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Saturday 6 August 2011

St. John's Wort



Hypericum perforatum - This lovely yellow star shaped flower is a European native that has been naturalized almost every where. You see it in fields and meadows, road sides, pretty much any untended place. It doesn't really grow well in cultivation; unless it decides to grow in your garden itself, compliments of birdie poo or the wind, it doesn't seem to thrive. At least not for me.

The common name is for St John the Baptist, it is said that it begins blooming on his birthday, June 24th and continues until that day in August when he was beheaded. Its latin name comes from the Greek, meaning, 'above an ikon'. Sprigs of St. John's Wort were hung over religious images to drive off nasty minded spirits. Perforatum is for the tiny holes you will see in the leaves if you hold them up to the light. The, 'holes', are actually glands that contain its volatile oil.
Squeeze the flower buds and your fingers will turn red. This beautiful essential oil is found in the flowering tops of the plants. Its history as a medicinal herb goes way back to medieval times and probably earlier. 


How do you use St. Johns Wort? 
I soak the buds in oil, heating them very slowly, until the oil turns a deep crimson, and then I combine this oil with arnica and various essential oils. This makes a very effective topical pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. I also tincture it in alcohol. This tincture is a mood enhancer and studies have proven that it is as effective as Zoloft and Prozac* in treating depression and anxiety. It is also said to strengthen and heal myelin sheaths, which cover nerves, which why St. John's Wort is always the "go to" herb for nerve damage.

The blossoms can be dried (very quickly) and used as tea and combined with other herbs, depending on the use. St. John's Wort will also produce a gorgeous orange to red dye.


Who should not Use St. John's Wort?
Any bad things about this fantastic herb? Well, in Australia where it is a wide spread weed, it has caused light skinned grazing animals a severe sensitivity to sun. It doesn't seem to do much damage to humans in the small doses in which it is taken. Also, it will interfere with birth control medication, and you should also not take it if you are taking medication for an organ transplant.

* these studies are quoted in the June 2011 issue of Nutrition Science News, 'St. John's Wort VS Drugs' by Jack Callem.

3 comments:

Jillherb said...

My new batch of Red Oil will be ready this week. The main ingredient is St. john's Wort oil, infused from flower bud collected from my farm field

Omemee Pigeon eFlyer (editor) said...

What is Red Oil used for? And what is its price? I can't see any info about it in your product lists.

Maia Gamea said...

Hello, I like your page, and i love herbs.