St. John’s Wort for Emotional Disorders

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States. It is a shrubby perennial plant with bright yellow flowers. St. John's wort was named because the flowers were said to bloom for the first time around June 24, the birthday of St. John the Baptist. The word "wort" means "plant" in Old English.

St. John’s Wort is commonly associated with depression. Many herbalists feel, however, that it is best suited to mild cases of the blues, especially when related to seasonal affective disorder or lack of healing energy from  the sun. Studies are still going on for the treatment of other emotional disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), menopausal mood swings, and premenstrual syndrome.

I first think of St. John’s Wort as being a nervous system tropical restorative. Besides lifting the spirits, St. John’s Wort brings relief to painful and even infected nerves. I use the oil or liniment on nerve pain such as sciatica. It’s also a fabulous match for viruses that attack the nervous system such as in the case of cold sores and shingles.

Externally it has wonderful healing abilities against rashes, burns, and wounds. Some people use the oil to prevent sunburns and an external wash to heal sunburns. Other herbalists caution against too much St. John’s Wort causing photo sensitivity.
If taken for some time St. John’s Wort can help ease insomnia and promote restful sleep. Gail Faith Edwards has used it to help her children with bed wetting.

Other uses of St. John’s Wort are Hypothyroidism Neuralgia, sciatica and back pain, Pain from deep wounds, cold sores and herpes, Spinal problems, Joint pain, Aging Trauma and Eczema. Also St. John’s Wort is Indicated for Stomachache, colic, lung congestion, insomnia, anemia, headaches, jaundice, catarrh, Carcinoma (type of cancer), bedwetting, melancholy, uterine cramps, menstrual problems, antidote for intestinal worms.

Side Effects: Not to be taken together with the contraceptive pill, anti-epilepsy treatments and a number of other medications including anti-depressants. Consult your doctor first if you are using any of these.
 
Dosages: St. John's Wort can be obtained in many forms: capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas, and oil-based skin lotions. Chopped or powdered forms of the dried herb are also available. Most products are standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin.
Dry herb (in capsules or tablets): The usual dose for mild depression and mood disorders is 300 mg (standardized to 0.3% hypericin extract), 3 times per day, with meals. St. John's Wort is available in time-release capsules.

St. John’s Wort is also available as a liquid extract or a tea. Ask your doctor to help you find the right dose.

It may take 3 - 4 weeks to feel any effects from St. John's Wort. 

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