St John's Wort - healing from without and within

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) grows all over Ontario, and is commonly found in central-east Canada and the north-east United States. As we move into late July, we're approaching the end of the blossoming season, so you may still see it in a park or field, or growing alongside a road or highway. It’s easily found by its bright, eye-catching yellow blossoms atop stems that can grow around 3 feet high.

This powerful local medicine can support our healing from without and within. The flowers can be extracted in oil and used to help speed the healing of minor wounds (cuts, scrapes, burns, myalgia) and skin irritations (rash, dry skin, eczema). It’s one of the staple ingredients in my multi-purpose topical Rescue Balm formula!

More commonly extracted in a tincture (using an alcohol or glycerin base) or compounded as a capsule to be used orally, the vibrant blossoms positively exude vitality, and may brighten our mood as well as our local landscape.

As one of the more well studied botanical remedies, St John’s wort has been found to be as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressant drugs at improving symptoms of mild and moderate depression, and to carry a lower risk of adverse side effects.

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As with any medicine, there are risks of adverse effects, especially when taken in combination with other substances (including but not limited to other mood-altering drugs and the oral contraceptive pill). It’s important to consult your healthcare provider to ensure that this remedy is right for you.