Description
St Johns Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Depression and anxiety, Viral infections, Stress induced gastrointestinal tract disorders such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, diarrhoea. 2-4g of dried herb infused with water and taken as a tea three times per day.
Neuralgia, shingles, wounds, burns, cramp, nerve pain and rheumatic pain. An oil can be made for external use by macerating the flowering tops in sunflower, olive or wheatgerm oil for 6 weeks. This can then be rubbed onto the area for relief of wounds, burns, cramps and nerve pain.
Clinical trials have shown St Johns Wort to be affective in the treatment of mild to major depression, with no known adverse mental or physical effects. When compared to the benzodiazepine, diazepam in the treatment of anxiety Hypericum extract was found to be more affective. The antiviral action is being researched for use in treating HIV and AIDS.
Actions
Anxiolitic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Antidepressant, Astringent, Relaxant. Topically: Antiseptic, Analgesic, Vulnerary
Contraindications
Anti depressant drugs, Check interactions with other pharmaceutical drugs. (increases the clearance rate of some drugs), May cause photosensitivity in some individuals. (Unlikely at normal therapeutic doses.)
