First Aid Kit - Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum

Aka.: St. John's Wort, Amber, Goatweed, Johnswort, Klamathweed, Rosin Rose, and Tipton weed.

Continuing with our Homeopathic First Aid Kit, an introduction to Hypericum a plant native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.

Another healing plant known not only as a weed, but noxious at that, is a great remedy for injuries, especially of fingers and toes (body parts rich in nerve endings).  Fingers crushed from slammed doors, lacerated wounds after medical procedures, and tailbone injuries respond well to this remedy.

Hypericum means "sub heather" indicating its relationship to the heather botanical family.  Perforatum is Latin for "perforated."  Hyperieum is derived from the Greek and means 'over an apparition,' a reference to the belief that the herb was so obnoxious to evil spirits that a whiff of it would cause them to fly away.  Folklore has it that the plant would be hung in homes, during the midsummer festival around the Summer Solstice and the day of Saint John (June 24th) to ward off evil.  The Wort in St. John's Wort means plant.

When holding the leaves up to a strong light, you will discover diaphanous dots suggesting that the leaf is perforated.  The dots are not holes, but a layer of essential plant oils and resins.  The petals of the bright yellow/orange flower are also covered with black dots.  If these dots are rubbed between your fingers they will be stained red, which will not cause any discomfort in the way of a rash or eruption.  These dots contain the plants most active healing qualities.

The stem of Hypericum has dark streaks with two raised lines which make it look as if it were pressed flat.  A serious condition that mirrors the dark streaks of Hypericum's stem, is Lymphangitis an infection, when left untreated, will develop red-lines or streaks extending up the arm or leg.

St. Johns Wort is known to contain Melatonin and Serotonin, because of this, many people over use it in its gross form as an herb to relieve insomnia, depression and anxiety.  The use of Hypericum homeopathically in these situations will be discussed in an article on this blog at a later time. 

© Lynn Cremona 2012, all rights reserved.

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care.