Family: Hypericaceae
Properties
- antibacterial
- antiviral
- antiseptic
- anti-inflammatory
- analgesic
- sedative
- astringent
- nervine
- anti-depressant
- vulnerary
Medicinal Uses
- Anxiety, stress and depression (taken for a 2-3 week period)
- Insomnia, sleep aid, fatigue
- Support and strengthen nervous system
- Support and strengthen digestive system
- Protects liver
- First aid: cuts, wounds, bruises, sprains, strains, burns, boils, blisters, injuries of all kinds
- Skin Healing: repairs damaged tissues, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, itching, scars
- Strengthen and smooth fingernails
- Strong effect on nervous system making it useful for nerve damage and pain
- Shingles
- Pain killer – take internally and apply externally
- Arthritis, stiff joints, painful joints
- Back and spinal pain, neck pain, concussion, shock or any injury to spinal column
- Eases fibrositis, sciatica and rheumatic pain
- Sore muscles, spasms, cramps and torn ligaments
- PMS – tea or tincture internally for regulating and lessen bleeding and staunch cramps
- Cold Sores and Herpes
- Varicose veins and hemorrhoids
- Colds and flu
- Infection fighter both viral and bacterial
- Ulcers – prevention and treatment
- Gout
Methods of Use
- Squeeze the “blood” from fresh flowers over area of concern
- Herbal infused oil with the fresh flowers is one of the most potent ways to use this herb for first aid purposes.
- Salve, balms, and ointments
- Linament
- Herbal infusion (tea)
- Bath and Foot Soak, infusion or add herbal oil to the water
- Tincture – best way to utilize the properties internally
- Poultice/Compress
- Capsules
- Use in a toner for blemished or oily skin or as a facial steam
In the Garden
There are several species of St. John's Wort so when wild harvesting put a leaf up to the sun to check for the oil gland circles (see photo above) that distinguish it as the medicinal variety.
Cautions
Recipes
Resources and Further Learning
Dr. Christopher's Herbal Legacy - St. John's Wort
Bulk Herb Store - St. John's Wort