St Johns Wort Herb
St. John’s Wort drew its name from the timing of the flowering and harvesting on St. Johns day in late June. It was believed that hanging St. John’s Wort over a picture in your house on St. John’s day would ward off evil.
St. John’s Wort is visually distinguishable by the flower and the leaf. The flower is yellow and has 5 peddles and will bloom in late spring to early summer. The leaves, when held up to the light, show tiny translucent dots that give it the appearance of being perforated. When the flower or the seed pod of the St. John’s Wort plant is crushed it gives off a reddish purple liquid.
St Johns Wort Tea
St. John’s Wort tea is prepared by steeping 1-2 teaspoons dried flower in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes and can be drunk 3 times a day.
St Johns Wart Uses & Herbal Remedies
St. John’s Wort is most widely known and used as a treatment for depression and in some countries a prescription for St. John’s Wort is given to treat depression.
St. John’s Wort is used to reduce alcohol consumption due to the chemical hyperforin that is in the plant. Hyperforin is the chief component responsible for the anti-depression use.
St. John’s Wort has been reported to have antibacterial uses against types of staph infections.
St Johns Wort Cautions & Dangers
St. John’s Wort can cause photosensitivity and increase the chances of sunburn with sun exposure as well as eye sensitivity to bright lights.
Some studies show that St. John’s Wort may adversely affect fertility in both sexes.
Just as with anti-depressants, caution should be taken when using St. John’s Wort if you suffer from bi-polar disorder.
If you are using prescription drugs consult your health care provider before beginning St. John’s Wort.
St. John’s Wort is discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
