St John’s Wort

Botanical Name: Hypericum Perforatum

Family name: Hypericaceae

Description: A perennial herb, which bears clumps of erect stems with yellow flowers. The sepals and petals are black-dotted, especially at the edges. Found throughout Europe on rocky slopes, grasslands, open woods and meadows. This herb was commonly known as ‘Grace of God’ because of its healing properties and was widely used by the knights during the Christian Crusades. The active ingredients of this plant are hypericin, essential oils, resins, tannins and flavonoids.

Healing Properties: Depression, nervous disorders, stomach, intestinal, gallbladder problems. Neuralgia, sciatica, seasonal effect disorder, shingles, cold sores, ulcers, sunburn, sprains and bruises, rheumatisms and lumbago. Used externally for healing of wounds. Currently under investigation for the treatment of Aids.

Cautionary Note: Can cause dermatitis in some individuals.

by: Karen Morgan