The Benefits of the Use of
St John's Wort
in Herbal Preparations
in Herbal Preparations
by Karen Saura
copyright 2004 all rights reserved
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. HISTORY OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 3-8)
B. LOCATION OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 8-9)
C. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENT OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 9-11)
D. MEDICINAL QUALITIES OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 11-12)
E. CONTRA – INDICATIONS OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 12-14)
F. KNOWN HERBAL FORMULAS OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 15-16)
G. DOSAGES AND APPLICATIONS OF ST JOHN’S WORT. (pages 16-17)
H. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. (pages 17-19)
THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF ST JOHN’S WORT
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
A. HISTORY OF ST. JOHN’S WORT
St. John’s wort is a modern herb with an ancient past. Man has recognized it as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years as written record goes and probably for much longer than that.
Hypericum is its ancient name dating back to the times before Christ. Yperikon was first mentioned by Euryphon, a Greek doctor from 288 BC (1). The history of St. John’s wort must include references to superstitions going back to its early relationship with man and documented back to its earliest historical references. The name Hypericum has Greek origins and can loosely be interpreted as “over an apparition”. Several Greek roots are looked to as possible origins for the modern word. It might have been derived from the roots eikon which translates as a figure, possibly an unwanted apparition, and hyper which translates as above. These meanings give clues to how the ancients often worked with St. John’s wort as a talisman to exorcise evil spirits or influences. In more recent times, Linnaeus made reference to the genus Hypericum as being derived from the roots yper, meaning upper, and neiko, referring to an image (2).
Ancient Greeks believed that the fragrance of St. John's wort would cause the evil spirits to fly away. The plant was given magical powers. In ancient Greece, the herb was used to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous reptile bites.
As the historical usages of St. John’s wort are investigated, one finds that it has a long uneven reputation interwoven with the herbs many magical and religious association. Over half of its many common English names, and more than thirty are listed in various herbal references, have biblical associations. Ancient Greeks believed that the fragrance of St. John's wort would cause the evil spirits to fly away, thus the plant was given magical powers. The ancient Greeks used the herb to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous reptile bites.
Pedanius Dioscorides (born c. AD 40 – died c. 90) was a Greek physician and pharmacologist, whose work De material medica was the foremost classical source of modern botanical terminology and the leading pharmacological text for 16 centuries. In his writings, Dioscorides made many references to the herb Hypericum. The historical names for this period included Uperikon, Asduron, Androsaimon, and Koris. The physicians and pharmacologists of this period used Hypericum extensively in daily practice for various conditions. Specifically mentioned by an author of this period, Jean Baptist Porta (1535-1615) in his book Natural Magick is a formula for creating “Oil of Hispanus” which includes St. John’s wort in its list of ingredients. Porta specifically recomendes this oil as a remedie for wounds and other things. “The qualities of it are heating. By anointing the neck, it cures all Creeks that are bred by cold. It heals wounds, helps the contraction of the nerves caused by cold. It mollifies cold Gouts, and takes away the trembling of the hands" (3).
Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus (born 1493, died 1541) was a Swiss physician and alchemist whose work marks the beginning of the emergence of the science of chemistry from alchemy. Paracelsus is widely known as the father of modern pharmacology because of his work in the chemical treatment of medical ailments (4). Paracelsus made many references to the herb Hypericum in his pharmacological writings. He specifically refers to Hypericum as commonly used externally to treat wounds and contusions (5).
The English physician and astrologer, Nicholas Culpeper (born 1616, died 1654) is a legendary figure in the field of herbal medicine. In 1653 he wrote his famous herbal reference manual, The Complete Herbal. This manual is still sold even today, over 400 years after its first publication, and is revered not only as a historic window into the medical practices of the past, but as an essential herbal guide still used in contemporary western herbalism (6). Culpeper cites Hypericum in his herbal writings and, drawing from his astrological background, makes reference to its celestial influences. He places it under the celestial sign of Leo and under the dominion of the Sun. Medicinally, Culpeper recognized Hypericum as an especially useful aperient, detersive and diuretic. He also lists it as an alexipharmic and stated that it destroys worms. Hypericum was made into an ointment and applied to injuries to lessen swelling and to close the lips of wounds. Culpeper states numerous usages for St. John’s wort with it being helpful both internally, and externally for a vast range of ailments. He cites it as helpful for ague and fits stating in his Complete Herbal, “The decoction of the leaves and seeds drank somewhat warm before the fits of agues…alters the fits, and, by often using, doth take them quite away” (7).
