Hypericum perforatum
Jekkapedia
Hypericum perforatum, St John’s Wort
Family: Clusiaceae
Genus: Clusiaceae
Lightly scented yellow flowers with tiny black gland dots. Small stalkless, oval, green leaves covered with tiny translucent resin glads that look like small spots. Important medicinal herb.
Characteristics:
St John’s Wort can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka’s Herbetum and is available to buy as both herb plants and online as herb seeds.
Details
Growing
• Indoor Sowing: In late spring, into prepared plug trays or pots, do not cover. Put in a cold frame.
• Outdoor Sowing: In early summer, into a well-drained soil with a sunny situation. Thin to 20cm apart.
Medicinal
St. Johns Wort is probably best known for its use in mild to moderate depression. However, it has other helpful attributes. Traditionally it has been used by herbalists to ease nerve conditions such as neuralgia, sciatica, cold sores and anxiety, particularly that associated with the menopause. Infusing the flowers in oil creates a deep red coloured oil that is used for its vulnery (healing) qualities, for example in wounds, bruises and shingles. It has a long history of use and was named ‘Hypericum’ by the 1st century Greek physician, Dioscorides. The name translates as ‘over an apparition’, a reference to its presumed ability to enable exorcism.
Caution: St Johns Wort should be avoided when taking certain pharmaceutical medicines. These include anti-coagulants, calcium channel blockers, chemotherapy, digoxin, finasteride, HIV medication and immunosuppressants. It may also be wise to avoid taking this herb alongside oral contraceptives as it may increase the body’s metabolism of the drug making its contraceptive action less effective, but the clinical evidence to support this is contradictory. This herb can also cause photosensitivity so should be avoided by anyone with this tendency or who may be taking photo-sensitising medication.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
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