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St. John’s Wort herb had its claim to fame in the United States when received the European clinical research confirming its effectiveness in the treatment of depression. The new popularity was no surprise amongst many herbalists. They have been using it not only for depression but also for the treatment traditionally for the following: wounds, burns, injured nerves, sciatica, ulcers, anxiety, inflammation, and many other ailments.
In modern times, St. John’s Wort is one of the most prescribed treatments for mild to moderate depression in many European countries and has become one of the top selling dietary supplements in the United States. Some of the many benefits of this herb are as follows: it helps historically relieve symptoms of mild to moderate depression, including despondency, poor circulation, fatigue, to relieve the anxiety and insomnia that often accompany depression, and just about any disorder with regards to depression.
A shrubby perennial plant. The woody, branched root produces many round stems which put out runners from the base. The leaves are opposite, oblong to linear, covered with transparent oil glands, giving the appearance of holes. The bright yellow flowers are in flat-topped cymes, the petals are dotted with black along the margins. The fruit is a 3-celled capsule. The plant has a turpentine-like odor. Found in the eastern U.S., along the Pacific Coast and many parts of the world in dry, gravelly soils, fields and sunny places.
The leaves are used in salads. The calming properties of the herb have been useful intraditionally treating bedwetting, insomnia, to calms nerves, treats depression, menstrual difficulties, and uterine cramping. A tea made from the flowers is historically used for, headache, insomnia, jaundice. Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried herb in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes, covered. Take warm, 1/2 cup before breakfast and 1/2 cup before going to bed. The oil extract is a good external application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises. CAUTION: Its use may make the skin sensitive to light.
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