The name we commonly know it by today, St. John’s wort, came into common usage during the Middle Ages. This common name identifies the herb with St. John the Baptist, the legendary New Testament desert healer and the “baptizer” of Christ. Over the centuries in many ways the herb has been bestowed with mystical and protective properties tying the unique physical characteristics of the herb and its flowering cycle to religious aspects of the worship of St. John the Baptist during this time period. Historical references to Hypericum commonly referred to by the name “St. John’s wort” are found dating back as far as the 5th century AD when, according to Gaelic tradition, the missionary St. Columba always carried a piece of St. John’s wort because of his great regard for St. John (8). Many early Christian writings mention Hypericum with the claim that the red spots, symbolic of the blood of St. John, appeared on leaves of Hypericum spp, on August 29, the anniversary of the saint’s beheading. Other writings of the day state that the most auspicious day to pick the plant was on June 24, the day of St. John’s feast during the period of its peak bloom (9). For villagers of the Middle Ages, connecting the St. John’s wort harvest with the festival celebrating St. John most definitely empowered the herb with mystical qualities and incurred the blessings of St. John further strengthening its value as a charm with which to ward off evil spirits.
Historically there are many references to Hypericum being used as a talisman. It was believed that if you slept with a sprig of the herb under your the pillow on St. John’s Eve, St. John himself might appear in a dream, giving his blessings and protection to the dreamer for the coming year. The herb was often worn or hung about the home to protect the individual, their family, and home from demons (10).
The name St. John’s wort might have been bestowed upon the herb to honor Saint John by virtue of its vast healing properties, especially its usefulness in combating depression – metaphorically in battling demons and driving them away thus restoring good humor. Furthermore, the herb happens to flower around the feast of St. John during the summer, making the inclination to bring a mystical connection between Hypericum and St. John all the more likely given the religious fervor of the day. In any case, it was revered as a powerful herb and was used medicinally for healing, against depression, and as a talisman to ward off evil demons and bad spirits.
The English herbalist, John Gerard (born 1545, died 1612) is widely known for his landmark botanical reference book, the Herball (1597). The Herball is not only a thorough herbal cited and respected to this day, but it includes a wealth of folk medicine and anecdotes of herbalism in 16th century England (11). Hypericum is discussed in Gerard’s Herball. Gerard describes the practice of soaking St. John’s wort flowers in olive oil creating an infusion of the oil in the sun. The oil gradually turns red as the flowers release their vital essence into the olive oil. This oil was then used to heal minor wounds, sores, and burns, anointing the injury with this blessed St. John’s wort flower oil, also known as “Red Oil” or “hypericum liniment.” This very simple, yet specific form of a remedy made from St. John’s wort was still available in pharmacies through the early 20th Century (12).
Hypericum first arrived in North America in 1696 with the Rosicrucian pilgrims migrating from Europe who landed in Philadelphia. The herb flourished in the New World and became highly valued as a medicinal herb by the Dutch immigrants to Pennsylvania and the surrounding American Indian tribes (13). Over time and with the westward settling of North America, Hypericum gradually became naturalized throughout the new continent. Several varieties are now commonly found in waste areas and along roadsides throughout the United States and in some of the lower latitudes of Canada.
In the 19th century the mainstream medical community dismissed St John’s wort as a folklore herb and considered it to have little real medicinal value. Yet, quietly through the years in spite of popular opinion, the Eclectic herbalists of the day continued to use the herb in various ways. They used Hypericum externally to heal wounds and lacerations - especially if there was related nerve damage - and internally as a diuretic, astringent and for its sedative properties.
Hypericum experienced a surge in usage by the German herbalists in the 1930’s as they popularized its usage for neuroses, general restlessness, insomnia and mental or emotional disorders they determined stemmed from excessive intellectual efforts.
Today St. John’s wort is gaining more and more recognition in the western world for its effectiveness in combating depression. It is used in many home remedies and pharmacy preparations and is widely recognized as an herb to be used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is also effective as a diuretic, in the treatment of gastritis and externally as a treatment for hemorrhoids and inflammation.
