St Johns Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is a herbal remedy that is used for instances of mild depression, anxiety, stomach disorders and it is also used topically for various maladies. There also seems to be encouraging results of its use in AIDS cases.http://www.aids.org/atn/a-074-01.html http://www.all-natural.com/hyp-1.html The above ground parts of the plants are used in preparations of herbal remedies. These remedies may be taken as a tea, topically in oils and salves, in tablets or capsules or as an alcoholic tincture.

This summary of information about St. John's Wort gives you a wide variety of information about the use of this herb, including how various preparations are used, the use of it for depression, fast facts which cover a wide range of data about the herb, and you will also find links, blogs and news for up to date information. If you have any questions about this herb, ask in the box provided to the right. A Mahalo answers section is included at the bottom of this page. A featured video shows how to make a tea from this herb.

Pills and capsule preparations of St. John's Wort are commonly taken. Dosages in studies where it has been found effective as compared to placebos ranges from 900 mg to 1500 mg per day. http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2002/stjohnswort/q-and-a.htm

Teas and infusions. Pour one cup of boiing water over 1/2 an ounce of dried material or 1 ounce of fresh herb that has been chopped finely. Steep up to 10 minutes and drink while warm. You can do this three times a day. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition, p 2132. 2009

Tinctures of the dried flowers and leaves are usually made at 1:3 ratio, 1 part herb and 3 parts 50% alcohol. See How to Make a Herbal Tincture for instructions on how to make this. The herb/alcohol mixture needs to stand for 2 weeks before the extract is filtered and bottled. Dose of this is from 1/4 to 1 teaspoon in eight ounces of water, taken up to 3 times per day. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition, p 2132. 2009

For topical treatments, you can make a salve by combining an oil extract with beeswax or you can purchase commercially available salves. The oil extract is easy to make, just put the herb in a vegetable oil, put it in the sun for six weeks and then filter out the herb. This oil, nicknamed Oil of Jesus, is soothing for muscle pains, painful joints, and arthritis, The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 3rd Edition, p 2132. 2009 medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/St.+John's+wort

There have been many studies that have demonstrated that it is more effective than placebo treatments. Physicians in Europe, particularly in Germany are much more likely to prescribe St. John's Wort than Prozac. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200103/st-johns-wort-perk-your-tea However, two recent studies indicate that this herb is not a cure for depression in severe cases. The effectiveness of this herb, as compared to commercial medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, is uncertain. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/st-johns-wort/NS_patient-stjohnswort However, since there are many negative side-effects of taking SSRIs, such as nausea, sexual difficulties, sluggishness, and sleep difficulties, and nausea. In addition, these drugs can results in a higher incidence of bone loss, falls and fractures in those over 65. http://helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm For those who experience these side effects, St. Johns Wort may seem a safer choice.