St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John's Wort, also known as Goat Weed and Rosin Rose, occurs naturally throughout North America, Africa and Europe. Although this herb has gained a lot of attention in recent years, its use dates to ancient Greece. The plant gets its name from the reputation of blooming on or near June 24th, the day celebrated as the birth date of John the Baptist.
Named after John the Baptist, St. John’s wort is an upright flowering perennial originally native to Europe but now found throughout most of the world. In fact, the plant has proliferated in some regions to the point of invasiveness.
Although the herb is toxic to grazing livestock in large doses, humans have taken advantage of the plant’s beneficial properties for centuries. The seed pods and flower buds yield a red dye for wool and other textiles, the color of which can be modified to varying shades depending on acidity of the dye bath. Infused in oil, the herb promotes skin healing and helps to ease muscular pain applied topically. In Germany, the German Commission E has approved of the use of St. John’s wort extracts for mild to moderate depression.
The dried herb is used in tea blends or used to make infusions, tinctures and extracts.
Origin: Europe
Active Compounds: Hypericin, Volatile oil, Flavonoids, Pseudohypericin
Plant Part Used: Flowering tops
Storage Tips: Keep in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Appearance and Aroma: Fibrous with a pleasant scent.
Cosmetic Uses: Infuse in oil for use as a skin oil and liniment. The oil may also be used to produce creams and other topical formulations.
Culinary Uses: Use to make liquid extracts and tinctures. St. John’s wort is not a culinary herb.
Applications: Astringent/Sedative/Antidepressant/Antispasmodic/Pain Reliever/Antiviral/Bile stimulant
St. John's Wort is primarily used as an anti-depressant.
Depression: St. John's worth can be used to improve depression.
Women's Health: St. John's wort can be used to treat menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, and hot flashes.
Tonic: St. John's wort can be used to help keep the liver and gallbladder in good health.
Anxiety: St. John's wort can be used to battle feelings of anxiety and insomnia.
Antispasmodic: Oil of St. John's wort may be used to treat pain from cramps.
Skin: St. John's wort oil may be used to treat burns and wounds.
Digestive system: St. John's wort may be used to treat ulcers and intestinal or stomach inflammation.
Infection: St. John's wort is an antiviral and anti-inflammatory that can be used to combat illness.
Safety: Because this herb is known to reduce the effectiveness of a number of medications, consult your physician before using St. John’s wort. Do not use in conjunction with benzodiazepines or other psychotropic medications.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.