St. John’s Wort

Health Benefits of St. John’sWort

St. John’s Wort is most famous for its ability to help with depression, including menopausal changes.  It is a classic remedy for nerve damage.  Health benefits include: 

• Has a good pain reducing effect when taken internally. This makes it a great treatment for neuralgia, fibrositis, sciatica, and rheumatism.
• Treats damage of the nerve endings, such as in burns, wounds, and trauma to the skin.
• Externally it is a valuable healing and anti-inflammatory remedy. In an ointment, it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins, and mild burns. It is excellent for speeding the recovery from sunburn.
• Used to calm muscle twitching and uncontrolled movements, such as Tourettes.
• As a sedative, it is very useful in depression, irritability, tension, stress, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, and personality disorders.
• Can be a good treatment for chronic fatigue and hypochondriasis. 
• For the treatment of depression it may be slow in action and should be taken for at least one month.

How to Use St. John’s Wort

• Use internally in tea and tinctures.
• Use externally as a poultice or in a salve. 

Directions for St. John's Wort Tea:
Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drank three times a day or as needed.

Cautions and Side Effects of St. John’s Wort 

• Safe while pregnant, nursing, and safe for children. 

Fun Facts About St. John’s Wort

• Gets its name because it’s said to bloom on the birthday of John the Baptist, June 24th.