Hypericum Healer (St. John's Wort)

Member Name: Shekera

Product:	St. John's Wort
Date:	19/01/02 (1494 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ideal first aid remedy for all kinds of injury, including concussion.

Disadvantages: Seek professional advice before taking.

St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)

St John’s wort is a bushy, flowering shrub with yellow flowers which can be found the world over however, in many countries it is regarded as a weed. The tops of the plant, which should be picked when in full flower, are used as the herbal remedy.

The name St John’s Wort originates from John the Baptist, and the black marks which the leaves have were said to be a symbol of his beheading at the insistence of King Herod’s daughter, Salome.

It is an easy plant to grow, but you must ensure that you choose the right species, which is Perforatum. This species is identifiable by the oil glands in the leaves which, when held up to the light, show up as transparent dots.

St John’s wort is a very versatile herbal remedy as it can be used for many ailments – its leaves and flowers have long been used for their diuretic and anti-depressant qualities. It can also be used to treat spinal problems, skin problems, joint pain, problems associated with ageing, trauma, and eczema. St John’s wort is also very beneficial for the treatment of stomachache, colic, congestion in the lung, insomnia, anaemia, headache, jaundice, catarrh, burns, wounds, and sores, bedwetting, melancholy, uterine cramping, and menstrual problems. In addition, it makes an excellent first aid remedy for all kinds of injury, including concussion.

The Ancient Greek scholar, Galen, describes the herb as the antidote to intestinal worms and scientists have recently discovered that the herb is a source of Hypericum, which may counter the HIV virus.

It can be used in many ways, for instance, in the form of a massage lotion, compress, or salve, as a tea, tincture, or infusion, but I recommend that it is taken in capsule form which is available from the supermarket, chemist, health food shop, or online at www.thinknatural.com where you can buy a pot of fifty tables for £9.99.

For
those who are interested in making their own oil it is very easy - put the fresh leaves from the St John’s wort flowers in a glass jar and fill it with olive oil. Close the jar and leave it for six to seven weeks, shaking it often. The oil will turn red. Strain the oil through a cloth. If a water layer appears when the oil has stood for a while, decant or siphon it off. Stored in a dark container, the oil will keep for up to two years. Use the oil externally or take internally, in ten to fifteen drops of water.

It can be used in conjunction with other herbs such as angelica, chamomile, rosewood, and yarrow.

A friend introduced me to St John’s wort, after my cat seriously injured the tendons and nerves in his leg. After checking with an herbal vet that it was safe, I commenced giving it to my cat in his food – his tendons healed quickly and we were able to save his leg. It was after this that I investigated the healing properties of St John’s wort in further detail – I now take it myself to relieve joint pains, however, I am sure that it is doing much more for me than just that.

If you suffer from any of the ailments, which I have mentioned, above, I highly recommend that you give it a go for yourself.

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