Hypericum Perforatum – St. John’s Wort Essay, Research Paper

Hypericum perforatum, or, more commonly know as St. John’s wort is a perennial that has been used for centuries for many medical uses. The name Hypericum is derived from the Greek name for the plant hyperikon. St. John’s wort gets its common name from the medieval times when it was harvested. The blooming period for this “miracle herb” peaked around June 24th, which was St. John’s birthday. There was an old superstition about warding off evil spirits with St. John’s wort. If a sprig was placed under a pillow on St. John’s Eve, St. John himself might appear in a dream, gracing the dreamer with good blessings for a year.

Hypericum perforatum, a European native, is a many-branched perennial herb, with sun-colored flowers. It grows to be anywhere from one to three feet tall. In places such as Australia, Canada, and even the U.S., it is considered to be an evasive weed, which flourishes in pastures where livestock feed. In Hypericum perforatum, the leaves are covered by translucent dots easily seen by holding the leaves up to a light; these are the perforations that give the plant its species designation “perforatum”. When the fresh flowers are crushed, they release a reddish-purple juice. Some believe that this blood-colored juice represents St. John’s blood.

St. John’s wort has been used medically since the first century when herbalists such as Dioscorides recommended it as a diuretic, wound healing herb, and a treatment for menstrual disorders. During the 16th century Paracelsus used it to treat wounds and relieving the pain of contusions. Today, St. John’s wort is used as a diuretic, antibiotic, and most frequently, for mood stabilization.

The leaves and tops of the St. John’s wort plant are used to make a tea or powder. When taken in these forms, St. John’s wort helps control mood disorders such as, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and general unrest. The oil gathered from the flower petals is known to help relieve intestinal disorders like gastritis.

St. John’s wort is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of mild depression. In the U.S., it is available in a supplement form at most pharmacies. Because it is an herbal supplement, it has not been tested or approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)