Herbal Remedies ~ St. John's Wort

"This beautiful perennial wildflower may be hated by sheep farmers, but herbalists adore it. The flowering tops are harvested after they begin to bloom (traditionally on Solstice, June 21) and prepared with alcohol, and with oil, to make two of the most useful remedies in my first aid kit. Tincture of St. Joan's wort not only lends one a sunny disposition, it reliably relieves muscle aches, is a powerful anti-viral, and is my first-choice treatment for those with shingles, sciatica, back pain, neuralgia, and headaches including migraines. The usual dose is 1 dropper full (1 ml) as frequently as needed. In extreme pain from a muscle spasm in my thigh, I used a dropper full every twenty minutes for two hours, or until the pain totally subsided. St. Joan's wort oil stops cold sores in their tracks and can even relieve genital herpes symptoms. I use it as a sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, St. Joan's wort does not cause sun sensitivity - it prevents it. It even prevents burn from radiation therapy. Eases sore muscles, too." ~ Susun Weed

St. John's wort has long been valued for its expectorant action, clearing phlegm from the chest and speeding recovery from coughs and chest infections.

Its antibacterial and antiviral action, are active against TB and influenza A, and is being researched for its beneficial effect in the treatment of AIDS and HIV as well as cancer.

Its astringent and antimicrobial action is also found to be effective in the digestive tract where it can treat gastroenteritis, diarrhea and dysentery.

Used both internally and externally, this herb is a valued remedy for nerve pain and trauma to the nervous system.

St.John's wort can be used for neuralgia, sciatica, fibrositis, back pain, headaches, shingles, and rheumatic pain.

The herbal oil soothes and heals burns, cuts, wounds, sores, ulcers and calms inflammation.

This herb has also been used in the treatment of a number of disorders such as depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, and anxiety.

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