St. John’ Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a wild flower and has been considered a medicinal herb for thousands of years.
St. John’ Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a wild flower and has been considered a medicinal herb for thousands of years. The name of the plant comes from the time of harvesting the flowers in full bloom. This is usually around June the 24th, St. John’s day.
The genus name Hypericum is derived from the Greek hyper (above) and eikon (picture), in reference to the traditional use of the plant to ward off evil, by hanging flowers over religious icons in the house during St John’s day.
Although St. John’s wort is known for its anti-depressant effect , when used externally it has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Traditionally, St. John’s wort oil was used to treat and speed the healing of bruises, burns, sores and wounds. It can also be effective to treat various skin conditions and hemorrhoids. Because of these properties, the oil was used extensively by the ancient Spartans.
Dioskurides the ancient Greek physician of the 1st century used St. John’s wort as a diuretic, a wound-healer and treatment for menstrual disorders.
