St. John’s wort is renowned for its treatment of depression, but it possesses other medicinal benefits, as well. It is an erect, multi-stemmed, perennial forb that grow to 3 feet tall. It has long, slender “runners” growing on and just below the soil surface. Its numerous flowers are symmetrical around a central point, growing in flat-topped clusters. They are bright yellow-orange and edged with black dots. Other common names include Klamath weed, chase-devil, goatweed, rosin rose, and Tipton’s weed.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Europe, Africa, Asia, Northern Africa, Middle East, all US states except Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Utah
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Antidepressant, antibacterial, antifungal, nervine. Used for heart palpitations, anxiety, exhaustion, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, smoking cessation, sore muscles, nerve pain, irritable bowel syndrome, skin conditions, PMS, hepatitis C, migraine, headache, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, symptoms of menopause, hemorrhoids, burns, wounds
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
St. John’s wort can be purchased in tea, pill, or liquid form. A common dosage is 2 to 4 grams three times per day. For all conditions, pour
1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons dried leaves. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink in one sitting. Cooled, this can be used as a rinse or bath for skin conditions, burns, and wounds.
