|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum or Klamath weed) |
St.Johns wort is a cooling, slightly bitter and aromatic herb. The tincture tastes like a field of sweet
wild flower. You can extract the herb in either alcohol or organic olive oil.
Background:
St. John's wort is promoted as an aid to alleviating mild depression.
However, it is essential to expand your understanding of this wonderful herb. It is important not to jump on the bandwagon of
"miracle cures" and see that St. John's wort has many applications.
Life style considerations must also be taken into account when using this herb.
A fast food diet, coffee, sugar and too much mass media influences cannot be cured by taking St. John's wort. Simply, herbs are not
replacements for an unhealthy lifestyle nor do they take the place of pharmaceuticals. There is a completely different theory and
paradigm that herbal medicine follows; a very different model from the current medical model.
When treating depression and similar psychological conditions, a persons
lifestyle and diet must be evaluated first. Organic foods, regular eating times, deep rest and relaxation, and time away from the
computer and TV are the stepping-stones to good health.
Application:
It is important to educate ourselves on the uses of herbs before we jump on
a bandwagon. We must do our best to make an educated decision about using herbs for our health and consult books or health care
practitioners when possible. St. John's wort can help in the following ways:
- St. John's wort is used for all kinds of pain and inflammation including external skin trauma such as burns, cuts, scrapes and abrasions. It also helps with muscular and nerve injuries such as strains, sprains, and pinched nerves. Use the oil, cream, or salve.
- Researchers have found that extracts of St. John's wort can suppress the immune response to lower excessive inflammation,
reducing pain and swelling. Use the tincture, capsules or tea.
- St. John's wort is a powerful antioxidant, more potent than many other well known tonics and protecting herbs such as Siberian
or Chinese ginseng. Use as capsules, tea or tincture.
- First degree burns and mild to moderate second-degree burns respond well to St. John's wort oil, cream, or salve. The herb speeds
the healing and eases the pain. Other herbs can be combined such as plantain, comfrey, and calendula.
- For mood swings associated with menopause or PMS, take the tincture or capsules two times a day for at least three months to see if
it helps and then stay on the herb for at least a year.
- Use St. John's wort oil to treat symptoms of ulcers, arthritis, and stiffness. Take internally one teaspoon, three times a day.
- Combine equal parts of St. John's wort with California poppy for anxiety. Take as a tincture or in capsules since this combination does
not taste good as a tea.
Bibliography
St. John's Wort by Christopher Hobbs. Covers all the uses of St. John's wort that are listed here and much more.
|
|
|
