Early records retrieved, pertaining to the use of the Hypericum perforatum species, date back to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. English medical practitioners have used the plant as far back as the 1600s.
“Wort” means plant, and “St. John” refers to the Saint John the Baptist. The plant blooms and is harvested during the time of his birthday, June 24.
The perennial plant grows in the subtropical regions of North America and Europe, West Africa, and some parts of Asia. It is found in woods, open fields, and by roadsides. The plant is most abundant in areas of heavy winter or summer rainfall. Its seeds are vulnerable to low temperature.
If consumed in large doses it is harmful to grazing livestock.
Because of the danger to livestock, the United States introduced Klamath weed beetles (Chrysolin quadrigemina) to biologically control its growth, reducing its population substantially.
It is a commonly prescribed medicinal herb used frequently by German physicians for the treatment of first-degree burns, depression, and anxiety.
Editor’s Note: Homeopathic physicians have used Hypericum perforatum since the early 1800s for injuries to nerves, puncture wounds, and infections.
Warning
For those who use St. John’s wort in conjunction with any other medication, it is critical that they inform their physicians.
A Readily Tolerated, Non-Habit-Forming Anti-Depressant
The plants’ extractives have recently become popular as a readily tolerated, non-addictive medicine to combat mild depression. Several studies substantiate these findings. This natural remedy does not work instantly, but requires several days or even several weeks before results can be discerned. The plant’s effective components are hyperforin and hypericin, which create a mild to moderate uptake of serotonin, and effect levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. Anti-depressant prescription drugs produce similar effects but are often accompanied by toxic side effects.
The Dose Must be Correct
The correct dosage plays an important role in usage as an antidepressant. Some studies recommend 900 mg of St. John’s wort extract, while others go as high as 1800 mg. Drinking St. John’s Wort tea never reaches those levels and neither do over-the-counter preparations. Such preparations amount to a mere 180 mg per capsule, meaning one would have to take ten per day to achieve the desired results. Read labels carefully. Some preparations claim their product “contains 300 mg of St. John’s wort,” but that is the macerated plant powder and NOT the plant’s concentrated extract. These studies don’t intend to diminish the thousand-year-old studies into the efficacy of St. John’s wort tea preparations, but merely indicate that research is still inconclusive.
Tried and True in Folk Medicine
St. John’s wort’s “Rotoel” tincture has earned its place in folk medicine. It is used for wound healing and skin protection, and with its antiseptic properties has been used in hospitals, being gentle enough for newborns as well as the aged. Hypericum is a known bacteria fighter. The tincture is also popular as a rub for sciatica, arthritis, and gout. It can ease pain in muscles and sprains, and provide relief for hematomas and shingles, with the added benefit of it’s being ingestible. The plant extract is also helpful for menstrual cramps and puberty health issues. To make the oil/extract, the blossoms are immersed in olive oil and left it in the sun for two months.
Care During UV Light Exposure
Those who are hypersensitive to light might do well to avoid St. John’s wort altogether, since hypericin increases UV light intolerance. Light-skinned people or those with sensitive skin ought to avoid UV light exposure while taking St. John’s Wort, because in especially high dosages the effect from UV light will be magnified. Perhaps this could be one reason why those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience positive results while taking St. John’s wort.
Reference: The Biological Control of Pests, http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/B/Biocontrols.html
