St-John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
History and Origin
St John’s wort was introduced in Canada. It is now a widely spread plant, except for the Prairies. St John’s wort is a medium-sized herbaceous plant with numerous five petals flowers of a bright yellow. Petals are dented and dotted with numerous resiniferous black glands. The flowers used to enter in the preparation of mead, liquors, and a longevity elixir. Native Americans use it as a tranquilizer as well as to treat cuts, skin problems, rheumatisms, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and fever. Flower tops were also used to make dies for wool and silk. St John’s wort is widely known, notably for its antidepressant properties. It is used as an
essential oil, maceration oil, and tincture.
| Distilled part |
Leaves and seeding tops |
| Extraction |
Steam distillation |
| Main components |
a and ß-pinene, methyl-2-octane |
| Essential Oil’s Characteristics |
Transparent colorless liquid with a warm and herbaceous aroma, reminding wild carrot seed oil. |
| Properties |
St John’s wort is anti-inflammatory (mucosa)+++, anti-infectious (limited), antiseptic, antitraumatic+++ , and cicatrizing++. |
|
Uses among health professionals
|
It is used in cases of stomatitis, ulcer, inflammatory and spasmodic enterocolitis++, cystitis, pyelonephritis+++, prostatitis and vaginitis, endometritis, uterine congestion and inflammation+, and internal traumatism (to check internal sequela)+++. |
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
St John’s wort is a solar plexus toner. It builds up and reaffirms the will. This oil helps
regaining one’s freedom over life situations. |
| Chromatography typical |
Hypericum perforatum |
Safety Data
Avoid in allergic subject (in external use). Do not use in cases of testicle inflammation or cancer. The consumption of St John’s wort is photosensitizing.References
L’aromathérapie exactement, La Flore Laurentienne, The Illustraded Encyclopedia of Essential Oils and
Native American Ethnobotany.
Discharge
Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. It is important to inform yourself concerning contraindications or incompatibilities with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used according to the physiological doses.