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We often think of anxiety and nervousness as a modern ailment, something that has developed in response to our ever more complex world, but it’s not a new phenomenon. The reasons for worrying may have altered but the condition is still as valid today as it was for our Bronze Age ancestors.
While our doctors, scientists, therapists, and wellbeing experts may suggest new drug regimes or long-term behaviour management, our forefathers could forage and create treatments for all their ails. Whether it was fear over a rival tribe attacking or sleepless nights worrying over sick children, ancient herbal remedies have soothed frayed nerves for centuries.
St. John’s Wort — Hypericum perforatum
This species, found in palaeobotanical samples dating back to the Bronze Age in northern Europe, has bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. It can be found in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia. Most commonly called St. John’s Wort, it’s also known by many other names, from the delightful ‘Amber Touch-and-Heal’ to ‘Demon Chaser.’
Its primary use was in the alleviation of symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, or sleep problems, with a reported efficacy similar to that of some prescription drugs (American College of Physicians). According to the American Society of Internal Medicine, some scientists…