🌿 St. John's Wort
Johanniskraut
Hypericum perforatum L.
St. John's Wort is a perennial medicinal plant with yellow flowers. The flowering herb is used. Its main constituents include hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, rutin, tannins and essential oils. St. John's Wort is traditionally used internally for nervous tension and low mood and externally as an oil extract for skin problems and minor wounds. The EMA lists St. John's Wort among others for skin disorders and minor wounds, mental stress and mood disorders, and certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Notes
St. John's Wort can increase sensitivity to sunlight and has a high potential for drug interactions. Particular caution is required with antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, warfarin and various other medicines.
Effects
- mood-enhancing
- pain-relieving
- soothing to mucous membranes
- soothing
- anti-inflammatory
- calming
- antioxidant
Conditions
- digestive complaints
- stress
- poorly healing wounds
- sleep disorders
- nerve pain
- minor burns
- skin problems
- inflammatory processes
Application Areas
- wound care
- digestion
- mucous membranes
- nervous system
- skin
Plant Parts
- herb
- flower
Preparations
- topical cream
- tincture
- tea
- dried
- extract
- infusion
Contraindications
- increased photosensitivity
- caution when taking anticoagulants, particularly warfarin
- pregnancy
- interactions should be considered when taking antidepressants
- interactions should be considered when taking hormonal contraceptives
- allergy