St John's Wort Tincture
Nervous system replenishment and restoration / nerve pain relief/ digestive aid / liver protective / tissue tightening and healing / anti-viral /anti-depressant / anti-spasmodic
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is considered by herbalists the world over as the physical and energetic embodiment of the sun. Blooming her bright yellow flowers in concert with the summer solstice, St John’s Wort (SJW) was traditionally a remedy of psychospiritual protection against curses, evil spirits and other “dark magic” in the European folk medicine tradition.
For centuries SJW has been used to soothe nerves, heal wounds and was hung over the beds of the members of a household to divine their longevity (the sprig that was most wilted the next morning indicated who would die the soonest)! SJW flowers brought into the house on Midsummer day were said to protect the household from a an array of misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness and fire.
Physiological actions and affinities:
SJW’s core essence can be thought of as feeding your inner sun. It’s renown for its ability to replenish, stimulate, uplift, strengthen as well as relax a worn-down nervous system, making this remedy well suited to individuals in a state of exhaustion and burnout.
SJW constituents Hypericin and Hyperforin are considered key in its ability to increase serotonin and melatonin metabolism (promoting the body’s receptivity to light) and to encouraging emotional stability by slowing the uptake of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, allowing them to circulate longer in the body. Rosemary Gladstar suggests these elements combined may explain, in part, SJW’s ability to ‘lift the spirits’ and as an effective aide for depression.
Depression can be considered on a spectrum of severity, but also by its varying characteristics. David Winston suggests that SJW is especially effective for stagnant depression that can be associated with the presence of frustration, aggravation and irritability. He considers this to be a high-energy state associated with liver stagnation and indicate’s SJW for individuals who may have a “sour stomach and a sour attitude.”
SJW is commonly utilised for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and for people who struggle emotionally in the dark winter months. (See ‘psychological and spiritual aspects’ below for more on this).
The bitter properties in SJW have a stimulating effect on the digestive system which can assist with breaking down fats and removing waste. Digestive support commonly flows into nervous system support and this is another way by which SJW can take some pressure off a frayed and burnt out nervous system.
Another central action of SJW is that of protecting the liver from damage. It’s warming and balsamic taste disperse stagnation in the body generally, and in the liver specifically. SJW does this so effectively that it makes the body unable to process certain pharmacological products. (See “contraindications” below for more information).
The liver protective and restorative capabilities of SJW has also been studied for its effectiveness in balancing hormones (as imbalance is often a symptom of a sluggish liver) for individuals experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome and mild premenstrual syndrome.
SJW’s pain relieving capacity is most notably directed to the nerves and therefore commonly utilised in cases of pinched nerves, shingles, sciatica, and “shooting” pains. It can also be useful as an inflammation modulating remedy where excessive pain is due to inflammation such as arthritis, gout, cramping, muscular spasm, sprains and bruising.
This herb also has anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can be utilised both internally and topically for bacterial and viral infections such as herpes.
The tissue tightening and healing capacity of SJW doesn’t only apply to its external application for which it is renown - it can also be utilised to treat a leaky gut, which can in part stem from a lax tissue state.
This herb has the potential to be supportive to individuals who experience bladder sensitivity or a “nervous bladder” and feel they need to urinate frequently. SJW has been used as a remedy for bed wetting and urinary tract infections.
And finally, this wondrous herb has been utilised in treating blood poisoning and sepsis, particularly in cases where puncture wounds and tetanus are a causal factor. A signature for some remedies that act within the bloodstream is when their extracted constituents are red in colour, and SJW fresh tincture most certainly is!
Psychological and spiritual aspects
SJW is a wonderful herb for a cold constitution with an atrophied nervous system that needs warming up. Saja Popham describes SJW as being particularly suited to nervous systems prone to nervousness, anxiety, tension, insomnia and hysteria, especially when aggravated by the dark, cold and wind. Psychologically, he describes SJW as bringing light and warmth to someone that has lost hope, faith and trust in their strength and willpower to effect change in their lives.
