A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Other Names: St John's Wort, Hardhay, Amber, Goatweed, Tipton weed, St John's Word, Witches Herb, Devil's Scourge, touch and Heal, Lord God's Wonder  Plant, Hypericum Perforatum
Traditional Usages: Neuralgia, Sciatica, Concussion of the Spine, Physical Shock, To Reduce Pain of Dental Extractions, Injuries to Finger Tips and Soles of Feet, Stitching Pains, Punctured Wounds, Dog Bites, Cat and Rat bites, Painful Piles, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Menopausal Nervousness, Menstrual Cramps, Bladder Problems, Suppression of Urine, Dysentery, Diarrhea, Jaundice, Hysteria, Nervous Depression, Hemorrhages, Coughing Up Blood, Dispelling Worms from the body, Children with Night Incontinence, Bathe Wounds, Skin Sores and bruises, Burns, Antiseptic, Insect Bites, Snake Bites
Resources: Britain, Europe, Asia and Worldwide
Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers, Stems, Oil
Administration Method: Chopped herb, herb powder, liquid and solid preparations for internal use.  Liquid and semi-solid preparations for external use.
Herb Action: Astringent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, antitumor, restorative tonic for the nervous system, sedative, stimulates bile flow
Herbal Research: St John's Wort
Health Warning:  Always seek professional medical advice before taking St John's Wort, especially if taking prescribed medication. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

St John’s Wort – Herbal remedy for Bee Sting: Make a paste out of St. John's wort oil and bentonite clay and apply it directly on the bee stings. The clay will help draw the poison right out of the bite and the St. John's wort will help eliminate some of the pain with its anti-inflammatory properties.

St John's Wort – Herbal remedy for Bipolar Disorder: St. John's wort may help with the depression associated with bipolar disorder. However use it with care because it can interact with medicatons, including antidepressants. It is effective for mild to moderate, but not severe, depression. St. John's wort may help relieve sleep problems, lethargy and sadness associated with depressive phases of bipolar disorder. The suggested dosage for St. Johns wort is 200-1000 milligrams per day. Start at the lower dosage and work up slowly. Discontinue if there are any apparent side effects.
Health Warning: Talk to your physician before using St. John's Wort to treat bipolar disorder. In rare cases St. John's Wort may cause headaches and nausea, use it with care because it can interact with medicatons, including antidepressants. Discontinue if there are any apparent side effects.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Bulimia: St John's Wort is an antidepressant and reduces cravings. St. John's  Wort is most often taken in liquid or pill form. The dried herb may also be used as a tea. The most common dose used is 300 milligrams; three times a day. Tea is typically made by adding one tablespoon of dried or fresh herb to a cup of hot water. It is recommended to be taken three times a day.
Health Warning: Research has shown that St. John’s Wort interacts with many medications in ways that can interfere with their intended effects. Seek the advice of your medical doctor before using this herbal remedy.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Fibromyalgia:  St John's Wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's Wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. It also has antiviral properties. Choose a standardized extract and take 300 milligrams three times daily.
Health Warning: Do not take St. John's Wort if you are taking conventional antidepressants.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Urinary Incontinence: Take 300 milligrams of standardized extract of St. John's Wort, two or three times daily. It may help relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Health Warning: St. John's Wort may cause side effects such as anxiety, irritability, upset stomach and rash. It can also interfere with several medications and should be used only after consulting your medical doctor.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Menopause: St. John's Wort is effective for treating mild to moderate depression.  As mild depression is a common effect of menopause, menopausal women should take St. John's Wort. Take a 300 milligrams tablet three times daily.
Health Warning: Research has shown that St. John’s Wort interacts with many medications in ways that can interfere with their intended effects. Seek the advice of your medical doctor before using this herbal remedy.

St John's Wort – Herbal remedy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: St. John's Wort is a shrub used to treat nervous conditions and chronic pain. You can make teas, extracts and oils from the flowers, it can treat anti-anxiety. A standardized extract may be useful for mild cases of OCD. You can use capsules or tincture. It may take up to six weeks to feel any effects.
Health Warning:  Do not combine St John's Wort with other anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Discontinue use if you develop gastrointestinal problems. Discuss using St. John's Wort with your medical doctor.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Rickets:  One tablet of 300 milligrams may be given once daily to children aged 12 and over. However read instructions on label regarding dosage for all children.
Health Warning: Consult your medical doctor before giving St. John's Wort to your child.

St John's Wort and Horsetail Juice - Herbal remedy for Shingles: St. John's Wort and horsetail juice help rebuild nerves. To obtain the juice grind a handful of both herbs fresh or dried with five tablespoons of water. Take one tablespoon of juice daily.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Social Phobia: St. John's Wort can help treat depression and anxiety. A 300 milligrams capsule can be taken three times a day.

St John's Wort - Herbal remedy for Stress: St John's Wort can help relieve stress. Take 900 milligrams of St John's Wort twice daily.
Health Warning: Research has shown that St. John’s Wort interacts with many medications in ways that can interfere with their intended effects. Seek the advice of your medical doctor before using this herbal remedy.

• Bee Stings
• Bipolar Disorder
• Bulimia
• Fibromyalgia
• Menopause
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Rickets
• Shingles
• Social Phobia
• Stress
• Urinary Incontinence