The incredible St John’s Wort

Now we are nearing the end of the season to harvest St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) flowers. This grows like a weed in my garden. From a small plant the roots spread easily. It grows in abundance by our local river too. In Central Otago, St John's Wort has been considered a pest species as it grows prolifically there if it gets a chance. It has distinctive yellow starry flowers, but I was able to identify it from the leaves before it flowered when we moved here and I saw it growing wild. The flowers are the part that has the medicinal properties. Make sure you harvest from an area you know hasn't been sprayed.

I have been harvesting primarily to make my own oil from the flowers. The oil turns a beautiful red colour from those yellow flowers. Isn't nature wonderful? It can also be made into a tea. A tincture is not recommended for untrained herbalists.

This has thousand's of years of documented use and it has many studies to back up its efficacy. St John's Wort is one herb that has been studied extensively. So many herbs have had few studies so this one stands out when I consult the Natural Medicines Database. There are also many many noted drug interactions and precautions with medical conditions, so I would stress that if you intend to use this herb, you need to consult your naturopath, medical herbalist or medical practitioner to check for contraindications and interactions. It may also have photosensitising effects which may increase the likelihood of sunburn (from both oral and topical use).

St John's Wort has been shown in studies to be of benefit:

🌿Topically with wound healing and skin issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties whish may support the skin.

🌿Anti-inflammatory actions which may be due to the constituent hyperforin

🌿Immune boosting effects including antimicrobial, antineoplastic (anticancer), antioxidant, antiviral and immunosuppressive actions.

🌿Mood balancing due to its effect on dopamine, seratonin and norepinphrine

St John’s Wort with its distinctive sunny flowers.