B. LOCATION OF ST. JOHN’S WORT
Botanical: Hypericum perforatum (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Hypericacea
Parts used: herb tops, flower
Habitat: Britain, Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, New Zealand
Common Name: St. John’s wort, Klamath weed, goatweed
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a short plant with numerous yellow flowers. It is wild-growing and bushy. St. John’s wort is perennial and is commonly found in dry, gravely soils, fields, and sunny places in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Family: N.O. Hypericacea
Parts used: herb tops, flower
Habitat: Britain, Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, New Zealand
Common Name: St. John’s wort, Klamath weed, goatweed
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a short plant with numerous yellow flowers. It is wild-growing and bushy. St. John’s wort is perennial and is commonly found in dry, gravely soils, fields, and sunny places in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
St John’s wort is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows freely in the wild in uncultivated ground. This vigorous, opportunistic plant has spread to all parts of the world. It will grow almost anywhere man has disturbed the earth. It is considered to be of excellent medicinal quality when found growing on logged areas at moderate elevations.
St John’s wort grows from one to three feet tall. It is short, decumbent, has barren shoots and erect stems branching in the upper part and glabrous. This plant has a perennial, woody, tufted, fusiform, tortuous, somewhat creeping root. Its pale brown stem is two-edged, branchiate, erect above, curved below, branched, and from one to two feet high. The leaves are from six to ten inches long, one-third as wide with the ramial leaves being much smaller. They are stalk less and grow in pairs with delicate pale bluish-green elliptical leaves with pellucid dots that are actually oil glands on the back of the leaf that may be seen by holding the leaf up to the light. Perforated leaves have transparent spots (oil glands) that look like holes; the unperforated varieties have rust-colored spots. The sap is also reddish colored.
The unopened flower buds are the highest in the red substance, hypericin. The flowers are numerous, of a bright cherry yellow in terminal corymbs and borne in dense, forked, terminal panicles. The calyx is persistent; and the carolla are marked with black dots and lines. Sepals are five in number, acute, lanceolate, connected at the base, with six dark-colored glands. Petals are five in number, twice as long as the sepals, ovate, obtuse, yellow, dotted, and streaked with black or dark purple. The ovary is pear shaped with three long styles. The stamens are numerous, united at base, divided into three sets with small anthers. Styles are three in number, short and erect; stigmas small. The capsule is roundish, three-celled and three-valved and the seeds are numerous, small, and roundish. The whole herb is dark-green, with a powerful scent when rubbed, and stain the fingers dark-purple, from the great abundance of colored essential oil.
The bright yellow flowers bloom mostly from June to August. They can be found in early June at lower elevations and mid-July through September at higher areas in the mountains. Each flower has five yellow petals that are dotted with black along the margins and the many yellow stamens are visible. The flower stage is followed by numerous small round blackish seeds which have a resinous smell and are contained in a three-celled capsule. The odor is particular, terebenthic, a turpentine-like smell. The taste is bitter, astringent and balsamic.
C. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF ST. JOHN’S WORT
St. John’s wort has a complex and diverse chemical makeup. It contains volatile oil, resin, tannic acid and coloring matter. Pectin is also present (14). The red coloring principle is a resinous body known as hypericum red. The peculiar, terebinthine odor of this principle is similar to that of the flowers. The flowers have a balsamic, bitterish, rather astringent taste.
The primary chemical constituents of St. John’s wort include hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforing, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin, rutin), essential oil (carophyllene, pinene, limonene, myrcene), carotene, vitamin C, tannin, and resin.
Studies suggest that hypericin may have monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties, though this is not the only way that the herb works. St. John’s wort also appears to influence brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, and preliminary studies suggest that it may inhibit functioning of the neurotransmitter serotonin (15). The presence of hypericin and pseudohypericin distinguish St. John’s wort form other herbs, and both compounds are promising candidates for study in their roles in boosting immune systems (16). The tannin most likely exerts a skin-soothing effects through its astringent and protein-precipitating actions (17).
Hypericum imparts its properties to water, alcohol, ether, oils, or alkaline solutions. The flowers can be macerated with 90% alcohol to obtain a tincture of a rich red color, containing a mixture of two coloring matters, a yellow principle soluble in petroleum ether, and a red coloring matter, insoluble in this solvent. The red principle, in solid form, was a resinous mass of a green luster, soluble in alcohol with red color, and resembling carthamin red; insoluble in fatty, but soluble in etereal oils. Acids dissolve it with red, aldalies, chloroform, benzol and carbon disulphide with green color. The substance does not possess any advantage over other indicators in alkalimetry. When exposed to air in thin layers, it turns greenish at once. The aqueous extractive matter of the flowers contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and oxalic, sulfuric and carbonic acids (18).
