St. John's wort

The image above comes from the class lesson I attended.

The herbarium is posted.  Love and Light!

On to St. John's Wort.

Constituents: Petersen (2018) says anthraquinone derivatives (hyperacin, pseudohypericin – both have anti-depressive and antiviral properties), hyperforin (a phloroglucinol derivative) inhibits the reuptake of neurotramsitters, xanthones and flavonoids such as flavonols, flavones, glycosides, bioflavonoids, catechins; the volatile oil has hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes and monosesquiterpenes. Alpha-pinene, carophyllene, caffeic acid derivatives, chlorogenic acids, carotenoids, choline, nicotinamide, pectin, tannins and phenols (p. 204-5). Chevallier (2016) says phloroglucinols (hyperforin), polycyclic diones (hypericin), and flavonoids (p. 106). Hoffman (2003) says volatile oil (caryophyllene, methyl-2-octane, n-nonane, n-octanal, n-decanal, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene), naphthodianthones (hypericin, pseudohypericin), phloroglucinols (hyperforin), catechins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids (hyperoside, rutin) (p. 559). Gladstar (2012) says hypericin, hyperiforin, pseudohypericin, procyanidins, tannins, and flavonoids (p. 199).
Therapeutic Actions: Petersen (2018) says antibacterial, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, astringent, sedative, vulnerary (p. 205). Chevallier (2016) says antidepressant, anxiolytic, antiviral, wound healer, and anti-inflammatory (p. 106). Hoffman (2003) says anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, nervine, sedative and antimicrobial (p. 559). Clark (2011) anti-inflammatory, astringent, nervine, and vulnerary and is a choice for infant care as a result (p. 52). Gladstar (2012) says antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory (p. 199). Kennedy (2007) says antidepressant and antiviral (p. 216).

Indications: Petersen (2018) says anxiety, depression, duodenal ulcers, dyspepsia, fibrositis, first-degree burns, gastric ulcers, herpes, infections, myalgia, nervous unrest, neuralgia, sciatica, skin inflammation, wounds (p. 205). Chevallier (2016) says depression, viral infections such as flu, herpes, and hepatitis B and C, restorative, neuroprotective, nervous exhaustion, decreased mood, seasonal affective disorder, chronic anxiety, insomnia, knife/stab wounds, promotes healing following surgery and burns, neuralgia, shingles, sciatica, and toothaches (p. 106). Hoffman (2003) says sedative, pain-relief, neuralgia, anxiety, tension, menopausal irritability/anxiety, depression (may be overblown), fibrositis, sciatica, rheumatic pain, used as a lotion for wound healing, bruises, varicose veins, mild burns; infused oil for sunburns; twitching, nerve injuries in joints, extremities, teeth/gums, promotes elimination of catabolic waste, sacral spine pain, coccyx, traumatic shock, hemorrhoids (with pain/bleeding), fascial neuralgia, neurasthenia, and chorea (p. 559). Clark (2011) says (topically) bruises, mild burns, sores, skin problems such as rashes, dry/irritated skin, achy back/neck, nerve pain, sciatica, sunburn, varicose veins, eczema, psoriasis, teething rash, surgical scars, insect bites and stings, the tea quiets/relaxes the mind, anxiety, bed-wetting, depression, nervous disposition, and traumatic shock (p. 52-3). She adds ear pain on page 84. She also adds hand foot and mouth disease on page 91.  She adds sprains on page 94.  Gladstar (2012) says burns, bruises, cuts, skin injuries, ear infections, Bell’s palsy, multiple sclerosis, nervous system diseases, sciatica, mild depression, anxiety, stress, tension, nerve damage, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (p. 198, 200). Kennedy (2007) says arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, muscle aches, and sciatica (p. 216).

Safety/Contraindications: Petersen (2018) says not to use this with tricyclics, SSRIs, or medications that are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 metabolic pathway. However, the Herb Research Foundation says the P450 information is incorrect. Potential side effects include: emotional vulnerability, fatigue, pruritus, weight increase and photosensitivity. When taking this herb, avoid foods that have tyramine, alcohol, tyrosine, narcotics, amphetamines, and manufactured cold/flu medicine. Uterotonic activity has been observed with this herb but is very slight.  Use in limited doses during pregnancy and lactation. Chevallier (2016) says this interacts with certain medications, reducing the length they stay in the blood stream, thereby reducing their effectiveness (p. 106). Hoffman (2003) says using 1mg or less has had no effects reported. High doses may cause photosensitization. Increases serotonin when using other SSRIs so use caution or do not use at all in combination with these drugs. Affects the cytochrome P450 system – reduces effectiveness of nonesdating antihistamines, oral contraceptives, some antiretroviral drugs, antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers (heart medication), cyclosporine, select chemotherapeutic drugs, macrolide antibiotics, and some antifungals (p. 559). Clark (2011) says photosensitivity is a potential side effect and not to use this with antidepressants or severe depression or MAO inhibitors (p. 53). Gladstar (2012) says it can cause photosensitivity.  Use for depression with consult of a professional. It takes weeks for this herb to be effective for depression and there may be negative effects using it with drugs.  Use while pregnant only under the care of a professional (p. 199).

Have a Great Day!