Constituents: flavonoids, hypericins, essential oil.
Action: alterative, astringent, antiviral, relaxing nervine, anti-depressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, cardio-tonic. Analgesic (external).
Topical. Antiseptic, analgesic (mild). To promote coronary flow and strengthen the heart.
Uses: Neuralgia (facial and intercostal), sciatica, concussion of the spine, post-operative pain and neuralgia, physical shock. Pain in coccyx, polymyalgia with tingling of fingers or feet, to reduce pain of dental extractions. Injuries to flesh rich in nerves – finger tips or sole of feet. Shooting, stitching pains. Punctured wounds: bites of dogs (rabies), cats, rats where pain shoots up the arm from the wound. Painful piles. Chorea. Tetanus. Temporary relief reported in Parkinsonism. Has been used with some success in relieving cramps of terminal disease. Anxiety, stress, depression. Menopausal nervousness. Menstrual cramps.
Researchers have shown that the herb possesses radioprotective properties. (Biol. Nauki. 1992 (4) 709)
Preparations: Average dose: 2-4 grams, or equivalent in fluid form. Thrice daily. Tea: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup of boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half a cup. Liquid Extract: 15-60 drops in water.
Tincture BHP (1983). 1:10 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Flowers: steeped in Olive oil offer a good dressing for burns, sores and stubborn ulcers. Oil of St John’s Wort, (topical).
Compress, or wet pack for wounds or rheumatism: tea rinse.
Keynote: depression
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