St. John’s Wort

Species name: Hypericum perforatum.

Also known as: Common St. John's wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed, chase devil.

What if there was an herb that could make you feel better; even stop you from being depressed? Well, maybe there already is.

Even if you are not big in the herbal community, you have probably heard of St. John’s wort. This common herb, native to Europe, has now become almost a household name. More and more people are using this herb even if they have never used herbal medicine before.

What is St. John’s wort and why are so many people trying this herb?

St. John's wort is a plant with yellow flowers. The flowering tops are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts that are sold for medicinal purposes.

Home Remedies using St. John’s Wort:

Benefits of St. John’s Wort:

St John's wort has a long history of traditional use by the Greeks and Romans. It was considered to have magical qualities that would deflect or ward off evil spirits. The plant itself was used in the house or held on the person for defense against demonic possession.

Medicinally it was used for bites, cramps, digestive problems and to stimulate urination. It was also used for menstruation issues and PMS.

Even with advancements in medicine there are still many great benefits to St. John’s wort. Like in the past, it is used for emotional disorders and conditions such as depression and anxiety.

However, of all the conditions it has been known to help with, it is most commonly used with treating depression and many people claim to notice a relief in symptoms even from the first few days of use.

It is considered a natural, wholesome and inexpensive treatment option for people suffering from varying degrees of depression. It should not substitute a doctor’s care but can help many people relive feelings of depression altogether.

Besides helping depression it is used to help improve memory and concentration, to help with insomnia and sleep disorders and to treat many mental disorders and nerve pain.

It has also been used as sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.

Uses of St. John’s Wort:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disorders

Side Effects of St. John’s Wort:

St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.

Can interfere with contraception pills and other medications including other herbs. Please consult with your doctor if taking medications.

Please consult with a doctor before starting any herbal therapy.