Saint John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Also known as Sol Terrestris
by Jennifer Sala
Family: Hypericaceae, Hypericum
Habitat & Habit: This hardy 1-3 foot perennial has small, sunny yellow blossoms and its stems excrete a red/purple liquid known as “the blood of St John” and was historically used for dye. “Perforatum” refers to the leaves’ tiny “perforations” that are actually oil glands which can be seen when viewed up close against the sun. It is semi-evergreen and prefers sunny, well-draining, and temperate conditions to thrive.
Energetics: Warming, drying, sweet, and bitter
Constituents: Flavonoids, phloroglucinols (hypericin), polycyclic diones (hyperforin), tannins, “blood of Saint John,” glycosides, carotene, pectin, and more
Actions: Trophorestorative, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, healing, diuretic, anti-viral, vulnerary, antiolytic, nervine, disinfectant, relaxant, digestive, neuroprotective, hepatic, alterative, anodyne, exhilerant
Contraindications: SJW is such a strong hepatic it will likely cause the liver to essentially kick out any drugs taken with the herb so if one is taking any drugs – especially life saving drugs, psychiatric medication, or contraceptives – it is essential not to take this internally. Also, anyone with photosensitivity may experience exacerbated reactions when taking this herb. People with rosacea should similarly avoid it.
Preparations: Tea, tincture, elixer, oil, topical ointments.
Indications:
Joint, muscle, tooth, and nerve afflictions (including sciatica, neuralgia, pinched or damaged nerves; injuries)
Chronic inflammatory states, stagnations, poor digestion (ei ulcers, depleted liver function, constipation, nervous tummy), and toxic burden
Depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), serotonin/neurotransmitter disorders, ADD/ADHD
Skin lesions, wound protection and healing, acne, rashes
Female reproductive and hormonal afflictions
Hypothyroidism and sluggishness in general
Hepatitis, herpes, chickenpox, and flu strains
Pairs well with:
Echinacea angustifolia
Ashwagandha root
Goji berry
Rose of any sort
Lavender, rosemary, or other mints
Clove, anise, or cinnamon
Arnica montana – topically only and in small part as this herb can be toxic in large quantity, it is best to buy this little treasure commercially from a reputable herbal supplier
Comfrey
Elderflower
Verbascum/mullein flower
Saint John’s wort is a potent European and Asiatic herb of modern popularity. It can combat a multitude of stressors from life in general or seasonal depression to trauma (mental, emotional, or physical) and grief. Its potency will put it off the table for individuals taking medication but for individuals nearing the point of seeking medical intervention it can indeed change the course for the better. It accomplishes this with regular consumption by targeting the neurotransmitters of the digestive system/gut brain and altering serotonin levels with results like that of pharmaceutical SSRI antidepressants. It is tremendously uplifting, acting on the solar plexus as the name “sol terrestris” implies – “sol” meaning sun and the root of “terrestris” being “terra” or earth. SJW is truly like sun on earth for the downtrodden and those trapped under a dark cloud. People with patterns of liver stagnation, sluggish digestion, hormonal flux, hypothyroidism, or chronic disease (especially if viral in origin and/or afflicting the mind and nervous system – think along the lines of MS or Epstein Barr) are given a sense of rejuvenating solar power when ingested as tea or tincture on a therapeutic level.
The good news for those using internal medications is that SJW can still be applied externally to heal wounds and injuries (in addition to any necessary medical interventions, of course), mend localized nerve damage, absolve skin conditions, and sooth overused joints and muscles as when it is absorbed through the skin it does not act on the liver. Poultice, alcohol extract, cream, and oil are common means by which SJW can mend maladies topically. It is trusted to halt degenerative soft tissue troubles and spark regeneration with consistent application. Pure decoctions can likewise be applied in the mouth for sores or toothaches. For injuries new or old, aging or disease related pain or stiffness, and “wear and tear” complaints, an arnica montana/SJW duo is remarkably healing.
Historically, Saint John’s wort was harvested on Saint John’s day and believed to ward off evil spirits. It has also gone by the name “scare devil” because of this and has been trusted to assuage the afflicted psyche of those with severe mental disorders. Externally, it was applied in Mideval times to sword or knife wounds as part of a regimen for analgesic, healing, and disinfectant purposes. Also, it was chosen to assist children and teens through the trials and tribulations of growing up. It is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Guan Ye Lian Qiao and was and is selected to address stagnation of qi in the liver meridian with the hope of clearing heat, inflammation, wind, and dampness. In Hindi, Saint John’s wort was named choli phulya and is prepared as a topical tissue and hair restorative.
I want to take this opportunity to talk about how important it is to know the quality of your herbs.
I had a profound experience tearing open a tea bag from a box of Saint John’s Wort I picked up at a
local health food store. Below you can see one specimen is pale and dead-looking.
This is not what you want in your herbs. Much of a plant’s power is often in the pigment so colorless
herbs will pack much less of a punch than a vivid, colorful crop if that is part of their active makeup.
On the other hand, an herb like the fruit of tribulus and many roots are naturally pale and this is
perfectly acceptable as its action is not the reliant on pigmentation phytochemicals.
Knowing SJW can be used for dye, this product troubled me and I immediately sought a better quality
herb. Please source your herbs from a reputable seller and store for your herbs properly. In contrast,
the other specimen came from Mountain Rose Herbs. It is colorful, brews a stronger tea,
and carries the telltale scent of incense SJW is known to possess.
No wonder I was not getting the sunny effect I was used to!
The example on the right is what you should look for if you are expecting noteworthy results.
Resources:
“Breverton’s Complete Herbal”
Published by: Lyon’s Press, copyright 2011
By Terry Breverton
“Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine”
Published by: DK, copyright 2016
By Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH
“Herbal Medicine for Beginners”
Published by: Althea Press, copyright 2018
By Katja Swift & Ryn Midura
http://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/st-johns-wort/
http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/perforate%20st%20Johns%20wort.html
Reader be warned...
This content is not intended as medical advice, it is simply information.
Please use wisdom, commonsense, and your best judgment.
Listen to your body, because nobody knows you better than you do.
Never hesitate to contact a licensed medical professional with your questions and concerns, or before you make any medical decision as you would not want to accidentally compromise your health in the process of trying to get better.
I am an herbalist, not a medical professional, and certainly not a doctor.
I am unqualified to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness or symptom.
I can only speak from my own unscientific anecdotal experience and relay the findings of my personal studies for you to think critically about and study thoroughly for yourself.
Always strive to be informed regarding your health and be sure any treatment or lifestyle change is safe and advisable for your individual situation.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to any symptom or health disorder.
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Hi! I am a crunchy herb-nerd from Downeast Maine. I have been, at times gracelessly, managing multiple chronic diseases at home for over ten years through holistic remediation. It started with kidney supportive dietary changes and eczema friendly food-based skin care in my late teens and now my tea cupboard is overflowing! My understanding is based mostly in western holistic herbalism but I pull a lot of theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine or wherever appropriate or useful at the time – as far as I can tell there is validity to every foundation. I am an aspiring registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, working on the long list of requirements to apply, and student of a couple online herb schools– not to mention years of self-education and self-study. One day soon I’ll be taking clients, probably over tele-meeting. In the mean time, I’m so glad and excited to be stepping out into the greater herbal world to share what I have learned and put my hard work to greater application outside of my own tiny sphere :) I’m grateful to be part of such a beautiful, benevolent subculture and human journey.
Lots of lilacs – Jennifer Sala