St. John's Wort - Medicinal Uses

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	Medicinal Uses of St. John's Wort Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar. William Wordsworth, 1798 Custom Search	Featured 5-Star Retailer:
Additional St. John's Wort Information Growing St. John's Wort Magic & Superstition Herb Index Page Ailment/Remedy Chart Site Map Home Annuals Architectural Elements Backyard Habitat Biennials Bonsai Bulbs Cactus/Xeriscaping Companions Composting Container Gardening Crafts Gardening Q/A Garden Ornamentation Gargoyles Greenhouses Ground Covers Herbs Houseplants Insects/Diseases Landscaping Organics Perennials Ponds Propagation Recipes Roses Seeds Shade Gardens Shrubs/Hedges Tools Trees Vegetables Vines Weeds Wildflowers Wildlife Shop Health	St. John's Wort has recently become one of the heavyweight herbs in medicine, mostly due to it's reputed anti-depressant effects. Lesser known medicinal attributes of this plant include usefulness as an antiseptic, pain killer, and anti-viral agent. Externally, St. John's Wort can be made into an Ointment for bruises, wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, sunburn, herpes sores, varicose veins, sciatica, and nerve pain. An Oil can be made to rub on areas affected by arthritis and rheumatism, and massaged around the spinal cord for back pain symptoms. Internally, St. John's Wort is believed to be of benefit for symptoms of depression, anxiety, cough, digestion, bronchial problems, diarrhea, menstrual problems, fatigue, flu, gout, insomnia, irritability, and ulcers. As an anti-depressant, it may take some time when used regularly to have any noticeable effects. A Tea can be made for any of the above symptoms using the leaves or flowers, and the dosage should be 1-2 cups morning and night until the symptoms retreat. Capsules can also be made from the flowers or leaves after drying and pulverizing into a powder. See the link on How to Make Herbal Capsules below for instructions. There are some drawbacks to taking St. John's Wort, so do consider these before embarking on a self-medication regimen with this herb. A study has shown that it may interfere with some of the drugs used in cases of HIV and immune suppressants used in transplant patients. If either of these categories fit your situation, please consult your doctor before taking any medications containing St. John's Wort. Side effects are also reported, including photosensitivity and a mild nauseated feeling that usually corrects itself after a few weeks of taking the medication. Lastly, in some people a rise in blood pressure after taking the herb has been reported, and there is one study that suggests that it might interfere with birth control pills, although there have been no reports of unplanned births associated with its use.	Herbkits.com is your source for indoor garden kits & supplies. Experience the joy of growing your own herbs, fruits or vegetables indoors or outdoors all year long. Our growing kits make a great gift, or a wonderful new hobby. Improve your health with all natural whole foods, beautify your home, patio, garden or deck with beautiful growing plants in our amazing versatile garden stacker planters!
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