St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), pronounced as /sɪnt ˈdʒɒnz wɜːrt/, is a flowering plant species in the family Hypericaceae. The common name "St. John's wort" may be used to refer to any species of the genus Hypericum. Therefore, Hypericum perforatum is sometimes called common St. John's wort or perforate St. John's wort to differentiate it.
Etymology
The name St. John's Wort comes from its traditional flowering and harvesting on St. John's day, 24th of June. The genus name Hypericum is derived from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture), in reference to the plant's traditional use in warding off evil by hanging plants over a religious icon in the house during St. John's day.
Description
St. John's Wort is a perennial plant with extensive, creeping rhizomes. Its reddish stems are erect and branched in the upper section, and can grow up to 1 m high. The leaves are oval and petiolate, their margin is entire, and they have many translucent dots, which are glands containing essential oils.
Medical Uses
St. John's Wort is most commonly used for depression and conditions that sometimes go along with depression such as anxiety, tiredness, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. There is some strong scientific evidence that it is effective for mild to moderate depression.
Side Effects
Side effects can include trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, stomach upset, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, skin rash, diarrhea, and tingling. Taking St. John's Wort can weaken many prescription medicines, such as antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners.
Related Terms
- Hypericaceae: The family of flowering plants that St. John's Wort belongs to.
- Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
- Antidepressants: Medications designed to reduce or prevent the symptoms of depression.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on St. John's Wort
- Wikipedia's article - St. John's Wort
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