St. John’s wort can be used internally or externally. When used internally, it mainly has an effect on the psyche. Thus, the herb is taken for psychovegetative disorders, mild depression, mood swings, anxiety and nervous restlessness. Oily preparations can further be used internally for digestive problems.
External use of St. John’s wort
Externally, preparations of St. John’s wort are mainly applied for wound healing. Oily preparations are suitable for the treatment of:
- Wounds
- Sharp and blunt stab wounds
- Abrasions
- First degree burns
Externally, St. John’s wort can also be used for the treatment of muscle pain (myalgias). Oily preparations of the herb also show anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and circulatory effect according to studies.
In animal studies, St. John’s wort has been shown to lower elevated body temperature caused by stress or emotions.
St. John’s wort in folk medicine
St. John’s wort already looks back on a long tradition in folk medicine. Early on, it was used as a remedy for melancholy and burns, and for a long time was also considered a remedy against evil sorcery.
In today’s folk medicine, the herb is used for inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), diseases of the gall bladder and externally for the therapy of burns.
Homeopathic use of St. John’s wort.
In homeopathic medicine, St. John’s wort is used for diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, complaints related to the heart or circulation, diseases of the lower respiratory tract, and injuries. The plant is also an important remedy in anthroposophic therapy.
Ingredients of St. John’s wort
Important active substances in St. John’s wort are the so-called hypericins, which occur at a rate of 0.1-0.3%. The plant has the highest content of hypericins at the time of fully developed flowering.
In addition, St. John’s wort contains phloroglycin derivatives such as hyperforin, flavonoids, larger amounts of tannins, xanthones and essential oil.
St. John’s wort – suitable for which indications?
Indications for which St. John’s wort can help are:
- Psychovegetative disorders
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Digestive problems
- Wounds
- Stab wound
- Abrasions
- Burns
- Burns
- Muscle pain
- Gastritis
