Grown on the Eminence Certified Organic Farm, the St. John’s Wort plant has historically been used for treating issues like mild depression and inflammation. Studies have shown that this cheery, yellow-petaled bloom can be one of the best natural remedies for depression (especially mild cases like seasonal affective disorder), and that it delivers antioxidant benefits and even battles inflammation. Here are a few ways to use the St. John’s Wort plant:

Seasonal Affective Disorder Remedy

During ancient times, the golden appearance of the St. John’s Wort plant was thought to drive out the darkness of evil spirits, but these days, it treats a different type of darkness (British Herbal Medicine Association). Due to the lack of sunlight in the winter, many residents of northern countries suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a mild depression that may be treated by St. John’s Wort (American Psychology Association). Long used in Europe for mood disorders, standardized extracts of St. John’s Wort have proven to be as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression. However, before using this herb for seasonal affective disorder or any other health issue, it’s important to consult your healthcare practitioner. Integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil warns that St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a wide range of drugs including antidepressants, blood-thinners and birth control pills.

Super Antioxidant

Antioxidant properties are one of the benefits of St. John’s Wort that medical research has uncovered. Like all antioxidants, St. John’s Wort fights against free radicals, the elements that damage healthy cells in our body. Especially for the skin, antioxidants boost our cells’ natural processes and accelerate cellular regeneration. In addition to these powerful actions, studies from the University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy found that St. John’s Wort also inhibits free radical production. These scientific conclusions mean that St. John’s Wort could be instrumental in preventing disease, slowing aging and blocking damage to the body and skin.

Skin Inflammation Soother

Anything that inhibits oxidation in the body also reduces inflammation. Because of the anti-inflammatory qualities of St. John’s Wort, healers have traditionally used the herb for wounds and burns (University of Maryland Medical Center). When the founders of the Eminence Certified Organic Farm were growing up, St. John’s Wort was also used to treat acne. During Boldijarre Koronczay’s teen years in Hungary, his grandma soothed his breakouts with a cold compress of St. John’s Wort to reduce inflammation and redness.

Today, we continue to harness the power of St. John’s Wort in Eminence Organic Skin Care products. St. John’s Wort is a key ingredient in Eminence Organics Calm Skin Arnica Masque which uses the herb – as well as marigold, ivy and arnica – to soothe dry skin and reduce the appearance of red, dry skin. With its powerful effects, this ancient herb could be your natural remedy for beautiful, glowing skin.

Find out more about the plants we grow on the Eminence Certified Organic Farm and the natural ways that they can be used in your skin care and your lifestyle.

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