Description :
St. John’s Wort is a delicate perennial, about 2 to 3 feet tall with a single stalk off of which grow only short branches that are home to small yellow flowers. The flowers have distinct five-leaf petals with numerous stamens. There may be a reddish tinge to new buds and flowers. The leaves grow off of the stems in pairs and may have a slightly bluish tint. The leaves and flowers are most useful in teas, tinctures, and salves made from freshly cut leaves and flowers. Historically It wasbe used by Old European Herbalists on skin inflammation and to help lighten the mood of some people with anxiety disorders. They say It combines well with lemon balm for this.
History and Folklore:
St. John’s Wort was first known to be used by the Roman doctor Proscurides as early as the first century A.D. It gets its name from the fact that it blooms on or near St. John’s Day on the 24th of June (the Summer Solstice).
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the aerial parts of the plant, just below the bottom green leaf, when the flowers are at their peak of color.
Precautions:
This herb should not be combined with anti-depressant pharmaceuticals, protease inhibitors or other pharmaceutical drugs. Saint John’s wort can decrease their overall effectiveness. Avoid during pregnancy, while nursing or in children under the age of 2.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Nervine, Antiviral, Mild expectorant, Mild Antispasmodic
Other Names:
Hypericum, Klamath Weed
Related Species:
Hypericum anagolloides, H. formosum, H. Perforated, H. scouleri
Tincture Ingredients: St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Parker –