SAINT JOHN’S WORT

Saint John’s wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a flower that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. Saint John’s wort is native to some countries of Europe and Asia but now is quite widespread. This plant usually grows in moderate climate, prefers sunny areas and well-drained soil. It’s represented by a herbaceous perennial plant with pervasive creeping rhizomes. The stems are straight and can reach up to 1 m in height. The leaves are oppositely arranged, oblong and narrow, 1-2 cm long. The flowers are bright yellow with 5 petals that have black dots on their edges. The fruit of the plant is a reddish-brown capsule filled with dark seed

Parts used: flower buds, flowers, and leaves

Key Components

• Hypericin
• Hyperforin
• Flavonoids

Interesting Saint John’s Wort Facts

• Saint John’s wort is classified as an invasive species in many countries.
• The name of this plant derives from the old European tradition to harvest this plant on the 24^th of June which is known as St. John’s day in the Orthodox Church.
• In the Middle Ages it was used to keep off evil spirits.
• Australia produces 20 percent of the overall supply of Saint John’s wort.

Methods of use: pills, cosmetics, tea, oil, tincture, extract.