St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum Perrenial herb with bright
yellow flowers, native to Nth Europe and Asia, having distinctive finely perforated
leaves, best seen when held up to a light source. Whole herb as tea or extract
has a gentle calming effect, used for depression, hysteria and nervous tension.
Oil useful for old wounds and light burns. Recently much studied for use in
depression, especially during menopause, found to be a mono-amine oxidase inhibitor,
so dietary and drug interactions to be watched for. Some people develop a photosensitive
reaction to the plant and oil. Likes sunny position.
Seed
