St. John’s-wort

Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum L.

Common Name: St. John’s-wort

Part Used: Flowering aerial parts

Collection Time/Method: The aerial parts of the plant that are flowering are collected.

Chemical Compounds: Tannin (15%), flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin), hypericin (0.1 to 0.4%), volatile oil, gum

Medicinal Properties/Uses: St. John’s Wort is used as a sedative and sleep aid. Anti-depressant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects are important properties of this plant. It is also used as an anti-pain, anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, diuretic, and expectorant medicine. Consumption of this plant is also beneficial for treating digestive problems, diabetes, and stomach ulcers.