St. John's Wort
This week I've been reflecting on my journey working with herbs, and one herb that came to mind is St. John's Wort. I've reconnected with it over the last few weeks; a friend of mine is growing it in her garden, and it is currently in season in my neck of the woods.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial plant that grows throughout the world. Distinguished by its woody base, opposite leaves, bright yellow flowers that are clustered at the end of branches, each flower has five petals with small black dots along the margins, and leaves with transparent dots that are most noticable when the leaves are held up to the light.
The flowers bloom from June to August. Found in dry, gravely soils, fields, pastures, that get a lot of sunlight.
St. John's Wort has wavered in its popularity over the last decade. It was initially popular for its ability to treat mild to moderate depression with fewer side effects then conventional antidepressant medications. This is due to its nervine and sedative properties. However, it fell out of popularity due to its impact on the liver's detoxification pathways, thereby impacting how other medications work.
St. John's Wort's application extends beyond its treatment for depression. It also is an analgesic, making it a useful pain reliever for ailments that involve the nerves such as sciatica, head and spine trauma, pinched nerves, and atrophy of nervous tissue.
St. John's Wort also has antiviral actions, making it a treatment option for conditions that involve infections of the nerves like shingles or herpes.
My favorite application utilizes its nervine action, combined with its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, making it useful for topical formulations for skin wound repair. The flowers can be infused into oil, and over a few weeks the oil transforms into a beautiful deep red color. Strain the flowers and use the oil as is, or mix with other ingredients such as calendula, cannabis, or honey to support healing.
Dr. Cristina Allen ND