St. John's wort is an attractive plant for the garden with its starry yellow flowers that bloom all summer. The oil contained in the flowers and leaves smells of incense. It has been surrounded with myth and mystery since the earliest times. St John'...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
St. John's wort is an attractive plant for the garden with its starry yellow flowers that bloom all summer. The oil contained in the flowers and leaves smells of incense. It has been surrounded with myth and mystery since the earliest times. St John's wort is native to Europe and Asia in open woodland but now grows wild in Australia and America.
History
The Greek name hypericum means "over an apparition" - possibly referring to its attributed power to dispel evil spirits. The English name comes from John the Baptist, the red pigment in the flowers (hypericin) signifying his blood, It is in full flower on June 24 - both Midsummer's Day and his Saint's day. In the Middle Ages it was thought to drive away ghouls, witches, and storms, If gathered while the dew was on it, it would help you to find a husband or to conceive. It was used by the Crusaders to heal wounds.
Characteristics
Hypericum perforatum is a perennial with stiff angular stems. The ovate linear mid-green leaves are covered with translucent dots containing the oil, which is also found in the flowers. They are star shaped and bright yellow, usually in clusters of three and last throughout summer. Height up to 36 inches.
Growing Tips
Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade. The easiest way to propagate is by division, or sow seed in autumn or spring. (Harmful if eaten, poisonous to animals. Causes skin allergies in sunlight.)
How to Use
Medicinally, the antidepressant actions of this herb were found to be due to the high concentration of a substance called hypericum. Another interesting aspect is its ability to stop the multiplication of certain viruses (retroviruses) which may be of benefit to AIDS sufferers.
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Directions
Fresh drawn, boiling water contains the most oxygen, thereby giving the fullest taste to tea. Water that has been boiling for some time looses the oxygen and thereby the best taste.
Allow full expansion during the infusion and easy removal after the time for steeping has elapsed.
Draw into a tea pot or kettle the best fresh water that you have available.
Warm the teapot and cups while the water is boiling.
Cautions
May increase sun sensitivity, especially in fair skinned individuals. Seek professional medical advise prior to taking this product, if you are taking any of the following medications, MAO-inhibiting anti-depressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, anti-epilepsy drugs, antiretroviral drugs (protease inhibitors) or immunosupressants.
Additional Information
PhytoVie manufactures a wide selection of therapeutic and aromatic teas. The PhytoVie manufacturing process guarantees the quality and consistency of each and every tea bag. Our buyers select only the highest premium quality teas each season, importing from around the world. Each tea bag contains only the finest quality ingredients.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
