St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Traditionally used in herbal medicine as a:

• NS tonic
• NS trophorestorative
• NS relaxant
• Sedative
• Analgesic (topically)
• Antiseptic (topically)
• Anti-viral
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasmodic
• Anti-depressant
• Astringent
• Vulnerary

Traditional Herbal Uses:

• Depression (mild to moderate)
• Nervous System conditions such as CFS, neuralgia, sciatica, shingles, nervous irritability, anxiety, stress, insomnia, migraines, nervous tension, OCD, hyperactivity, fibromyalgia, seasonal affective disorder.
• Immune system conditions such as HIV/AIDs, herpes, lyme disease, anti-tumour activity, skin cancer, radio protective harm, 
• Ear infections
• Dyspepsia, liver/gallbladder issues, obesity, diarrhea, dysentery, worms.
• Infused oil taken internally for IBS, Crohn’s disease 
• Female reproductive health such as PMS, irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, menopausal nervousness.
• Topical:  infused oil for neuralgia, back pains, sciatica, wounds/cuts, injuries, CTS, joint pain & inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Topical:  support skin conditions such as inflammation, bruises, wounds, burns, myalgia, vitiligo, skin infection, cuts, sunburn, skin cancer.

Herbal Constituents:

*Hypericin & pseudohypericin: are polyphenols called bianthraquinones/naphthodianthrones have antidepressant & detoxifying activity. Hypericin works synergistically    with other Hypericum compounds as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, & analgesic action to relieve neural pain.

*Hyperforin: a phloroglucinol derivative, works synergistically with hypericin, as anti-depressant, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, nootropic, anti-inflammatory & antiviral herb. It’s other actions are antioxidant, antigenotoxic, & DNA-protective.

*Xanthone norathyriol (an antioxidant) & the flavonoid hyperin are important antidepressant synergists in St. John’s Wort. Norathyriol can be seen in its bright yellow flowers. In general, xanthones have anti cancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti diabetic, anti-viral & anti-inflammatory effects.

*Melatonin, an indole amine, is also found in the plant & works synergistically with other constituents. 

* This section cites Lisa Ganora’s, Herbal Constituents, Foundations of Phytotherapy, 2nd edition.

Combines well with:

• Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
• Burdock (Arctium lappa)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)
• Yarrow  (Achillea millefolium)
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
• Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
• Linden (Tilia X vulgaris)

Caution: Do not take with SSRI, MAOI medications.

Tags: #Nervous System #nervine #damaged nerves #stress #adaptogen #anxiety #depression #sedative #nerve tonic #nervous system relaxant #nerve trophorestorative #anti-viral #CFS #neuralgia #insomnia #migraine #nervous tension #OCD #fibromyalgia #IBS #shingles #sciatica #herpes #Lyme disease #dyspepsia #liver health #Immune Support #Nerve pain #GentleLiverStimulant #Detoxifier #Burns