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St. John’s Wort: Sunshine for Your Nerves and Spirit
- Jodi McKee
- Apr 16, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Often dismissed as a stubborn weed lining roadsides and filling fields, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been quietly offering its golden healing gifts for centuries. While modern gardeners might pull it out by the roots, herbalists and traditional healers know this plant is anything but ordinary.
But first, some science....
Latin Name: Hypericum perforatum
Herb Class/Action: Adaptogen, Nervine, Trophorestorative, Analgesic, Anti Depressant, Anti Inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Antiviral, Astringent, Diuretic
Parts Used: Flowering tops
Flavors: Bitter (hepatic), pungent, astringent, aromatic
Energetics: Cooling, drying
Traditional Benefits: Mood support, liver support, brain support
A Bright History Rooted in Tradition
One of the earliest accounts of St. John’s Wort dates back to the 6th century AD, when St. Columba carried a piece in his pocket, supposedly out of reverence for its namesake, St. John. And that’s just the beginning. Throughout history, this herb has been cherished for its brightening effect on the spirit and its ability to mend both emotional and physical wounds. In modern herbal medicine, it's considered both an adaptogen and a trophorestorative, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress while restoring and nourishing the nervous system over time.
What’s Inside the Magic?
Much of the mood-enhancing magic of St. John's Wort can be credited to hyperforin, a phytochemical that slows the reabsorption of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In simpler terms? It helps your brain keep more of the "happy" stuff circulating.
Germany’s Commission E (the herbal world’s equivalent of the FDA) officially approves the internal use of St. John’s Wort for:
Mild to moderate depression
Psycho-vegetative disturbances
Anxiety
Nervous unrest
Emotional & Nervous System Support
St. John’s Wort is a go-to ally for:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Mild depression and mood dips
Stress and nervous tension
Nerve damage and neuralgia
Whether you're feeling like a fog has settled over your mental landscape or your nervous system is shot from stress, this herb works gently over time to lift the spirit and repair the frayed wires of the nervous system.
The Topical Powerhouse: More Than Mood Support
Internally, it soothes your soul. Externally, it soothes your skin and nerves.
When the cheerful yellow flowers are infused in oil, they turn a rich red hue, a visual hint at their deep healing potential.
That red oil has been used for centuries as a salve for:
Burns (first-degree)
Bruises and contusions
Sprains, strains, and muscle aches
Nerve pain, sciatica, and shingles
Minor wounds and abrasions
It’s no wonder it’s been called “arnica for the nerves.”
St. John’s Wort’s anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, vulnerary, and analgesic properties make it a reliable choice when the nervous system needs a warm herbal hug—especially when pain, inflammation, or overexertion are in the picture.
Internal Benefits: PMS, Menopause & More
This herb doesn’t stop at mood and muscles.
Research shows that St. John's Wort can also ease:
PMS symptoms: Cramps, irritability, breast tenderness, and food cravings. One study even showed a 50% reduction in symptom severity.
Menopause symptoms: When combined with black cohosh, St. John’s Wort has shown promise in easing mood swings and anxiety associated with menopause.
Proceed With Caution: Who Should Avoid St. John’s Wort?
While it's a powerhouse herb, it’s not for everyone.
Here’s who should steer clear (or work closely with a qualified practitioner):
Pregnant women – It can increase uterine tone and possibly lead to miscarriage.
Breastfeeding parents – It may cause drowsiness, fussiness, or colic in babies.
Anyone on prescription medications – It’s known to interfere with many medications, including birth control, antidepressants, blood thinners, and more.
Pre-surgery patients – Avoid at least 5 days before surgery due to the risk of medication interaction.
How to Use St. John's Wort
Infused oil — Topically for nerve and muscle pain
Tincture or capsule — For emotional support and nervous system balance (with professional guidance)
Salve or balm — For skin trauma and soreness
Flower essence — To support emotional healing after trauma
How to Use St. John's Wort
Infused oil — Topically for nerve and muscle pain
Tincture or capsule — For emotional support and nervous system balance (with professional guidance)
Salve or balm — For skin trauma and soreness
Flower essence — To support emotional healing after trauma
In a Nutshell
St. John’s Wort brings light where there’s darkness, calm where there’s tension, and healing where there’s trauma—both physical and emotional. Whether it’s showing up in your tea, oil, tincture, or balm, this sunny wildflower is a small but mighty addition to any herbal toolkit.
Just remember: while it's widely available, it's not a one-size-fits-all herb. Always consider your individual health profile or consult a trained herbalist (hi, that’s me!) if you’re unsure.
Here’s to finding light in the shadows and herbs that hold your hand along the way.
With love and herbal cheer,
Jodi
Certified Herbalist | Nature Nerd | Nervous System Whisperer
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Research
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