Known Herbal Formulas of St. John's Wort

There are many herbal remedies which include St. John’s Wort, some of which are hundreds of years old. Jude Todd, M.H., recommends using it in a tincture form as an excellent pain reliever and wound cleanser. “Soak two tablespoons dried St. John’s Wort in two cups witch hazel extract for two weeks and after straining, use as a powerful wound cleanser to promote healing.” (74) Using a stronger infusion - ½ cup chopped leaves soaked in 2 cups boiling water for 15 minutes - will help reduce hemorrhaging. She adds this prudent caution: “Do not take for longer that 1 week.” (75) Her excellent book, “Herbal Home Remedies” suggests using the flowers to make a wonderful ointment for general skin disorders. (76)

Another helpful reference, “The Doctor’s Book of Herbal Home Remedies”, lists several formulas which include St. John’s Wort. For cold sores, mix together two parts each of licorice, lomatium, St. John’s Wort, osha and one part goldenseal. Mix together and apply to the cold sore, but a warning is issued: preparation has a strong taste. (77)

Several formulas to aid nervous conditions are listed as well including:

St. John’s All-Over Nerve Oil
1 handful fresh St. John’s Wort
100 ml olive oil
20 drops lemon oil

Add the fresh herb to the olive and lemon oils. Let sit [in the sun] for 2 weeks. Strain and store. (78)

Another formula recommended for nervous irritability, especially indicated when an individual has an irritating skin condition such as poison oak or ivy, includes two tablespoons passionflower [extract], one tablespoon oats [extract], two tablespoons skullcap [extract] and ½ tablespoon St. John’s Wort [extract]. Combine in a small juice glass and dilute with water or orange juice for palatability. Use to calm the nervous system until the rash heals. (79)

Another formula recommended by the experts at Rodale Press combines St. John’s Wort oil along with essential oils to help ease joint pain. To prepare, combine one tablespoon St. John’s Wort infused oil (must be red), one tablespoon olive oil, ten drops rosemary essential oil, six drops juniper essential oil, five drops eucalyptus essential oil and four drops chamomile essential oil. Combine and shake gently. Rub in joint after a warm or cold compress has been applied. This formula can be used indefinitely. (80)

Another helpful remedy noted is for tick bites. To help draw out the infected saliva, mix equal parts dried plantain, St. John’s Wort flowers, Oregon grape root and comfrey. Place the dried herbs in just enough olive oil to cover and heat gently for one to six hours or until the oil has picked up some of the color from the herbs. Strain and add 1-ounce beeswax for every cup
of oil. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil or vitamin E oil to prevent spoilage. Cool, bottle and store for up to one year. (81)

Jerry Baker, in his book “Herbal Pharmacy”, notes the following formula for burns or other superficial wounds:

1 handful St. John’s Wort leaves and flowers
1 handful calendula flowers
1 handful comfrey leaves
½ cup olive oil

Place herbs in olive oil and warm slightly for 2-3 days. Strain and return to heat adding enough melted beeswax (approximately ¼ cup) to cause oil to slightly thicken on spoon. Pour into small jars and store. (82)

Traditional herbal uses include applying the infused oil directly to the skin to inhibit bacterial or viral infection and to speed healing. The tannins contained within St. John’s Wort have a strong drying effect and help to form a protective crust, reducing the possibility of infection. A strong infusion taken internally will act as an antiviral or antibacterial in the digestive system.