Note: Herbal monographs are an effective way to present information on an individual herb, however please be aware that these are for information and education purposes only. We always advise seeing a professional medical herbalist if you are taking medication, pregnant or are suffering from a medical complaint.

Name: Hypericum perfoliatum (Hypericaceae) St John's Wort
Parts Used: Whole plant when (or before) flowering.
Native To: Europe
Trad Use: Insanity (middle ages), SAD
Mod Use: Anti-Depressant, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Sedative, Anti-Viral, Anti-Septic, Anti-Inflammatory, Alterative, Vulnerary, Diuretic, Astringent.
Pharmacy:
Tincture: 1:5 45%.
Oil: Oil should lbe sun infused.
Infusion:
Indications:
Nervous System: Neuralgia, sciatica, concussion of spine, chronic & post-operative pain, physical shock, anxiety, stress, depression (especially due to over stimulation)
Musculo-skeletal System: disorders of nervous origin: chorea & tetanus, temporary relief for Parkinsonism, cramps of terminal disease.
Reproductive: Depressions including Pre-Menstrual Tension/Syndrome (PMT/PMS), menopause, post-natal depression & menstrual cramps.
Immune herpes infections. Some authors suggest pulsing with Echinacea for infections.
Misc:
Constituents:
Essential oil: caryophyllene, methyl-2-octane, n-nonane, n-octanal, n-decanal, - & - pinene, traces of limonene & myrcene
Hypericins: hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin
Misc: flavonoids (+)- & (-)- epicatechin
Actions: Hypericin (red cpt) is a dehydrodianthrone (anthraquinone), it does not break down in the bowel. It has antidepressant and antiviral actions
Hypericins are MOAI
Hyperforin is considered an antidepressant
Contraindications: Not suitable for use during pregnancy. Not suitable if you are taking any prescription medicine including the contraceptive pill without consultation with your herbalist or doctor. May cause photosensitization (increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light)
References: References