BODILY INFLUENCE: Alternative, Anti-bacterial, Anti-depressant, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-Tumor, Anti-viral, Aromatic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Nervine, Sedative, Vulnerary. PART USED: The herb, Tops, Flowers

St. John's Wort History

St Johns Wort: According to legends surrounding St. Johns Wort, it was espoused by St. John of Jerusalem who is said to have used it in the time of the Crusades as a battlefield balm for it's abilities to clean and heal some terrible battle wounds. It is said to have worked so well that legends are built around it.

St John's Wort Benefits

In accordance with the legend of wound healing during the Crusades, we find agreement in modern times. St. Johns Wort today has been found to be very beneficial in healing wounds and is especially good for dirty, septic wounds. St. Johns Wort has been used in case of putrid leg ulcers, that noting heals. Like the leach that was used not too many years ago for wound cleansing it does not destroy the healthy tissues and healthy cells but it cleans the dirt out of septic wounds. It helps reduce the inflammation in septic sores, in boils, in cellulite and lymhangitis.

The compound Hypericin was isolated from St. Johns Wort in 1942 and has been used as an anti-depressant for emotionally disturbed people. This tranquilizing quality from small quantities hypericin increase blood flow to stressed tissue. There is a reduced capillary fragility and enhanced uterine tone due to the increased Hypotensive blood flow.

St. Johns Wort Side Effects

The use of St. Johns Wort has been shown to demonstrate a side effect producing a photosensitivity. Hypericin is absorbed in the intestines and concentrates near the skin. An allergic reaction takes place when those with light fair skin are exposed sunlight. That exposure causes tissue damage and in some cases death has resulted. While taking St. Johns Wort one should avoid strong sunlight whether the skin is dark or light. There is a photosensitizing substance produced under the skin by this exposure to sunlight that causes the skin to burn.

St. John's Wort Uses

St. Johns Wort relieves pain, it has a sedative effect, it is used for treatment of neuralgia, anxiety and nervous tension. It can be applied as liniment or poultice to relieve pain, for treatment over the spine for relief of nervous diseases that are related to the spine, sciatica, neuralgia, rheumatic pains, as a lotion for pain relief, eases bruises.

  • Among the uses for St. Johns Wort are a variety of conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and mental burnout.
  • St. John's Wort is used for control of viral infections, for reduction and control of tumor growths, both malignant and benign.
  • St. Johns Wort is also known to be useful for pulmonary complaints, bladder trouble, suppression of urine, dysentery, worms and nervous depression..
  • St. Johns Wort acts to dissolve and remove tumors and also boils. It calms the nerves and increase the flow of urine.
  • It is an excellent blood cleanser and blood purifier.
  • St. Johns Wort is used to relieve phlegm obstructions in the chest and lungs. It is beneficial with bronchitis and is known to eliminate all signs of the ailment.
  • It is known to be valuable for treating internal bleeding.
  • St. Johns Wort is very good in chronic uterine problems and will correct irregular and painful menstruation.
  • St. Johns Wort contains an alkaloid that is a heart and artery stimulant