St John’s Wort Herbal Complex

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St John’s Wort (Latin - Hypericum Perforatum) is a member of the Clusiaceae plant family. In many countries it is often considered as an invasive and noxious weed, and has many common names, including goat weed, Klamath weed and Tipton weed. Hypericum perforatum is a shrubby perennial indigenous to Europe, but now grows wild in many parts of the world. The plant grows up to heights of 1m (3ft), and has clusters of star shaped yellow flowers throughout the summer and red berries in late summer and autumn. The species name, “perforatum”, refers to the perforated appearance of the translucent glands in the leaves, which can be seen when they are held against the light. It is thought that the common name, “St John’s”, comes from its traditional flowering and harvesting on St. John’s day, 24th June. Hypericum has a history spanning more than 2000 years, and from the time of the ancient Greeks down through the middle ages, the plant was considered to be imbued with magical powers. The genus name “hypericum” is derived from the Greek words “huper eikon”, meaning over an apparition, because of its supposed power to protect against evil spirits, or influences. Hypericum often plays a party in mid-summer and summer solstice festivals. Its solar nature is thought to be shown by its golden yellow flowers, with their stamens radiating like rays from the sun. So powerful was this image that in mediaeval times the plant acquired the name “sol terrestris”, literally meaning terrestrial sun, and served as protection against the powers of darkness. The aerial parts of the plant (stem, leaves and flowers) are commonly used in herbal preparations. This formulation has been synergistically formulated with chamomile.