the petal tips and oblong-shaped leaves. To harvest, cut the stem below the flowers to capture flowers, buds, and leaves for usage.
Uses: Supports a healthy nervous system, helps relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, fights viral infections, reduces inflammation, promotes overall emotional balance, reduces symptoms of PMS and menopause, reduces symptoms of hypothyroidism, eases cravings and withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking, helps to lower blood pressure
Mix with: Hops and valerian for insomnia, lavender and lemon balm for depression, chamomile for children needing emotional support, passionflower for anxiety.
CAUTION: In some individuals, but not all, St. John’s wort can cause sensitivity to the skin in high sun exposure. Just be mindful if you are taking St. John’s wort and are in the sun, discontinue use or exposure to the sun if you develop a rash.
Preparation Tips: The flowers and leaves can be used in tinctures, oils, capsules, and teas. The flower steeped in oil, alcohol, or water makes a beautiful red color. The infused oil of it’s flowers makes a wonderful “trauma” oil which can be used for bruises, sprains, burns, and injuries of all kinds. To make the oil, infuse freshly opened flowers and leaves (70 percent flowers to 30 percent leaves ) in olive oil for two weeks. Then strain and use!
St. John’s wort combines well with other herbs
Mix it with:
-hops and valerian for insomnia
-lavender and lemon balm for depression
-chamomile for children needing emotional support
-passionflower for anxiety
Benefits of St. John's Wort~
*Supports a healthy nervous system
*Helps relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression
*Fights viral infections
*Reduces inflammation
*Promotes overall emotional balance
*Reduces symptoms of PMS and menopause
*Reduces symptoms of hypothyroidism
*Eases cravings and withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking
*Helps to lower blood pressure