The homeopathic medicine Hypericum perforatum for relieving nerve pain* shares its Latin name with the plant commonly known as St. John’s Wort. But you’ll be surprised to learn the differences and shared traits between the two.

Hypericum’s Home

St. John’s Wort is an herbaceous plant that flourishes in open areas and temperate climates. It blooms around St. John the Baptist’s birthday, showcasing bright, yellow flowers with five petals each. The plant’s leaves are covered in numerous small, translucent spots that look like perforations when held up to the light, which is how it got its Latin name.

Hypericum in History

The first recorded medical use of the plant is by the ancient Greeks. Doctors of the time prescribed it in an herbal preparation for a range of ailments. Beyond its medicinal applications, people also believed the plant could offer protection against harm and sickness in spiritual practices during the Middle Ages.

Homeopathic Hypericum

Hypericum perforatum is still employed today, both as an herbal supplement and a homeopathic medicine, each for different uses.

Homeopathic preparations of Hypericum perforatum are used to help relieve nerve pain, which is supported through long practical experience and medical literature. According to a recent study, Hypericum perforatum 200C was found to lessen the need for conventional pain medications, making it a valuable option when managing nerve pain. Homeopathic practitioners and health professionals, like Dr. Payam Hakimi, DO, highlight this medicine as particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing sharp, radiating pain that travels along the nerve’s path.

“In many of the cases I see, Hypericum perforatum is the first choice for relief,” says Dr. Hakimi, who uses this and other homeopathic medicines in his practice which specializes in osteopathic and cranial therapy for the treatment of migraines, sciatica, carpal tunnel, and other pain conditions.

Boiron’s indication for Hypericum perforatum is nerve pain such as from nerve trauma, like pain in the legs and back or toothaches.* Boiron offers this as a single medicine and a bonus pack of three tubes.

Interested in learning more about the homeopathic uses of Boiron Hypericum perforatum? Watch this video featuring pharmacist Gary Kracoff, NMD, RPh.