It’s easy to see how SJW can effect a number of systems within the body to support individuals experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder and melancholy. My favourite conceptualisation of SJW in this regard, shared with me by Kami McBride, is to think of her medicine as an extension of the sun; drawing her light and warmth through the dark, cold and wintery months. This framing fits beautifully with Saja Popham’s suggested consideration of this remedy for depression where there are feelings of isolation through lack of community and/or a general sense of being disconnected from the world.
Spiritually, SJW has been used since at least the middle ages as a protection plant, and is understood by some as being fortifying to spiritual weak points, or where our essence is “leaking”. SJW may also be a potent plant ally for people who feel trapped in the circumstances of their life or are struggling to connect with their true and essential self.
Ingredients
Wildcrafted flowering Hypericum perforatum tops, vodka.
Contraindications
SJW has long been an important healing plant and is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, SJW’s powerful liver protective properties mean that it is contraindicated for up to 50% of pharmaceuticals. If you take ANY pharmaceutical medicines, consult with a trusted physician or pharmacist.
Internal use of SJW can increase sensitivity to the sun (however external application of SJW can be used as a form of sun protection).
SJW is generally considered effective for mild to moderate depression, but should not be used in place of or in conjunction with medication for serious life threatening depression unless under the supervision of a primary health care practitioner.
Use
For melancholy and mild-moderate depression, SJW is best utilised when cumulative effects are reached with consistent use over time.
Depression dosage: 2-4 droppers, 3X a day, every day for at lest 6 weeks to ascertain effectiveness.
For any and all other uses, use with intention, start small and listen to your body.
50ml
Nervous system replenishment and restoration / nerve pain relief/ digestive aid / liver protective / tissue tightening and healing / anti-viral /anti-depressant / anti-spasmodic
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is considered by herbalists the world over as the physical and energetic embodiment of the sun. Blooming her bright yellow flowers in concert with the summer solstice, St John’s Wort (SJW) was traditionally a remedy of psychospiritual protection against curses, evil spirits and other “dark magic” in the European folk medicine tradition.
For centuries SJW has been used to soothe nerves, heal wounds and was hung over the beds of the members of a household to divine their longevity (the sprig that was most wilted the next morning indicated who would die the soonest)! SJW flowers brought into the house on Midsummer day were said to protect the household from a an array of misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness and fire.
Physiological actions and affinities:
SJW’s core essence can be thought of as feeding your inner sun. It’s renown for its ability to replenish, stimulate, uplift, strengthen as well as relax a worn-down nervous system, making this remedy well suited to individuals in a state of exhaustion and burnout.
SJW constituents Hypericin and Hyperforin are considered key in its ability to increase serotonin and melatonin metabolism (promoting the body’s receptivity to light) and to encouraging emotional stability by slowing the uptake of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, allowing them to circulate longer in the body. Rosemary Gladstar suggests these elements combined may explain, in part, SJW’s ability to ‘lift the spirits’ and as an effective aide for depression.
Depression can be considered on a spectrum of severity, but also by its varying characteristics. David Winston suggests that SJW is especially effective for stagnant depression that can be associated with the presence of frustration, aggravation and irritability. He considers this to be a high-energy state associated with liver stagnation and indicate’s SJW for individuals who may have a “sour stomach and a sour attitude.”
SJW is commonly utilised for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and for people who struggle emotionally in the dark winter months. (See ‘psychological and spiritual aspects’ below for more on this).
The bitter properties in SJW have a stimulating effect on the digestive system which can assist with breaking down fats and removing waste. Digestive support commonly flows into nervous system support and this is another way by which SJW can take some pressure off a frayed and burnt out nervous system.
Another central action of SJW is that of protecting the liver from damage. It’s warming and balsamic taste disperse stagnation in the body generally, and in the liver specifically. SJW does this so effectively that it makes the body unable to process certain pharmacological products. (See “contraindications” below for more information).
The liver protective and restorative capabilities of SJW has also been studied for its effectiveness in balancing hormones (as imbalance is often a symptom of a sluggish liver) for individuals experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome and mild premenstrual syndrome.
SJW’s pain relieving capacity is most notably directed to the nerves and therefore commonly utilised in cases of pinched nerves, shingles, sciatica, and “shooting” pains. It can also be useful as an inflammation modulating remedy where excessive pain is due to inflammation such as arthritis, gout, cramping, muscular spasm, sprains and bruising.
