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Photos by Karen Bergeron copyright 2002 |
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Other Names: Spotted St. John's wort, Hypericum,
Klamath Weed, Touch-and-heal, Goat weed, Rosin Rose
Caution
St. John's Wort may interfere with other medications. Consult your physician
before use if you are taking any prescription medications. Can cause problems
with certain anesthesia, so notify your physician before surgery if you take St.
John's Wort.
Habitat
St. John's Wort is a perennial herb native
to North America and Canada from Nova Scotia, Ontario Quebec south to the United States,
eastern states. Found growing in open sunny or partial shady areas, along roadsides in
dry, gravelly soils.
Cultivation
St. John's Wort is easy to grow from seed or root division
in spring or autumn, in any well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in dry
soils, prefers sun or semi-shade.
Description
A woody branched root system produces many round, erect,
stems branching at the leaf axis, which are covered with dark red dots, stems are solid
dark red at base. Growing to a height of 1 to 3 feet, The leaves are opposite, sessile and
smooth edged, oblong to linear, light green and smooth, covered with small transparent oil
glands that look like holes, more visible when held to bright light. The cymes of yellow
flowers, grow atop each stem. The five petals are dotted with black along the margins, the
center or ovary is surround by many stamens, causing it to appear furry, flowers bloom
from June to September. The fruit is a three celled capsule containing small, dark brown
seeds. Gather top 6 to 8 inches of plants when flowers are in bloom, dry for later use.
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St. John's Wort Herbal Use and Medicinal
Properties
There are 400 species of St. John's Wort
found throughout the world, it has been used as a medicinal for thousands of years, but
has only recently been studied for its medicinal value. Now proven to have many highly
active compounds including rutin, pectin, choline, sitosterol, hypericin and
pseudohypericin. The flowers and leaves are medicinal as analgesic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, expectorant,
nervine, resolvent, sedative, stimulant, vermifuge and vulnerary. Some compounds
of the plant have been shown to have potent anti-retroviral activity without
serious side effects and they are being researched in the treatment of AIDS.Hypericum perforatum is
thought to be a mild
antidepressant of the class "MAO inhibitor." The mechanism by which St. John's
Wort acts as an antidepressant is not fully understood. Early research indicated that
this it mildly inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO is responsible for the
breakdown of two brain chemicals - serotonin and nor epinephrine. By inhibiting MAO and
increasing nor epinephrine, it may exert a mild
anti-depressive action. The antidepressant
or mood elevating effects of Hypericum perforatum were originally thought to be due solely
to hypericin, but hypericin does not act alone, it relies on the complex interplay of many
constituents such as xanthones and flavonoids for its antidepressant actions. Hypericum
perforatum may also block the receptors that bind serotonin and so maintain normal mood and
emotional stability.
Hypericum perforatum is used in treating a wide range of disorders,
including pulmonary complaints, bladder problems, diarrhea and nervous depression. It is
also very effectual in treating bed wetting in children. It has a sedative and pain
reducing effect, it is especially regarded as an herb to use where there are menopausal
changes triggering irritability and anxiety. In addition to neuralgic pain, it will ease
fibrosistis, sciatica and rheumatic pain. The oil extract of the plant can be taken for
stomach ache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for the congestion in the
lungs. Externally, a medicinal infusion of the flowers in olive oil is applied to wounds,
sores, burns, ulcers, swellings, cramps, rheumatism, tumors, caked breasts, and other
skin problems. It is also valued in the treatment of sunburn and as a cosmetic preparation
to the skin. Persons with fair skin should avoid exposure to strong sunlight and other
sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds, while taking St. John's Wort. These
individuals may suffer a dermatitis, severe burning, and possibly blistering of the skin.
The severity of these effects will depend on the amount of the plant consumed and the
length of exposure to sunlight.
Folklore
There are many ancient superstitions
regarding this plant, its name Hypericum is derived from the Greek and means 'over an
apparition,' a reference to the belief that it smelled so obnoxious to evil spirits that a
whiff of it would cause them to fly. The plant was given to have magical powers. In
ancient Greece, the herb was used to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous
reptile bites.
Recipes
For depression the usual dose is 300
mg 3 times a day. Timed release capsules are now on the market as well. I find
it easier to only have to remember to take it once a day. Effects should be felt
within a few weeks.
"Medicinal" tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over l-2
teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and steep for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three
times a day.
Oil: Fill a pint jar loosely with dried herb, poor
olive oil to top, seal tightly and allow to infuse for 4 to 5 weeks, shaking the jar
occasionally.
See our Library
for more articles about St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort Link page
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
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