Other species of Hypericum are possessed of medicinal properties, notably the Hypericum sarothra, Michaux, Pine-weed or orange-grass, growing in sands, which has aperient qualities. An allied plant, the Ascyrum crux-Andreae, Linne, also known as St. Andrew’s cross, has been locally applied to glandular indurations and swellings (19).
D. MEDICINAL QUALITIES OF ST. JOHN’S WORT
St John’s wort has been administered in the treatment of many illnesses. The King’s American Dispensatory, published in 1898, lists St. John’s wort as an astringent, sedative, and diuretic with undoubted power over the nervous system. The most well known actions of St. John’s wort are in repairing nerve damage, reducing pain, inflammation and in the treatment of depression. The herb has been used to relieve menstrual cramping, sciatica arthritis and more. It has a favorable action on the secretion of bile and giving it a soothing action in the digestive system.
In recent years St. John’s wort has become widely known for its value as an aid in mood swings, despondency, and low spirits. It has also been used in lotions and oils for soothing the skin. Internally it is used to promote mood, as well as being soothing, anti-proliferative, anti-viral, astringent, nerve tonic, photodynamic, and sedative. Externally it can be used as an antimicrobial (20).
Research supports the fact that it has great effects on reducing anxiety and depression, similar to prescription drugs such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor (21). Clinical studies have shown positive results in treating patients with mild to moderate depression. Improvement was shown with symptoms of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, headache, and exhaustion with no reported side effects. Its ability to act as a natural MAO-inhibition allows for proper chemical balances in the brain, and this decreases anxiety, depression, and manic episodes; and increases focus especially during task modes (22).
Historically the blossoms have been used in folk medicine to relieve a wide range of ailments. It has been used to soothe the digestive system, being called into use for ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea, and nausea. St. John’s wort alleviates intestinal problems, colic, aids in the treatment of incontinence and bedwetting in children and worms have been treated with it. It relieves nervous conditions, central nervous complaints, insomnia, hysteria, depression, headaches, stress reactions, neuralgia, and rheumatic aches and pains. It has a long history of alleviating menstrual cramps and irregularity, uterine cramping, embolism or pains following child birth, mastitis, and is a useful skin care herb for babies. St. John’s wort has been found helpful in conditions involving chest congestion, catarrh, sciatica, shingles, thrombosis, phlebitis, bladder ailments, urinary troubles, and with mumps. It is an effective blood purifier and is useful in cases of anemia, gout, and jaundice. Bruises and hemorrhoids respond to the oil made from St John’s wort as well as general pains, cuts and wounds, varicose veins, swellings, slow healing wounds, skin ulcers, blisters and scalds. It is an effective expectorant, diuretic, and digestion stimulant. St. John’s wort is reported to increase a sense of well being and help repair nerve tissue after trauma. It has antibiotic properties.
E. CONTRA – INDICATIONS OF ST. JOHN’S WORT
St. John’s wort has long been used to alleviate a wide range of conditions. Most individuals who are not on any other medications or prescription drugs experience few if any of the possible side effects, they do exist and these side-effects and contra-indications must be taken into consideration when working with this herb or with herbal formulas and preparations which contain St. John’s wort.
Reported side effects include: stomach upset, allergic reactions, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, confusion and sensitivity to light. St. John’s wort can also cause dermatitis and associated inflammation in sensitive individuals and when people who take it are out in the sun. St. John’s wort should also be taken with food, as it may cause mild gastric upset in sensitive individuals.
A serious contra-indication for the use of St. John’s wort exists for individuals who are taking Cyclosporin. St. John’s wort has been associated with undesirable reduction of efficacy of cyclosporine. Cyclosporin is routinely given after organ transplantation (such as liver and kidney transplants) to prevent rejection. St. John’s wort may decrease the cyclosporine flow through the blood, which can ultimately cause rejection of the organ (23). Do not take this herb if you have undergone or plan to undergo a transplant operation.
