Herb Collection
Lift the Spirit with St. John’s Wort
A bittersweet variety
St. John’s Wort gets its name because it flowers around St. John’s Day (June 24th), and it’s hung to ward off harm to people and livestock. The name comes from the Greek ‘hyper,’ or above, and ‘cum,’ or picture. So people hung the herb above images of John the Baptist. The species likely hybridized in Siberia.
Hypericum shows some (inconsistent) potential in treating mild to moderate depression. It can have mild stimulant-like effects. Studies continue relating to its active organic compound, hyperforin. Consult your physician before use. Hyperforin interacts with some pharmaceuticals and tyramine, found in foods like aged cheese and cured meat.
Nomenclature: Hypericum perforatum Flavors: Bittersweet, lavender, astringent Uses: Salad, flavoring, garnish, medicine Origin: Eurasia
Recipe: St. John’s Wort Oil
Ingredients: Herb, drying screen, olive oil, cheesecloth.