One of the quintessential herbs of summer, St. John's Wort is an incredibly useful medicine. People probably know it best as the fad "herbal anti-depressant" but this is unfortunate because it does so much more...
Here are a few of the ways that I use St John's Wort. I'm sure there are many more as it is a very useful plant!
Skin- St. John's Wort is an excellent herb for wounds and burns, whether it be from Fire or the sun. It speeds up the healing process when there is tissue damage and lessons the impact of UV radiation. I use it in both my Burn Cream and After Sun Oil. You can check these out in my shop.
Nerves- St John's Wort has the amazing ability to lesson nerve pain and even encourage the regeneration of nervous tissue that has not been completely severed. It is also helpful in eliminating scar tissue. I make a simple St. John’s Wort Oil for these uses.
Antiviral- St John's Wort can be helpful against viral infections such as herpes simplex.
Depression and anxiety- St John's Wort is a calming nervine that has a deep effect on liver metabolism. When depression is accompanied by anxiety, digestive problems, skin problems, and heat signs (redness, burning, itching, red eyes) I find st John's Wort to be very helpful. St. John's Wort enhances the liver's ability to detoxify so well that it can render some pharmaceutical medicines less effective. This may even include hormonal birth control. This is only an issue if it is taken internally.
Brewing- St John's Wort has been used in brewing for a very long time. It's delicious! I enjoy making a St John’s Wort Mead and a sparkling St John’s Wort Champagne. They both turn a deep red color! St John's Wort must be used fresh. Good St. John's Wort medicine will turn a beautiful deep crimson red.
Whether it is used o
n burned skin or taken internally for depression, anxiety, digestive problems, or for its delicious and unique floral flavor, St John's Wort is such a useful and widely acting herb! It's like golden red summer sun in a plant.
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