Another serious contra-indication exists for individuals who are currently taking medications containing MAO inhibitors. Hypericum should not be combined with MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as Prozac, Nardil or Parnate. This combination can produce a dangerous rise in blood pressure or hypertensive crisis, along with severe anxiety, fever, muscle tension, and confusion. If an individual has discontinued use of a MAO inhibitor, he should wait for at least four weeks, allowing the body to clear residual traces of the drug from his system, before taking any other antidepressants, including Hypericum (24).
St. John’s wort has been reported to interact with birth control pills, possibly decreasing the effectiveness of “the pill”. St. John's wort is contra-indicated during pregnancy and lactation (25).
When taking St. John’s wort one is advised to avoid foods and medications that are known to interact negatively with MAO-inhibiting drugs. Specifically, these are tyramine-containing foods such as red wine, cheese, beer, yeast, and pickled herring.
St. John's wort makes the skin more light sensitive. Persons with fair skin should avoid exposure to strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds. Although rare, these individuals may suffer dermatitis, severe burning, and possibly blistering of the skin. The severity of these effects will depend on the amount of the plant consumed and the length of exposure to sunlight. Some experts suggest that all individuals avoid sunlight when using hypericin, especially when taking large quantities.
In spite of the aforementioned precautions, many say St. John’s wort is relatively harmless. Individuals all over the world are using St. John’s wort, often with great success, who feel that, in their opinion, the benefits tend to outweigh the risks. St. John's wort has had a good safety record over the centuries of its use in folk medicine. In contrast to synthetic antidepressants, there have been no verified reports of hypericum-related deaths. Drug monitoring studies on over 7000 patients and twenty-seven double-blind research studies confirm its safety. The extensive use of hypericum by millions of people has not resulted in reports of serious side effects (26).
So, who should consider using St. John’s wort? Anyone who is healthy and who is on no other medications. The amount of time that a person should continue to take St. John’s wort depends on the individual.
F. KNOWN HERBAL FORMULAS OF ST. JOHN’S WORT.
St. John’s wort has become a popular herb to include in herbal formulas and preparations. It can be drunk as an infusion (tea). Boil water, add the herb (1 tablespoonful per cup of water), cover, allow to steep for eight to ten minutes, strain and drink.
St. John’s wort can be made into an alcohol extract. This can be done by filling a jar with the herb, (if fresh, use the whole herb, clean, strain and chop into small pieces) then fill the jar with vodka leaving as little air as possible in the jar. Cover, keep it in a cool, rather dark place, and vigorously shake it several times a day. After two weeks, strain the liquid from the herb. Pouring it through a light cloth and then squeezing the liquid out of the herb helps to extract most of the alcohol. This alcohol now contains the medicinal qualities of the St. John’s wort and can be stored for several years in a cool, dark place and used as needed.
Many preparations of St. John’s wort are currently available on the open market. Nature’s Way offers a product called “St. John’s Wort Extract”. It is in capsule form and is formulated to promote a positive mood and as a dietary supplement. This specific product uses a highly concentrated extract of the stems, leaves and flowers and combines the St. John’s wort (300mg) with Rosemary leaf (80mg) and Spirulina algae (40mg) (27).
Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D. has developed a formula sold under the Planetary Formula label called “St. John’s Wort Liquid Extract”. This is a liquid extract of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) in 40% grain alcohol and purified water (28).
Planetary Formula has a formula containing St. John’s wort which is designed for emotional balance, “S. John’s Wort Emotional Balance” formula in tablet form. This formula is designed as a botanical support for emotional well-being. Here Michael Tierra has combined a standardized extract of St. John’s wort with the Chinese classic formula Xiao Yao Wan. Both of these herbs have a long history of traditional use for supporting a positive and stable emotional state. This is a proprietary blend: 1.5 g. containing St. John’s wort flowering tops extract, (standardized to 0.3% Hypericin), Jujube seed, Buplerum root, Tree Peony root bark, Bai-Zhu Atractylodes root, Dong Quai root, Poria Sclerotium, Lemon Balm leaf, Licorice root, Cyperus rhizome, Tangerine peel, and Ginger root (29).
G. DOSAGES AND APPLICATIONS OF ST JOHN’S WORT
Dosage: The best preparation to use appears to be the St. John's wort extract standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin. The recommended dosage of this extract as an antidepressant is 300 mg three times per day. Each dose should be taken with meals. Many people take 500 mg per day of herbal extract, tablets or capsules of St. John's wort standardized to contain 0.2% hypericin. Higher intakes of St. John's wort extract, such as 900 mg per day, may be used in some instances. St. John's wort should be taken close to meals. Assess the effectiveness of the herb after 4 to 6 weeks of starting the herbal treatment.
