St. John's Wort, Flowers, Closeup
Latin Name: Hypericum perforatum
Family: Hypericaceae
Description
St. John's Wort is native to the woods of Europe and Temperate Asia. It prefers well drained to dry soil and full sun. It is commonly found on North American slopes or stone-filled grasslands at the edge of pine forests.
This herb was used by Dioscorides and other physicians of ancient Greece. Hypericum means "power over an apparition", referring to its ability to repel evil spirits and demonic possession or, in modern times, for symptoms of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety or not being oneself.
The ancient, alleged magical powers of St. John's Wort were partly due to the fluorescent red pigment, "hypercin", that oozes like blood from the crushed flowers. Today, this small perennial is the number one alternative treatment for depression and hypericin is seen as the "active ingredient". With small, bright yellow, 5 petal flowers that seem to overflow along the stems of the plant, this plant seems to radiate happiness! Hold a tiny petal up to the sky or bright light and peer at its equally tiny pin holes.
There are at least 10 pharmacologically active constituents in this herb. Researchers currently focus on hypericin and pseudohypericin. This herb has also been used in drug trials for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This herb has also used in the treatment of physical wounds, especially those involving nerve damage.
