|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
St. John’s
Wort
(hypericum
perforatum)
COMMON NAMES: Amber, goat weed, Johnswort, Klamath weed, Tipton weed
MEDICINAL PART: The herb.
DESCRIPTION: St. Johns Wort is a shrubby perennial plant commonly found in dry, gravelly soils, fields, and sunny places in many parts of the world, including eastern North America and the pacific coast. A woody, branched root produces many round stems that put out runners from the base. The opposite, oblong to linear leaves are covered with transparent oil glands that look like holes. Flat-topped cymes of yellow flowers, whose petals are dotted with black along the margins, appear from June to September. The fruit is a three-celled capsule containing small, dark brown seeds. The whole plant has a turpentine-like odor.
PROPERTIES AND USES: Antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary. The calming properties of St. Johnswort have been useful in treating bedwetting, insomnia, and other nervous conditions, as well as some forms of melancholy. An oil extract of the herb can be taken for stomachache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an expectorant for congestion of the lungs. A tea made from the flowers is good for anemia, headache, insomnia, joundice, chest congestion, and catarrh. A tea made from the herb has been used for uterine cramping and menstrual difficulties. The oil extract also makes a good external application for burns, wounds, sores, bruises, and other skin problems. CAUTION: St. Johnswort has sometimes poisoned livestock. Its use may also make the skin sensitive to light.
Powerful as a blood purifier. Very good in cases of tumors and boils. Very good in chronic uterine troubles, after pain in childbirth, suppressed urine, diarrhea, dysentery, and jaundice. Will correct irregular menstruation. Good in hysteria, and nervous affections. Excellent for pus in the urine. Good used externally in the form of fomentation and ointment for caked beast, all wounds, ulcers, and old sores. Will correct bed wetting in children when proper diet is given.
PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp-dried herb in 1/2-cup water for 5 minutes, covered. Take warm, 1/2 cup before breakfast and 1/2 cup when going to bed.
Oil Extract: Take 10 to 15 drops in water. To make, put fresh flowers and leaves in a jar and fill with olive oil. Close the jar and leave it in a sunny warm place for 6 to 7 weeks, shaking it often. The oil will turn red. Strain the oil through a cloth. If a watery layer appears when the oil had stood awhile, decant or siphon it off. In a dark container the oil will keep for up to two years.