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: As an extract (.3% hypericin) take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.
In his book, Healing Power of Herbs, Michael T. Murray N.D. recommends a dosage of 300 mg. three times a day taken with meals when taking St. John’s wort as antidepressant (30).
I found that in reviewing various recommendations, a general standard seemed to apply. This calls for a recommended dosage of 500 mg per day of herbal extract, tablets, or capsules of St. John’s wort standardized to contain 0.2% hypericin. Higher intakes of St. John’s wort extract, such as 900 mg per day, may be used in some instances. Daily dosages are suggested to be taken broken down to three times a day. St. John’s wort should be taken close to meals. If it is used to support depression in treatment, its effectiveness should be assessed after four to six weeks. Herbal tinctures are also available; they are often taken as 1-2 ml three times per day (31). The program should be discontinued use after 6 weeks if you’ve noticed no results. This would indicate that it’s probably not effective for you.
H. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
St. John’s wort is an herb I discovered personally through using the Christopher formula “Protrac”. Due to the similarities of the name to the drug “Prozac” the name was later changed to “Mind Track”. I first learned of the formula in the curriculum of the School Of Natural Healing Herbalist Program and found it tremendously helpful in combating depression and emotional turmoil during a challenging period of my life leading up to the death of my father from cancer and the subsequent turbulent times which followed. I have since come to rely on it as an effective formula to keep on hand and we have used it with great success on all members of the family during trying periods of trauma, transition, or stress. It is a good remedy to alleviate the extreme stress and emotions resulting from a traumatic event and also very effective when used for extended periods of time as an antidepressant.
I found “Mind Track” to be a wonderful blend of herbs designed to provide cleansing to the entire system, nutrition to the body and herbs specific for the brain, including St. John’s wort. It is designed to be a formula that provides overall emotional clarity. The ingredients are: valerian root extract, organic scullcap, ginkgo extract, organic oregon grape root, St. John’s wort extract, mullein, gotu kola, sarsaparilla, organic dandelion, lobelia and Jurassic Green. This formula is well balanced. It uses St. John’s wort to stimulate the mind due to the presence of hypericin, gotu kola and ginko biloba bring an increase in blood flow and oxygen circulation to the head, improve memory, nerve response and mental alertness. The mullein and lobelia serve to cleanse and provide an antispasmodic quality. They cleanse the blood by helping the lymph and glandular system. Scullcap and valerian root are nervine sedatives and antispasmodics which calm the nerves and muscles while promoting regular and restful sleep. Sarsaparilla, dandelion and Oregon grape root are strong cleansing herbs and work on cleansing the blood and stimulating the liver to detox. Jurassic Green is a nutritional blend of alfalfa, barley and kamut juice and brings vitally needed nutrition to the body.
This formula was my salvation during my father’s illness. It brought the balance back to my mind/body/spirit that had gradually eroded away over 3 years of constant stress and anxiety. That’s not to say that there were not still moments of overwhelm and anxiety, but with “Mind Track”, I found that I was able to take the edge off of the experience and handle things which were otherwise overwhelming. I found that the formula quieted my mind and slowed down the panic-induced spinning of thoughts and worries enough to allow me to breathe, center myself and gain enough distance from things to then move forward with some awareness rather than just reacting like a spinning top bouncing from here to there. At times the stresses were so great that just living through them felt truly life threatening. Upon reflecting back on these moments, I can truly say this formula may have saved my life, it may have saved my marriage, and it definitely saved my sanity.
I have recommended St. John’s wort to various friends, family, and clients over the years. The ones who have actually worked with it, especially with this well balanced formula, “Mind Track”, have come back to me with positive feedback. Along with many instances of successfully working with St. John’s wort, I’ve found that many people are already taking prescription medication which is contra-indicated for use with St. John’s wort. I’ve been shocked to discover how many people in my community can not work with it due to their pre-existing dependence on drugs and layers of drugs prescribed by their doctors to control their depression, mania, sleeplessness, anxiety as well as so many other chronic conditions. This has been a source of great frustration given the success I’ve had in working with herbs to not only in alleviate troubling symptoms, but also to simultaneously cleanse, nourish and strengthen the body mind and spirit. Although I have read reports of herbalists working with individuals on prescription medication and helping them to gradually switch from these powerful and addictive drugs to St. John’s wort and various herbal formulas with success, I have not met any of them personally and have not felt confident up to this point to recommend this course of action to clients or friends.
