St. John's wort is a popular natural remedy for depression and anxiety. The ancient Greeks first recorded its medicinal properties centuries ago, and cultures around the world have used St. John's wort tea and tincture for internal ailments such as diarrhea, suppressed urine, neuralgia, and menstrual irregularity. In addition, herbalists favor the oil or ointment of St. John's wort as an herbal remedy for burns, wounds, and other skin trauma. Because St. John's wort has a number of potential side effects and drug-herb interactions, use it under the guidance of a medical professional.
St. John's Wort, Hypericum Perforatum
St. John's wort plant, Hypericum perforatum, is native to Europe but grows freely in North America, where it was imported (Libster, 2002). It is considered a noxious weed in some parts of the United States and Australia. It grows one to three feet high. Its yellow flowers produce a red stain when bruised; this pigment gives St. John's wort oil and ointment a deep red color (Libster).
St. John's wort has a long historical use as a ward against evil spirits; its genus name "Hypericum," means "over an apparition" in Greek (Libster, 2002). The name "St. John's wort" may refer to the fact that this herb (a.k.a. "wort") is traditionally harvested in the midsummer when it blooms, close to the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24. It is also known as "goatweed," and can be toxic to grazing livestock.
Typically, both the flowers and leaves are used medicinally. Rosemary Gladstar (2001) suggests that a preparation of St. John's wort should contain 70% flowers and 30% leaf. The seeds may also be used medicinally (Kloss, 1988; Libster, 2002).
What makes St. John's wort effective is not yet understood (Gladstar, 2001). The plant contains the chemicals hypericin and hyperforin, either of which may be considered the active constituent in standardized supplements. However, experts are not certain if either of these chemicals is the active ingredient in St. John's wort (Libster, 2002; Ulbricht & Basch, 2005).
St. John's Wort Uses
St. John's wort is a classic remedy for nerve damage and is a leading treatment for depression in Germany (Gladstar, 1971; Ulbricht & Basch, 2005). Over the last 20 years, researchers have found St. John's wort to be as effective as tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants for use in mild to moderate depression; however, it may not be effective for severe depression (Ulbricht & Basch, 2005). When applied externally, St. John's wort is considered a superior treatment for wounds, burns, bruises, and other injuries.
Internal St. John's wort uses include:
- depression
- anxiety
- menstrual irregularity
- diarrhea
- urinary retention/suppressed urine
- jaundice
- neuralgia
- seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- chronic fatigue
- spinal injury
- sciatica
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- venemous bites
External St. John's wort uses include:
- burns
- caked breasts
- wounds
- ulcers
- sores
- neuralgia
- bruises
- sprains
- shingles
In addition, Kloss (1988) and Libster (2002) state that a cup of St. John's wort tea before bed may correct bed-wetting in children.
Using St. John's Wort
To make St. John's wort tea, Martha Libster (2002) suggests infusing (steeping) one to two teaspoons of fresh or dry herb in a cup of water and drinking once or twice per day. Rosemary Gladstar (2001) states that St. John's wort mixes well with other soothing herbs, like hops, lavender, and chamomile.
St. John's wort tincture, or liquid extract, can be taken as an alternative to the tea. Libster (2002) suggests having a half teaspoon (2 ml) of the extract twice daily. In addition, gargle this tincture for throat or mouth sores.
St. John's wort can also be taken as capsules; find these in natural health stores. The usual dose is 300 mg of a standardized preparation one to three times daily (Ulbricht & Basch, 2005).
Externally, use St. John's wort oil, ointment, or tincture. If using the tincture, apply full strength or, if sensitive, dilute in one to two parts water (Smith, 2009).
St. John's Wort Side Effects and Medication Interactions
Always consult a physician or nurse practitioner before attempting to self-treat depression or anxiety with St. John's wort or any other remedy. For depression, Gladstar (2001) states that St. John's wort must be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes in order to see effective results.
Jethro Kloss (1988) warns that St. John's wort may be toxic and should be used under professional guidance only. It may cause sensitivity to sunlight, so avoid sun exposure if taking this herb. Because it has been historically used to induce abortion and stimulate menstruation, do not take during pregnancy (Libster, 2002).
St. John's wort may interact with antidepressant medications. If on antidepressants, do not take St. John's wort, as serious adverse effects may occur. St. John's wort may also interact with some HIV/AIDS medications, and it is not recommended for use with oral contraceptives, warfarin (Coumadin), or digoxin (Ulbricht & Basch, 2005).
Like MAO inhibitor antidepressants, St. John's wort may interact with tyramine-containing foods, like cheese, beer, and wine; if taking therapeutic amounts of St. John's wort, avoid these foods (Libster, 2002).
References:
Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality. North Adams, MA: Storey Books.
Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal: Volume II. New York: Dover Publications.
Kloss, J. (1988). Back to Eden: Golden 50th Anniversary Edition. Loma Linda, CA: Back to Eden Publishing Co.
Libster, M. (2002). Delmar's Integrative Herb Guide for Nurses. Albany, NY: Delmar.
Ulbricht, C. E., & Basch, E. M. (2005). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews. NY: Elsevier.
Smith, E. (2009). Therapeutic Herb Manual: A Guide to the Safe and Effective Use of Liquid Herbal Extracts. Williams, OR: Ed Smith.
Christie Bailey - Christie is an RN, BSN with a passion for holistic health. Currently, she is pursuing her masters degree to become a holistic nurse ...
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