This herb also has anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can be utilised both internally and topically for bacterial and viral infections such as herpes.
The tissue tightening and healing capacity of SJW doesn’t only apply to its external application for which it is renown - it can also be utilised to treat a leaky gut, which can in part stem from a lax tissue state.
This herb has the potential to be supportive to individuals who experience bladder sensitivity or a “nervous bladder” and feel they need to urinate frequently. SJW has been used as a remedy for bed wetting and urinary tract infections.
And finally, this wondrous herb has been utilised in treating blood poisoning and sepsis, particularly in cases where puncture wounds and tetanus are a causal factor. A signature for some remedies that act within the bloodstream is when their extracted constituents are red in colour, and SJW fresh tincture most certainly is!
Psychological and spiritual aspects
SJW is a wonderful herb for a cold constitution with an atrophied nervous system that needs warming up. Saja Popham describes SJW as being particularly suited to nervous systems prone to nervousness, anxiety, tension, insomnia and hysteria, especially when aggravated by the dark, cold and wind. Psychologically, he describes SJW as bringing light and warmth to someone that has lost hope, faith and trust in their strength and willpower to effect change in their lives.
It’s easy to see how SJW can effect a number of systems within the body to support individuals experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder and melancholy. My favourite conceptualisation of SJW in this regard, shared with me by Kami McBride, is to think of her medicine as an extension of the sun; drawing her light and warmth through the dark, cold and wintery months. This framing fits beautifully with Saja Popham’s suggested consideration of this remedy for depression where there are feelings of isolation through lack of community and/or a general sense of being disconnected from the world.
Spiritually, SJW has been used since at least the middle ages as a protection plant, and is understood by some as being fortifying to spiritual weak points, or where our essence is “leaking”. SJW may also be a potent plant ally for people who feel trapped in the circumstances of their life or are struggling to connect with their true and essential self.
Ingredients
Wildcrafted flowering Hypericum perforatum tops, vodka.
Contraindications
SJW has long been an important healing plant and is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, SJW’s powerful liver protective properties mean that it is contraindicated for up to 50% of pharmaceuticals. If you take ANY pharmaceutical medicines, consult with a trusted physician or pharmacist.
Internal use of SJW can increase sensitivity to the sun (however external application of SJW can be used as a form of sun protection).
SJW is generally considered effective for mild to moderate depression, but should not be used in place of or in conjunction with medication for serious life threatening depression unless under the supervision of a primary health care practitioner.
Use
For melancholy and mild-moderate depression, SJW is best utilised when cumulative effects are reached with consistent use over time.
Depression dosage: 2-4 droppers, 3X a day, every day for at lest 6 weeks to ascertain effectiveness.
For any and all other uses, use with intention, start small and listen to your body.
50ml
Nervous system replenishment and restoration / nerve pain relief/ digestive aid / liver protective / tissue tightening and healing / anti-viral /anti-depressant / anti-spasmodic
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is considered by herbalists the world over as the physical and energetic embodiment of the sun. Blooming her bright yellow flowers in concert with the summer solstice, St John’s Wort (SJW) was traditionally a remedy of psychospiritual protection against curses, evil spirits and other “dark magic” in the European folk medicine tradition.
For centuries SJW has been used to soothe nerves, heal wounds and was hung over the beds of the members of a household to divine their longevity (the sprig that was most wilted the next morning indicated who would die the soonest)! SJW flowers brought into the house on Midsummer day were said to protect the household from a an array of misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness and fire.
Physiological actions and affinities:
SJW’s core essence can be thought of as feeding your inner sun. It’s renown for its ability to replenish, stimulate, uplift, strengthen as well as relax a worn-down nervous system, making this remedy well suited to individuals in a state of exhaustion and burnout.
SJW constituents Hypericin and Hyperforin are considered key in its ability to increase serotonin and melatonin metabolism (promoting the body’s receptivity to light) and to encouraging emotional stability by slowing the uptake of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, allowing them to circulate longer in the body. Rosemary Gladstar suggests these elements combined may explain, in part, SJW’s ability to ‘lift the spirits’ and as an effective aide for depression.
