St. John's Wort Monograph

Family: Hypericaceae

Energetics: Bitter, sweet, warm, dry

Planetary influence: Sun

Parts used: Flowering tops

Native Habitat: Perennial plant that can grow to be up to 3 feet in height, and the base of the plant is usually woody.

Botanical description: Small yellow flowers that are found in clusters at the end of the branches. The leaves have five petals with tiny black dots along the margins and multiple stamens.

Has narrow, stalkess, leaves that are opposite and rounded with tiny transparent dots. It can be difficult to notice the transparent dots at first, however, if you hold the leaves up to the light you'll see them.

Herbal actions: Nerve restorative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, antimicrobial, anti-depressant, healing, diuretic, anti-viral, anxiolytic, disinfectant, relaxant, digestive, neuroprotective, hepatic, alterative, anodyne, exhilerant

Constituents: Flavonoids, phloroglucinola, polycyclic diones (hyperforin), tannins, “blood of Saint John,” glycosides, carotene, pectin

Indications: Injury to tissues that effect nerves – sciatica, shingles, bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia. A wound healer internally and externally – ulcers, burns, painful bruises, torn muscles and painful puncture wounds. Antiviral. Good mood elevator for mild to moderate depression by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and dopamine.

Preparation/dosage:

Tea

• 1-2 tsp of dried flower into one cup of boiled water, let it steep for 10 minutes
  • Drink 1-3 cups a day

Tincture: 

• 1:5 dried or 1:2 fresh herb
• 1-2 droppers a day

Oil: 

• 1:3 in oil of choice (I like castor oil so I can use it as a pack, or as is)

Contraindications: concurrent use with antidepressants, photosensitization, and medications that are metabolized in the liver. Harvest with gloves as hypericin is easily absored through skin and can cause irritation.

Wildcrafting: Best harvested when it is in full bloom and still fresh. Crushing the flower buds between your fingers and seeing a red substance means it's prime for harvesting.

Cut the top 2-3 inches of the plant to get some leaves, flowers, and buds, to get the full medicinal use out of sjw.

If you're looking for guidance on how to incorporate St. John's Wort into your routine or how this herb ally can help you, book an herbal consultation!