| A widely recognized herbal remedy for depression, St. | | | | be ground up to be formed into tablets or added to |
| John's wort grows in many parts of the world. Though | | | | supplements. The liquid produced by crushing freshly |
| it can be very aggressive as an alien species, when it | | | | harvested flowers and seed pods can be used as a |
| is cultivated with the intent to harvest, it is highly valued | | | | natural dye capable of producing yellow and red hues. |
| for its medicinal properties. St. John's wort is used in its | | | | - St. John's wort has a long history of being used for |
| dried form either in tablets or too steep for tea. Having | | | | the treatment of nerve pain and mental disorders. |
| several different medicinal applications, it is usually | | | | - It can also be used as a sedative or sleep aid for |
| associated with the treatment of depression and | | | | those suffering from insomnia. |
| anxiety. | | | | - St. John's wort has also been used to ease the |
| St. John's wort grows in many temperate and | | | | discomfort of wounds, burns, and insect bites. |
| subtropical areas including Europe, North America, and | | | | - Most notably, however, has been the use of St. |
| Asia. A flowering plant, it has small yellow flowers with | | | | John's wort to treat depression as well as other mood |
| five petals that bloom from late spring to midsummer. | | | | disorders like anxiety. St. John's wort has been shown |
| The leaves are easy to identify as they have | | | | in studies to be as effective as other standard |
| numerous translucent dots which gives the leaves a | | | | antidepressants with much lower incidences of |
| perforated appearance when held up to the light. Both | | | | unpleasant side effects. There are even applications |
| the flowers and the seed pods contain a reddish | | | | being studied now for its effectiveness to treat |
| purple liquid. Though it is grown commercially, it has | | | | attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Since it has been |
| been described as an aggressive alien species in | | | | shown to cause adverse drug interactions, it is highly |
| many parts of the world where it has started to grow | | | | recommended to discuss the use of St. John's wort |
| wild. It can overtake a field, making it impossible to | | | | with a doctor before taking it. |
| grow other crops and it can be harmful to livestock. | | | | The treatment of depression is just one of the many |
| The small yellow flowers are dried and used to make | | | | uses of St. John's wort. Able to be cultivated in many |
| teas and pills. Its name is derived from the fact that it | | | | areas of the world, it is a readily available supplement |
| tends to bloom and be ready for harvest around St. | | | | that can help with a variety of mood disorders and |
| John's day. After being harvested, the flowers are | | | | physical ailments. Due to its medicinal properties, St. |
| dried. Teas can be made from steeping the whole | | | | John's wort is often a recommended addition to any |
| flower or pieces of the flowers. The flowers can also | | | | dietary supplement regimen. |