Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, restorative tonic
for the nervous system, sedative This bitter tasting herb works on the
central nervous system and has been a popular cure for neuritis. It was once
given to patients recovering from surgery because of its painkilling
properties. It is said to prevent hemorrhages. Antispasmodic, astringent,
expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, blood purifier,
tranquilizer, sedative, nervine, vulnerary, aromatic, diuretic, stimulates
digestion.
Folk remedy for bladder ailments, stab wounds, shingles, gout,
furunculosis, skin ulcers, swellings, depression, or worms. The calming
properties have been used quite successfully in treating bedwetting,
insomnia, stress reactions, hysteria and other nervous conditions. An oil
extract can be taken for stomachache, colic, intestinal problems, and as an
expectorant for colds and/or congestion in the lungs. A tea made from the
flowers is good for anemia, headache, insomnia, jaundice, chest congestion,
and catarrh, neuralgia, and rheumatic aches and pains. Excellent for pus in
the urine.
Tea made from the herb has been used for uterine cramping and menstrual
difficulties including irregular menstruation, pains following childbirth,
suppressed urine, diarrhea, and dysentery. The oil extract makes a good
external application for slow-healing cuts and burns, wounds, sores,
bruises, tumors, vericose veins, boils, and other skin problems. It is
applied as a liniment or poultice for sciatica, neuralgia and rheumatic
pains.
Contains active compounds volatile oils, tannins, resins,
choline, pectin, flavonoids (including rutin), sitosterol, hypericin (a
glycoside that is a red pigment), a polyphenolic favonoid derivative (hyperaside),
and pseudohypericin. Recent studies have found that hypericin and
pseudohypericin have potent anti-retroviral activity, without serious side
effects. Being researched for treatment of AIDS.
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St. John's Wort
