Beautiful St. John's Wort as a Natural Antidepressant

St. John's Wort (lat. Hypericum perforatum) is a very well-known medicinal herb with a wide range of uses. St. John's Wort was already known to people in ancient times; both Greeks and Romans believed that St. John's Wort could ward off evil spirits, which is why they hung bunches of the plant above their household altars. St. John's Wort was also used to ward off storms and fire. Paracelsus himself called it the best herbal medicine in the world.

Preserved records mention St. John's Wort in Dioscorides' work, where it appears as an herb for treating burns and sciatica. According to a well-known legend, its name is derived from the martyr John the Baptist. During his execution, the Baptist's blood dripped onto the yellow St. John's Wort flowers, which is why today, when we cut the plant, red juice flows from it. Among people, it is also known as John's blood or St. John's herb. Reference to St. John's Wort can be found in the oldest surviving pharmacopoeia of monastic medicine; in the Lorsch Pharmacopoeia, which states that " St. John's Wort is recommended against melancholy." At the turn of the Middle Ages and modern era, it was the primary herb used for exorcising the devil, which is why it was called fuga daemonum, meaning the flight of demons or devils.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is administered for acute hepatitis, appendicitis, and even for snake bites.

St. John's Wort can be found in dry soils along roadsides, in pastures, meadows, shrublands, and in grassy areas. It is deliberately cultivated on various continents, in Europe particularly in Hungary, in southern Africa, in New Zealand, and in other locations.

Common folk names for St. John's Wort include bell, sorcerer, lovewort, St. John's herb, circle, Mother of God's root, and Virgin Mary's flower. The Latin name for St. John's Wort means perforation. This is probably why we know it as St. John's Wort (perforatum - perforated). In England, the name St. John's Wort is widespread.

Growing St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (lat. Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herb that belongs to the St. John's Wort family (lat. Hypericaceae). It grows to a height of 50-60cm. It thrives well in sunny or shaded locations, in well-drained soil. It has a long upright stem that branches toward the top. When cut, the stem is round, slightly flattened, and has 2 ridges. Its leaves are sessile, 1-3cm long. When viewed against the light, the leaves appear dotted, which is caused by glands containing essential oil located in the leaf mesophyll. St. John's Wort flowers form cymose inflorescences, which can be seen from May to August. The flowers are bright yellow.

According to folk traditions, St. John's wort is gathered during the night of St. John's Day. Moonlight is said to multiply the plant's healing properties and gives it the power to enchant love.

St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant

St. John's wort is good for nerves, acts as a diuretic, cholagogue and mild antiseptic. It effectively works against viruses, bacteria and fungi. We use it for liver and gallbladder diseases, for phlebitis, urinary tract infections, various gynecological inflammations, to support the treatment of Bechterew's disease and multiple sclerosis. It has a very positive effect on metabolism and favorably influences nervous system activity. It also positively affects human psyche and provides support for anxiety and insomnia. Seasonally, St. John's wort can be used for winter depression, spring fatigue, emotional pain and during menopause. St. John's wort is also used to treat wounds, burns, bruises, skin ulcers and fungal infections. It is most commonly prepared as a mouthwash. It belongs to photodynamic plants that cause photoallergies, meaning pathological sensitivity to sunlight. During St. John's wort use, it is not advisable to expose yourself to sun radiation for extended periods. In folk medicine, it is the main herb for treating rheumatism.

St. John's wort contains tannins (10-12%), essential oil (0.2%), flavone glycosides, dianthrones, hypericin, vitamin C, provitamin A. According to research, hypericin, a substance contained in St. John's wort, supports cell respiration and metabolism in the organism.

Beneficial St. John's wort tea

We prepare it by pouring 250ml of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the mixture, letting it steep for 10 minutes. Then we strain the mixture and drink it. St. John's wort tea is very delicious. Always brew the tea fresh and flavoring is not recommended. Regular use for 3 weeks in doses of 3 times daily is recommended to achieve the desired effect. During consumption of St. John's wort tea, prolonged sun exposure is not recommended. St. John's wort also affects how many medicines work: it reduces the reliability of hormonal contraception and must not be combined with antidepressants. If you take any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

To support digestive system function, it is suitable to prepare an herbal blend composed of equal parts of St. John's wort, chamomile, lemon balm, and agrimony. For preparing an effective drink, we use 1 tablespoon of the mixture, pour 300ml of boiling water over it and let it steep for 20 minutes. Then we strain the prepared drink and consume it unflavored 3-4 times daily.

Tip in conclusion

St. John's wort, also known as perforate St. John's wort, blooms with beautiful yellow flowers that make it impossible to overlook. It is an undemanding perennial herb. We harvest the top 15-30 cm of the plant, which we dry in layers or bundles. We utilize the medicinal effects of St. John's wort for digestive tract disorders, urinary and reproductive system ailments, and skin conditions. It significantly helps with depression, anxiety states, and improves sleep quality.