St Johns Wort herbal tea | Hypericum perforatum

Botanical Name: Hypericum perforatum

30 grams loose leaf herb

St John's Wort is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, astringent, analgesic and a powerful nerve tonic.

It’s also a sedative and antidepressant.

St. John’s Wort is native to Britain, Europe and Asia.

Common medicinal uses include: restores and refreshes the nervous system, decreases irritability, depression and anxiety, aids in the treatment of insomnia, stabilizes mood and emotions, increase immunity.

Other uses:

Viral infections, Stress-induced gastrointestinal tract disorders such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, diarrhoea. 

Neuralgia, shingles, wounds, burns, cramp, nerve pain and rheumatic pain. An oil can be made for external use by macerating the flowering tops in sunflower, olive or wheat germ oil for 6 weeks. This can then be rubbed onto the area for relief of wounds, burns, cramps and nerve pain.

Clinical trials have shown St Johns Wort to be effective in the treatment of mild to major depression, with no known adverse mental or physical effects. When compared to the benzodiazepine, diazepam in the treatment of anxiety Hypericum extract was found to be more effective. The antiviral action is being researched for use in treating HIV and AIDS.

Actions

Anxiolitic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Anti depressant, Astringent, Relaxant. Topically: Antiseptic, Analgesic, Vulnerary

Directions:

2-4g of dried herb infused with water and taken as a tea three times per day.

Contraindications

Antidepressant drugs, Check interactions with other pharmaceutical drugs. (increases the clearance rate of some drugs), May cause photosensitivity in some individuals. (Unlikely at normal therapeutic doses.)

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.