Widely Used
St. John’s Wort has become a popular herbal supplement for treatment of mild depression. It can be found in most drug stores, stocked alongside other common vitamin and mineral supplements. Television news segments, newspaper and magazine articles, review studies and publicize testimonies regularly. Everyone seems excited by the prospect of a natural antidepressant, without all the troubling side effects of traditional drugs. There are, however, many other medicinal uses for St. John’s Wort.
A Long History
Histories dating back to the Crusades mention the use of St. John’s Wort as a balm to treat battle wounds. It’s natural astringent, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent compound for cleaning and healing wounds.
Applied topically, St. John’s Wort treats diseases that directly affect the spleen. It relieves the pain and inflammation of bruises, varicose veins, burns and gout. It also relieves sciatica, neuralgia and rheumatic pain. When taken internally it acts as a pain relieving sedative and treats neuralgia, anxiety and nervous tension.