Herb Profile: St. Johnswort

 

St. Johns wort, Hypericum perforatum

 

This beautiful flower blooms around St. Johns Day and has many wonderful properties.

Used internally, St. Johns wort is considered a remedy for mild depression, anxiety,  nervous tension and mood swings.  St. Johns wort is often sold as a standardized extract however studies demonstrate the need for whole plant use to provide a more comprehensive bioavailability of plant chemicals.

St. Johns wort oil is also used externally as an anti-inflammatory for a number of conditions including sore arthritic joints, burns, sunburns and stings.

When the fresh herb is steeped in oil, the oil turns bright red. Dry herb infused oil is not as effective due to loss of the active ingredient hypericum, which makes the beautiful red color.

 

Preparations

There is debate about whether St. Johns wort is effective as a dry herb, likely it is best fresh while the dry herb is still beneficial but less potent. The fresh and dry herb can be made into a tea. To use St. Johns wort year round preserve the fresh plant in alcohol as a tincture. St. Johns wort tincture is an excellent daily aid during winter time for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

 

St. Johns wort Infused Oil

For wounds, combine oils of St. Johns wort, yarrow, mint, plantain and red clover.  We use the aerial parts of St. Johns Wort: flowers, leaves, stems. To make an oil infusion, use scissors or snips to cut the St. Johns Wort into small pieces. Cover with olive oil, making sure all plant parts are covered. Cover and check daily to ensure that all plant parts are submerged, if they aren’t, use a knife to tuck them back in the oil. After about a month, strain the oil into a clean jar, cap and label. Oil then be combined with other infused oils and made into a salve.

 

Cautions/Contraindications

St. Johns wort may cause photosensitivity in some so take caution especially during summer time when the sun is at its peak. Contraindicated in combination with some pharmaceutical anti-depressant medications.

Growing St. John’s Wort 

Hardiness: Zones 4–9
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average to poor soil, well-drained
Water: Low to moderate
Propagation: Seed or division
Notes: Hardy perennial. Harvest flowering tops.

 

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Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products and the information provided on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

We are not responsible for the content of external websites. Individual responses to herbs vary, and information provided may not include all possible precautions or interactions. Discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.

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