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Vitamins Information (Home) > Herbs > St John's Wort
St John's Wort Information - Hypericum Perforatum PlantBotanical name- Hypericum perforatum Family- N.O. Hypericaceae St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a yellow-flowered herb, which is both cultivated and found wild in the UK and Europe. It is a herbaceous perennial, growing freely wild to a height of 1 to 3 feet in uncultivated ground, woods, hedges, roadsides and meadows. One explanation for its name is that its flowers are most abundant around 24 June, birthday of John the Baptist. St John's Wort is a highly valued herb that has been used in healing for more than two thousand years. It contains both immune enhancing and anti-viral components and is being studied by AIDS researchers. St John's Wort has significant concentrations of immune-modulating flavonoids, and also contains hypericin, a substance that is both antiviral and antidepressive. St. John's Wort is an attractive, hardy perennial that smells like turpentine or balsam. It has the curious property of appearing to bleed when crushed. It is considered a noxious, rampant weed in California and the plant itself cannot be cultivated here. However, despite the fact that it spreads by runners, it is seldom invasive and can be controlled by pulling. St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum - Use & BenefitsTraditionally used in folk medicine, infusions of the flowers can have a beneficial effect on metabolism and bile secretion and can positively affect mood; they can stimulate appetite, improve circulation and have a general anti-inflammatory effect. A tea of the leaves is said to stimulate expulsion of phlegm or mucous, and is beneficial in coughs. Hemroids Treatment and symptoms explained. Recent studies indicated however, that St. John's wort extracts can ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression, alleviate stress, promote sleep, boost energy and relieve PMS symptoms. A recent pilot study showed that the herb's extract (in daily doses of 135-235 mg) can reduce fatigue or depression linked to tiredness. These extracts contain 0.2 per cent of the active ingredient hypericin, and capsules made of the standardized extracts can be a natural alternative to prescription anti depressant drugs such as Prozac, MAO inhibitors and tricyclics. The capsules, extracts and herbs are widely available from health food stores. Positive benefits may be experienced within 4-6 weeks of initial use. VISITOR COMMENTS on "St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Information - Benefits": 
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