WebSadhu

St John’s wort is widely available throughout Europe and Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial plant having pale green leaves, erect stems branching in upper part and bright cherry yellow flowers. It is an herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.

Botanical name: Hypericum perforatum

Family name: Hypericaceae/Guttiferae

Synonyms: Hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed

Parts used: Flowering tops

Constituents: The flower of St John wort contains oil whose colour comes from pigment named hypericin which is thought to be responsible for plant’s medicinal effects.

Medicinal Uses:

• It is used in the treatment of all pulmonary complaints and bladder troubles.
• It is useful in chronic catarrh of the lungs, bowels or urinary passages.
• It is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders for centuries.
• Externally, it can be used to treat wounds, burns, and insect bites.

Cautions:

• When used with other anti depressants, it may cause side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
• When used externally, it may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• It should be avoided during pregnancy or breast feeding.