December 07, 2022

St Johns Wort 1:2 (Hypericum Perforatum)

Description:

St John’s Wort is used to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It is also used as an antiviral both internally and topically

Dosage:

2-7 mls per day, 15-50 mls per week

Parts Used:

Aerial parts

Main Actions:

  • Antidepressant
  • Nervine tonic
  • Antiviral
  • Vulnerary
  • Antimicrobial (topically)

Key Indications:

  • Depression & anxiety
  • Irritability & emotional stress
  • Menopausal symptoms & premenstrual syndrome
  • Herpes simplex, hepatitis, shingles, viral infections
  • Neuralgia, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia
  • Insomnia (sleep onset or sleep maintenance)

Major Safety Issues:

Not to be solely relied on in severe depression

High hyperforin preparations (such as tablets) are contraindicated with the following drugs: verapamil, irinotecan, imatinib, HIV drugs, cyclosporine, methadone, anticoagulants, digoxin and the oral contraceptive pill

Caution with all other drugs

Avoid excessive exposure to light