Actually, the word is “wort”, not “wart”, which is an old English word that means root or plant. It is named after St. John the Baptist of the Bible. The botanical name for the plant we are focusing on in this post is Hypericum perforatum. The sturdy plant is bushy, and often grown like a border hedge. It prefers loose, somewhat sandy soil.

This pretty plant’s medicinal qualities are best known for supporting the nervous system, and promoting a positive mental attitude. The natural compound in the plant that helps with this is hypericin. To be effective, this active is standardized in some herbal supplements to assure that you are getting the amount you need.

There are also cautions when taking this…avoid tanning salons or sunbathing, and wear sunglasses in bright sunlight when taking the supplement. Also, it may be best NOT to take if you are taking drugs with MAO inhibitors and other anti-depressant drugs. Consult your health care provider for more information.

In searching the internet for studies on the effectiveness in treating depression, the general consensus that I came up with is that it is good for mild to moderate cases of depression, but from moderate to severe it may not be quite as effective.

It’s historical use goes back centuries to Greece, and the yellow from the flowers has been used in more recent history as a dye.

If you are looking for a good, carefully tested and prepared source of St. John’s Wort, please consider the following links.

St. John’s Wort Concentrate
St. John’s Wort Time Release
St. John’s Wort w/ Kudzu ~ May aid in reducing alcohol comsumption

Thank you for reading today!