Focus
on Herbs: St. John's Wort
by
Lynne Latella
The Holy
Herb
In the
Middle Ages,
special flowers and plants were often consecrated to particular saints,
especially if the plants had medicinal properties. St. John’s Wort was so named
because either the flowers
bloomed on the anniversary of the beheading of St. John or because early Christians
believed
that the plant released its blood-red oil on that date. Whatever the
explanation, it has been used for over 2,000 years, primarily to heal
wounds.
Thought to have magical properties that kept ghosts away for one year,
it was
hung in houses as protection against evil spirits and thunder. Legend
has it that
if a woman picks the plant on the night of St. John’s anniversary and
hangs it
in her bedroom, she will dream of her future husband.
The Greeks
used St. John’s
Wort to heal wounds
and dispel melancholy. A concoction of flowers infused in olive oil was
prepared to ease pain, close wounds and reduce swelling and bruising.
Flower-soaked brandy was drunk to ease depression and madness. Early
colonists
thought they introduced it into the New World,
but discovered that the natives were already aware of it for use in
treating
snakebites, fever, diarrhea, wounds, asthma, hemorrhoids and skin
problems.
The
Russians and Germans
have discovered through extensive research that the herb contains a
high
concentration of flavenoids, an immune system stimulant, which is
successful as
an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and
anti-viral remedy. The most dramatic discovery may be its effectiveness
against
a family of viruses, including HIV. It can also be used for muscle
knots,
female problems (including mood-related menopausal symptoms), sciatica,
tumors,
boils and blood purification.
Although it
has been prescribed
for depression, St. John’s
Wort shouldn’t be considered an instant anti-depressant. It may take
several
months for its full effects to be achieved, and even then, it works
best for only
mild to moderate depression. It should be noted that there can be some
side
effects associated with this herb, namely stomach upset and
photosensitivity.
It shouldn’t be taken in combination with some substances, including
coffee, beer,
wine, dairy, chocolate, smoked or pickled food, anti-depressants, amino
acids,
decongestants and inhalants. Always check with a health care
professional
first, particularly if there is a history of high blood pressure or
during
pregnancy or lactation.
The Coop
carries various
forms of St. John’s
Wort, such as capsules, compounds, tinctures and teas.
Serenity Tea
Steep 1 to
2 tsp dried St. John’s
Wort in 1 cup of
boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day for
depression
or to stimulate the immune system.
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