St. John's Wort
Because Hypericum perforatum L., an aromatic perennial herb belonging to the family Hypericaceae, produces golden yellow flowers that seem to be particularly abundant on June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist, the plant is commonly known as St. John's wort. Its overground parts (leaves and flowering tops) that are medicinally applied also begin to be harvested at about that time. The plant is native to Europe but is found throughout the United States. St. John's wort was known to such ancient authorities on medicinal plants as Dioscorides and Hippocrates; indeed it is described and recommended as a useful remedy in all of the herbals down through the Middle Ages. But as with many plant drugs, it fell into disrepute in the late nineteenth century and was nearly forgotten. Quite recently, a tea prepared from the herb acquired a renewed reputation, particularly in Europe, as an effective nerve tonic, useful in cases of anxiety, depression, and unrest. Users also value it internally as a diuretic and in the treatment of various conditions, ranging from insomnia to gastritis. An olive oil extract of the fresh flowers of St. John's wort acquires a reddish color after standing in sunlight for several weeks. This so-called red oil is taken internally for the same conditions as is the tea, but it is also applied externally to relieve inflammation and promote healing. It is highly valued in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Chemical investigations have detected a number of constituents in St. John's wort, including about 1 percent of a volatile oil and approximately 10 percent of tannin. The latter compound probably exerts some wound-healing effects through its astringent and protein-precipitating actions. Much of the activity reported for the plant was initially thought to be due to the presence of hypericin, a reddish dianthrone pigment. Studies then tentatively linked the anti- depressant effects of St. John's wort to various contained xanthones and flavonoids. However, most recent investigations definitely suggest that other constituents in the whole extract, rather than hypericin and related compounds, are responsible for efficacy in mild to moderate forms of depression. Hyperforin is one currently being investigated.The exact mechanism of action by which St. John's wort improves these depressive states is still unknown. It may involve the dopaminergic system. Other proposed mechanisms of action in- clude an increase of neurotransmitters; inhibition of catechol-O- methyltransferase; modulation of cytokine activity; hormonal effects; and photodynamic effects. It is quite possible that the herb functions by a variety of these, or similar, mechanisms, thereby explaining its minimal side effects. It is a wonderful remedy for the nervous system, relaxing tension and anxiety, and lifting the spirits -it is considered specific for emotional problems during the menopause. Its tranquilizing effect has been attributed to hypericin, which reduces blood pressure, capillary fragility and benefits the uterus. St. John's wort can be used for painful, heavy and irregular periods as well as PMS. St.John's wart has a diuretic action, reducing fluid retention and hastening elimination of toxins in the urine. St.John's wort has been used to good effect for bed-wetting in children. St.John's wart is also useful for gout and arthritis. St. John's wort also has an expectorant action, clearing phlegm from the chest and speeding recovery from coughs and chest infections. St.John's wort has an antibacterial and antiviral action, active against TB and influenza A, and is being researched for its beneficial effect in the treatment of AIDS and HIV as well as cancer. Its astringent and antimicrobial action is effective in the digestive tract where it can treat gastroenteritis, diarrhea and dysentery. St.John's wort is also said to heal peptic ulcers and gastritis. Used both internally and externally, St. John's wort is a wonderful remedy for nerve pain and any kind of trauma to the nervous system. St.John's wort can be used for neuralgia such as trigeminal neuralgia and sciatica, fibrositis, back pain, headaches, shingles and rheumatic pain. The herbal oil soothes and heals burns, cuts, wounds, sores, ulcers and calms inflammation. PARTS USED Flowering tops, aerial parts. USES Nervous complaints - St. John's wort is one of the most valuable European medicinal plants for nervous problems. Herbalists have long used it as a tonic for anxiety, tension, insomnia, and depression particularly that associated with menopause. Menopause - The herb is especially helpful for menopausal problems, alleviating the symptoms of hormonal change and treating decreased vitality. Tonic properties - St. John's wort is valuable tonic for the liver and gallbladder. Infused oil - The red oil is an excellent antiseptic. Externally, it is used for wounds and burns and to relieve cramp and nerve pain. Internally, the oil maybe taken for peptic ulcers and gastric inflammation. Its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and healing powers work just as well within the body as externally. Other medical uses - Abscess, Breast cancer, Manic depression. HOMEOPATHY In homeopathy St. John's wort ( Hypericum ) is often prescribed for bodily injuries, among other conditions, but it is selected for the soothing effect it is said to have on injured nerves rather than for any traditional reason. For homeopathic use the entire plant is harvested in summer, when its yellow flowers are in full bloom. It is pounded to a pulp and soaked in an alcohol solution before being weakened to the desired potencies through a vigorous dilution process.Hypericum is used to treat shooting nerve pain that usually travels upward and nerve injuries, for example, after an operation or accident. It is the most important remedy to use whenever there is an injury to any part of the body with a high concentration of nerve endings, for example, the fingers, toes, spine, eyes, lips, nail beds, and head. Hypericum is effective for concussion with sensations in the head, such as an ice-cold feeling, and eye injuries. It acts on the spinal nerves, and is given for severe back pain that travels up or down the spine.This is an excellent first-aid remedy for any kind of puncture wound, for example, from nails, splinters, or bites, and crushed fingers or toes. Other ailments for which the remedy is used include: asthma that is worse in foggy weather; toothache with pulling or tearing pain; and discomfort after dental treatment. Hypericum is also used for nausea; indigestion, when a person has a coated tongue with a clear tip; diarrhea; bleeding, painful hemorrhoids; nerve pain in the rectum; and late menstruation accompanied by a headache. It is useful in the treatment of depression and drowsiness.
|