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Plantes.” Texas A&M Bioinformatics Working Group
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/cushing/Gerard%201%20a.htm (21 Sept. 2003).
Thulesius, O. “Nicholas Culpeper: English Physician and Astrologer.”
Herbalist/Physician
http://gen.culpepper.com/interesting/medicine/nicholas.htm (17 Sept. 2003)
Upton, R. “St. John’s Wort Monograph.” Herbagram. Summer 1997, 40:1-38.
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FOOTNOTES
1. Hobbs, C. “St. John’s Wort Ancient Herbal Protector.” Health World Online
http://ww.healthy.net/asp/templates/Article.asp?Id=911 (2 February, 2004).
2. Hobbs, C. “St. John’s Wort Ancient Herbal Protector.” Health World Online
http://ww.healthy.net/asp/templates/Article.asp?Id=911 (2 February, 2004).
3. Porta, J. “Natural Magick.” tsnet.com, edited by Scott “Omar” Davis. Ch. VIII.
http://homepages.tscnet.com/omard1/jportac8.html#bk8XI (2 Feb. 2004).
4. Weisstein, E. “Paracelsus, Philippus Aureolus (1493-1541).” Eric Weisstein’s World
of Biography http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Paracelsus.html
(17 Sept. 2003).
5. Foster, S. “St.-John’s-Wort: Past and Present.” The Herb Companion.
February/March 1997, 9(3):72-33.
6. Thulesius, O. “Nicholas Culpeper: English Physician and Astrologer.”
Herbalist/Physician
http://gen.culpepper.com/interesting/medicine/nicholas.htm
(17 Sept. 2003)
7. Culpeper, N. “St. John’s Wort.” The Complete Herbal.
http://www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/21081/1.html. (8, Feb. 2004).
8. Upton, R. “St. John’s Wort Monograph – History.” HerbalGram. Summer 1997,
#40, p. 4.
9. Upton, R. “St. John’s Wort Monograph – History.” HerbalGram. Summer 1997,
#40, p. 4.
10. Foster, S. “St.-John’s-Wort: Past and Present.” The Herb Companion.
February/March 1997, 9(3):72-33.
11. Texas A&M Bioinformatics Working Group. “The Herball, or, Generall Historie of
Plantes.” Texas A&M Bioinformatics Working Group
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/cushing/Gerard%201%20a.htm (21 Sept. 2003).
12. Foster, S. “St.-John’s-Wort: Past and Present.” The Herb Companion.
February/March 1997, 9(3):72.
13. Crellin, J. and Philpott, J. A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants. pp. 377-378. Duke
University Press, Durham, NC, 1997.
14. Murray, M. “St. John.s Wort Extract.” Dr. Michael T. Murray Online Articles.
www.doctormurray.com/articles/worteditolrai.htm (5 Oct. 2003).
15. Viable Herbal Solutions. “St. John’s Wort.” Viable Herbal Solutions.
http://www.viable-/herbal.com/singles/herbs/s545.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
16. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
17. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
18. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
19. Felter, H. and Lloyd, J. “King's American Dispensatory.” Scanned version copyright
© 1999-2004 Henriette Kress. Henriette's Herbal Homepage. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html (2 Feb. 2004).
20. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search (4 Oct. 2003).
21. Mah, A. “Hypericum Extract.” Herbalchemy
http://www.herbalchemy.com/antianxiety.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
22. Mah, A. “Hypericum Extract.” Herbalchemy
http://www.herbalchemy.com/antianxiety.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
23. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
24. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
25. Virtual Health, LLC. “St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).” HealthNotes
Online http://www.vitaminevi.com/herb/st_johns_wort.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
26. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
27. iHerb Inc. “St. John's Wort Extract.” iHerb Inc
http://www.iherb.com/stjohnswort1.html (1 Feb. 2004).
28. iHerb Inc. “St. John's Wort Liquid Extract.” iHerb Inc
http://www.iherb.com/stjohns.html (1 Feb. 2004).
29. iHerb Inc. “St. John's Wort Emotional Balance.” iHerb Inc
http://www.iherb.com/stjohnswort3.html (1 Feb. 2004).
