How interesting that this plant is used in the treatment of nerves under both names. When treating moderate nervous depression of the emotional nature St Johns Wort, the common name, is widely regarded as the herb of choice - when treating physical injuries involving the nerves it is called Hypericum, the botanical name. Hypericum perfoliatum has small bright yellow flowers and when you hold them up to the light you can see tiny red dots. The ancients saw these dots as a sign that this flower was useful for wounds and so it has proved to be.The homoeopathic proving symptoms included shooting pains similar to nerve pains. Therefore hypericum is used homoeopathicaly for all injuries to parts rich in nerves ---especially fingers and toes, and wounds which are followed by sharp shooting pains along the course of a nerve Here it is often given as a prophylactic or preventative. Most homoeopathic first- aid kits will include Hypericum 30 or 200 which is given for nerve trauma.
Hypericum is mixed with Calendula tincture to produce Hypercal which is a soothing and healing treatment for skin injuries and eruptions and is greatly valued as a topical application to hasten healing and relieve soreness of the perineum, diluted 1 in 10 with warm water, after childbirth. Hypercal can be used neat but it will sting so a mild dilution is much nicer.
