Hypericum perforatum - Common St. John's Wort
 This
European plant of roadsides and other waste areas received its species
name from the many "holes" that appear in its leaves when held up to the
sunlight. These are actually clear oil glands imbedded in the leaves. (See
pictures at bottom left.)
In the older herbal literature, this plant was recommended as a tea for respiratory and urinary problems. An ointment made by extraction with olive oil was said to be useful for bruises, scratches and insect bites. Today this plant is the source of a popular herb for depression. It contains a natural monoamine oxidase inhibitor, the same class of drugs used in some prescription anti-depressants. The common name comes from this plant's association with John the Baptist. St. John's birthday was celebrated at the time of the summer solstice, a sacred day in the pagan traditions of prechristian Europe. This also approximately coincided with the blooming of this flower. This made St. John's Wort one of the most powerful herbs in the practice of white magic and was frequently hung over doorways and used in exorcisms. |
| Family: St. Johnswort (Hypericaceae)
Blooms: June though September Native to: Eurasia Photo Location:
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