Common Name
The scientific name for St John's wort is Hypericum perforatum, while in popular parlance it is commonly referred to as Tipton's Weed, johns wort or Klamath weed.
Occurrence
St Johns wort can be seen in Britain and throughout Europe and Asia.
Parts Used
The tender top of the Johns wort herb and its flowers are used to make herbal medications.
St John's wort is aromatic and has haemostatic, dissolvent, expectorant and nervine properties. Herbal preparations made from St John's wort is used in a number of pneumonic conditions, bladder difficulties, in quelling of uncontrollable urine, severe diarrhea, hysterical neurosis and nervous depression, haemoptysis and other hemorrhages and liver infection or anemia. The infusion made from the herb is useful for children who are troubled with incontinency of urine at night. The herbal tea given before bedtime is also found to be effectual. The herbal tea also helps in relieving a number of pulmonary consumption disorders, chronic inflammation of the lungs, bowels or urinary tracts. As an external fomentation St. John’s wort helps in dispelling hard tumors, ecchymosis, etc.
The hypericum treatment for depression is a debatable issue as recent studies indicate that the depression treating herb may not necessarily have any effect on mental disorders. Although St johns wart has been used for a number of years in treating mental states, doctors believe it may just be a placebo. In order to treat depression herbal preparations made from a combination of herbs including st john's wort extract are used by traditional practitioners. as a perfect remedy for depression herbs need to be administered to the patient systematically in recommended doses, but only under the supervision of a registered alternative practitioner. St john's wort continues to enjoy popularity as one of the natural depression remedies by most folk medical practitioners.
Traditionally, St. John's wort has been used as a medicine to relieve anti-inflammatory aches and strains, and bruises. It is also effective against muscular spasms, cramps, and muscle stress and tension. Oil from the herb is particularly useful when administered on wounds and bruises or gently massaged onto areas giving out pains or aches sprains, and is also helpful in appeasing inflamed varicose veins. Children who experience ear ache are known to obtain relief from a combination of St. John's wort, garlic extracts, calendula, and mullein flower oil as much as a standard pain killer eardrop. Some herbalists believe that applying the oil onto belly and breasts of a pregnant woman helps to prevent stretch marks. A light application of the oil can also be used to treat hemorrhoids and pains, and also swollen veins that take place during pregnancy. Recent medical research proves the use and application of St. John's wort for pelvic pain and cramping. Some doctors indicate the use of s wort for 'menopausal neuroses' that most women go through with symptoms of worry, uneasiness, despondent lack of activity, and other emotional experiences during menopause. Research and studies in cancer reveal that st john's wort extract possesses the potential as a cancer-fighting drug.
St John's Wort Administered as:
The oil of St. John's Wort is made from the flowers infused in olive oil. St John’s Wort can be administered in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures, herbal infusions or teas, and as topical application. Chopped or powdered forms of the dried herb are also used in preparing herbal teas or pastes.