St. John's Wort (0.3% Hypericins)

The genus name, Hypericum, is derived from Greek and means "over an apparition," because the herb was once hung over pictures of Saint John and considered odoriferous enough to cause evil spirits to depart. The species name, perforatum, refers to the tiny oil- filled perforated holes in the plant. The name, Saint John's Wort, has many legendary claims attached to it. One story is said to honor of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who used this herb to treat battlefield wounds. Because the hypericin content produces a bright red hue, the herb is often associated with blood, and is often collected on June 29th, the feast day commemorating the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. In the early 1900s, a beetle was introduced into the Pacific Northwest to keep this plant under control; unfortunately, however, the effects of that action are greatly felt today, since its medical usage has become so publicized. St. John's Wort is currently used to treat mild to moderate depression. This herb is most often noted as being astringent, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, vermifuge and vulnerary. The primary chemical constituents of

St. John's Wort include hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin, rutin), essential oil (carophyllene, pinene, limonene, myrcene), carotene, vitamin C, tannin and resin. Studies suggest that hypericin may have monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties, though this is not the only way that the herb works. St. John's Wort also appears to influence brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, and preliminary studies suggest that it may inhibit functioning of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It may take a couple of months of use before one experiences the full benefits of the herb's antidepressant properties, but this should always be carried out under the aegis of a physician. Saint John's Wort oil, made only from the fresh plant, is a beautiful shade of red and is used to treat bruises, burns, wounds, back pain, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, sunburn, tumors, herpes and nerve pain. St John's Wort also loosens phlegm, relieving a variety of respiratory problems including bronchitis.