St. John's Wort
|
Botanical Name |
Hypericum perforatum |
|
Family |
Hypericaceae |
|
Other Names |
Balm of warriors, fairy herb, penny john, tipton weed |
|
Habitat |
Hedges, banks, roadsides, woods, scrub, grassy places |
|
Description |
Perennial 40-80cm/16-32in tall Hairless stiff, erect branched stems. Leaves untoothed, un-stalked opposite, sessile and oval. Flowers yellow, 5 petals, clusters black dots many stamens, no nectar May – September |
|
Native to |
Britain, Europe |
|
Introduced to |
Australia, New Zealand |
|
Part used |
Whole herb |
|
Cultivation |
Cool climate, full or partial sun. Fertile well drained soil |
|
Harvesting |
When in flower |
|
Actions |
Anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anxiolytic, diuretic, sedative, vulnerary |
|
Constituents |
Volatile oil, resin, pectin Essential oil: methyl-2-octane, caryophyllene, alpha terpineol, geraniol, n-nonane, n-octanal, n-decanal, alpha pinene, beta pinene, traces of limonene, myrcene Hypericins: hypericin, isohypericin, pseudohypericin, protohypercian, protopseudohypericin Hyperdorin and adhyperforin Flavonoids: hyperoside, quercitrin, rutin, amentoflavone, biapigenin Caffeic acid derivatives: chlorogenic, caffeic Tannins: epicatechin Plant acids: carotenoids, amides, hydrocarbons |
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Combines with |
Motherwort, skullcap |
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Skin |
Grow hair, cuts, sprains, bruises, sunburn |
|
Circulatory muscle joint |
Back pain, varicose veins |
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Respiratory |
Asthma, catarrh, |
|
Genito urinary |
Menstrual cramps |
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Nervous system |
Depression, insomnia, neuralgia |
|
Other Notes |
Named after St John the Baptist, the red pigment from the plant symbolises his blood The name Hypericum comes from the Greek meaning over an apparition – maybe this is because it was said to dispel evil spirits Associated with the Knight of St John during the crusades Its medieval name was Euga daemonum meaning flight of demons It is said if you step on a piece of St John’s wort as you go to bed the fairies will take you on a magical journey |
|
Caution |
Do not take internally unless supervised by a professional Phototoxic |