30. Murray, M. The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person’s Guide to the
Wonders of Medicinal Plants. second edition, section ii, #30, pg. 299. Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1995.
31. Virtual Health, LLC. “St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).” HealthNotes
Online http://www.vitaminevi.com/herb/st_johns_wort.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
http://ww.healthy.net/asp/templates/Article.asp?Id=911 (2 February, 2004).
2. Hobbs, C. “St. John’s Wort Ancient Herbal Protector.” Health World Online
http://ww.healthy.net/asp/templates/Article.asp?Id=911 (2 February, 2004).
3. Porta, J. “Natural Magick.” tsnet.com, edited by Scott “Omar” Davis. Ch. VIII.
http://homepages.tscnet.com/omard1/jportac8.html#bk8XI (2 Feb. 2004).
4. Weisstein, E. “Paracelsus, Philippus Aureolus (1493-1541).” Eric Weisstein’s World
of Biography http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Paracelsus.html
(17 Sept. 2003).
5. Foster, S. “St.-John’s-Wort: Past and Present.” The Herb Companion.
February/March 1997, 9(3):72-33.
6. Thulesius, O. “Nicholas Culpeper: English Physician and Astrologer.”
Herbalist/Physician
http://gen.culpepper.com/interesting/medicine/nicholas.htm
(17 Sept. 2003)
7. Culpeper, N. “St. John’s Wort.” The Complete Herbal.
http://www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/21081/1.html. (8, Feb. 2004).
8. Upton, R. “St. John’s Wort Monograph – History.” HerbalGram. Summer 1997,
#40, p. 4.
9. Upton, R. “St. John’s Wort Monograph – History.” HerbalGram. Summer 1997,
#40, p. 4.
10. Foster, S. “St.-John’s-Wort: Past and Present.” The Herb Companion.
February/March 1997, 9(3):72-33.
11. Texas A&M Bioinformatics Working Group. “The Herball, or, Generall Historie of
Plantes.” Texas A&M Bioinformatics Working Group
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/cushing/Gerard%201%20a.htm (21 Sept. 2003).
12. Foster, S. “St.-John’s-Wort: Past and Present.” The Herb Companion.
February/March 1997, 9(3):72.
13. Crellin, J. and Philpott, J. A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants. pp. 377-378. Duke
University Press, Durham, NC, 1997.
14. Murray, M. “St. John.s Wort Extract.” Dr. Michael T. Murray Online Articles.
www.doctormurray.com/articles/worteditolrai.htm (5 Oct. 2003).
15. Viable Herbal Solutions. “St. John’s Wort.” Viable Herbal Solutions.
http://www.viable-/herbal.com/singles/herbs/s545.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
16. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
17. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
18. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
19. Felter, H. and Lloyd, J. “King's American Dispensatory.” Scanned version copyright
© 1999-2004 Henriette Kress. Henriette's Herbal Homepage. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html (2 Feb. 2004).
20. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search (4 Oct. 2003).
21. Mah, A. “Hypericum Extract.” Herbalchemy
http://www.herbalchemy.com/antianxiety.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
22. Mah, A. “Hypericum Extract.” Herbalchemy
http://www.herbalchemy.com/antianxiety.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
23. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
24. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
25. Virtual Health, LLC. “St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).” HealthNotes
Online http://www.vitaminevi.com/herb/st_johns_wort.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
26. Maya Ethnobotanicals. “Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort).” Maya
Ethnobotanicals http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/product_info.phtml/herbid_040/category_search
(4 Oct. 2003).
27. iHerb Inc. “St. John's Wort Extract.” iHerb Inc
http://www.iherb.com/stjohnswort1.html (1 Feb. 2004).
28. iHerb Inc. “St. John's Wort Liquid Extract.” iHerb Inc
http://www.iherb.com/stjohns.html (1 Feb. 2004).
29. iHerb Inc. “St. John's Wort Emotional Balance.” iHerb Inc
http://www.iherb.com/stjohnswort3.html (1 Feb. 2004).
30. Murray, M. The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person’s Guide to the
Wonders of Medicinal Plants. second edition, section ii, #30, pg. 299. Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1995.
31. Virtual Health, LLC. “St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).” HealthNotes
Online http://www.vitaminevi.com/herb/st_johns_wort.htm (4 Oct. 2003).
