Provider Outdoors- St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort. Most people know this plant as a mood stabilizer or enhancer used to treat depression. Here’s the thing, this plant is actually so much more! (Side note, in my weird narrator voice: As far as herbalism goes, St. John’s wort isn’t actually an antidepressant—it a mild nerve sedative which the body can interpret as having positive effects on mood…anywhooo…back to the post).

Beyond it’s fame for use with depression, this plant is an epic nerve trophorestorative. What the heck is that, you say? It helps rebuild and tone nerves (think repairing and exercising weak or damaged muscles but for your nerves). Nerves that experience damage from oxidative stress, repetitive use or injury, nervousness and anxiety (long term held tension in the body) are slow to recover. This plant can help aid in the restoration process. And, since it’s also a mild nerve sedative, together with its trophoresotrative properties, means quick bounce back and recovery for those who experience nervous system ailments like nerve pain, sciatica, shooting pains, anxiety, burnout, fatigue, the feelings of “meh” (also known as melancholy) and of course the occasional stress-caused pessimism (but if you are a pessimist, this won’t change that—sorry!).

The photo on this post has the start of a basic St. John’s Wort oil (fill a glass with flowers and olive oil and let sit until red). It’s a great home remedy for skin ailments, cuts, scrapes and burns. Currently, hypericin and hyperforin, two important compounds found in St. John’s Wort, are being studied for their potential antibiotic properties.

So, where do you get this plant? It grows wild all over the place and is actually invasive and considered a noxious weed in some places. You can also grow it in your garden fairly easily (see sentence above).

By the way:

St. John’s Wort is a pretty powerful plant and unlike lots of other plants I post about, this one shouldn’t be used with most prescription medications. Please check interactions before using. A small list of possible interactions include heart medications, anticoagulants, beta blockers, statins, hormonal contraceptives, antidepressants and more.

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Post Credit! Provider Outdoors Staffer, Jen Cordaro