St. John's Wort, Nature's Remedy

St. John's Wort is a common plant in many regions of the world. The plant is easily recognized with its oblong thin leaves with translucent dots that give them the appearance of having perforations and the bright yellow star-shaped flowers. It grows in meadows, along roadsides, and any other place weed-like plants grow. Some countries in the world actually list this plant as a noxious weed.

History of St. John's Wort

This herb, otherwise known as Hypericum Perforatum, is first documented as a medicinal plant in Ancient Greece and Rome. It was used as a cure for arthritis, a nerve tonic, for relieving menstrual cramps, ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. It was recommended by Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides and Paracelsus in their writings. In Europe it was used to treat madness and other mental ailments. The Native Americans also used this plant externally as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and an astringent, and internally as an abortifacient. During the Civil War, it was used on battle wounds. It was in the 1800s that it really came into its own in the treatment of melancholia. It has also been used for herbal tea and to make red and yellow dyes.

Health Benefits

Today, St. John's Wort is widely used as a treatment for depression and related disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome and PMS. It has certain antibacterial and antiviral properties that make it useful as a supplementary aid for infections. Studies have shown this plant to be effective for many pulmonary problems, bladder issues and menstrual problems. It is an excellent blood purifier, and is a heart stimulant. Bell's Palsy responds to a treatment of externally applied St John's Wort. It is useful for lower back pain. Studies are currently underway that show This herb as being a promising remedy for AIDS… two of the components in the plant, hypercin and pseudohypercin inhibit the growth of retroviruses, including HIV.

Considerations and Uses

There are some precautions you should take with this herb. Taking the plant by tablet, capsule or tincture creates photosensitivity, so you need to be careful not to spend too much time outdoors in the sun. You should avoid alcohol, foods that contain tyramine, and over the counter cold and flu medications. Prescription anti-depressants should not be taken at the same time as this plant. If you have high blood pressure, you should only take this plant under a doctor's care, and get your blood pressure checked weekly for a period of time to determine its effect. This herb should also not be taken simultaneously with amino acid supplements.

This herb is an amazing plant with a lot of beneficial effects on our health. It has a long history being used all over the world in a medicinal capacity. While some of its effects are still being studied, it has been proven to be effective against many forms of depression. As with any medication, use caution, and this is best used under the care of a physician or certified herbalist.

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