Depression can be considered on a spectrum of severity, but also by its varying characteristics. David Winston suggests that SJW is especially effective for stagnant depression that can be associated with the presence of frustration, aggravation and irritability. He considers this to be a high-energy state associated with liver stagnation and indicate’s SJW for individuals who may have a “sour stomach and a sour attitude.”
SJW is commonly utilised for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and for people who struggle emotionally in the dark winter months. (See ‘psychological and spiritual aspects’ below for more on this).
The bitter properties in SJW have a stimulating effect on the digestive system which can assist with breaking down fats and removing waste. Digestive support commonly flows into nervous system support and this is another way by which SJW can take some pressure off a frayed and burnt out nervous system.
Another central action of SJW is that of protecting the liver from damage. It’s warming and balsamic taste disperse stagnation in the body generally, and in the liver specifically. SJW does this so effectively that it makes the body unable to process certain pharmacological products. (See “contraindications” below for more information).
The liver protective and restorative capabilities of SJW has also been studied for its effectiveness in balancing hormones (as imbalance is often a symptom of a sluggish liver) for individuals experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome and mild premenstrual syndrome.
SJW’s pain relieving capacity is most notably directed to the nerves and therefore commonly utilised in cases of pinched nerves, shingles, sciatica, and “shooting” pains. It can also be useful as an inflammation modulating remedy where excessive pain is due to inflammation such as arthritis, gout, cramping, muscular spasm, sprains and bruising.
This herb also has anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can be utilised both internally and topically for bacterial and viral infections such as herpes.
The tissue tightening and healing capacity of SJW doesn’t only apply to its external application for which it is renown - it can also be utilised to treat a leaky gut, which can in part stem from a lax tissue state.
This herb has the potential to be supportive to individuals who experience bladder sensitivity or a “nervous bladder” and feel they need to urinate frequently. SJW has been used as a remedy for bed wetting and urinary tract infections.
And finally, this wondrous herb has been utilised in treating blood poisoning and sepsis, particularly in cases where puncture wounds and tetanus are a causal factor. A signature for some remedies that act within the bloodstream is when their extracted constituents are red in colour, and SJW fresh tincture most certainly is!
Psychological and spiritual aspects
SJW is a wonderful herb for a cold constitution with an atrophied nervous system that needs warming up. Saja Popham describes SJW as being particularly suited to nervous systems prone to nervousness, anxiety, tension, insomnia and hysteria, especially when aggravated by the dark, cold and wind. Psychologically, he describes SJW as bringing light and warmth to someone that has lost hope, faith and trust in their strength and willpower to effect change in their lives.
It’s easy to see how SJW can effect a number of systems within the body to support individuals experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder and melancholy. My favourite conceptualisation of SJW in this regard, shared with me by Kami McBride, is to think of her medicine as an extension of the sun; drawing her light and warmth through the dark, cold and wintery months. This framing fits beautifully with Saja Popham’s suggested consideration of this remedy for depression where there are feelings of isolation through lack of community and/or a general sense of being disconnected from the world.
Spiritually, SJW has been used since at least the middle ages as a protection plant, and is understood by some as being fortifying to spiritual weak points, or where our essence is “leaking”. SJW may also be a potent plant ally for people who feel trapped in the circumstances of their life or are struggling to connect with their true and essential self.
Ingredients
Wildcrafted flowering Hypericum perforatum tops, vodka.
Contraindications
SJW has long been an important healing plant and is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, SJW’s powerful liver protective properties mean that it is contraindicated for up to 50% of pharmaceuticals. If you take ANY pharmaceutical medicines, consult with a trusted physician or pharmacist.
Internal use of SJW can increase sensitivity to the sun (however external application of SJW can be used as a form of sun protection).
SJW is generally considered effective for mild to moderate depression, but should not be used in place of or in conjunction with medication for serious life threatening depression unless under the supervision of a primary health care practitioner.
Use
For melancholy and mild-moderate depression, SJW is best utilised when cumulative effects are reached with consistent use over time.
Depression dosage: 2-4 droppers, 3X a day, every day for at lest 6 weeks to ascertain effectiveness.
For any and all other uses, use with intention, start small and listen to your body.
50ml
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