Health Benefits: St. John's wort shows great promise as an antiviral and antinflammatory agent and is being researched for its potential benefit to AIDS patients. It has long been used as a remedy for uterine cramping, mild depression, bedweeting, and anxiety. St. John's wort is used internally and externally for pain relief. One of its main active ingredients, Hypericin, is a strong antiinflammatory and can penetrate through the skin when applied locally as an oil. This warming and soothing oil is used externally for wounds, nerve pain, trauma due to tension or accidents and burns. The oil or tincture applied locally is one of the most effective remedies. 

Part Used: Flowers, Leaf

Uses: Abrasions, bleeding (external), burns (2nd degree), cuts, depression(mild), ear (middle inflammation, herpes, hyperactivity, hypochondra, itching, insomnia, jet lag, mumps, nettle sting, neuritis, numbness, pain, phlebitis, poison oak, rheumatism (chronic), sciatica (acute), shingles, sprains, sunburn, teething, tendinitis, vaginal dryness, viral infection, wounds. 

Caution: Avoid regular use of this herb if you are taking pharmaceutical MAO-inhibitors. St. John's wort has caused photodermatitis in cows and sheep who have eaten large quantities of the fresh herb. It is recommended to avoid bright sunlight when taking therapeutic doses of the herb extract, particularly if you have fair skin. 

REMEMBER: Always check with your primary physician or a qualified herbalist before starting a treatment with herbs that have cautions. 



** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **