St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort

　　【Also known as】Daughter Tea, Thousand-layer Tower, Big Opposite Leaf Herb, Little Liu Jinu, Guizhou Hypericum

　　 　　【Source】The dried whole plant of the plant Hypericum perforatum from the Clusiaceae family.

　　 　　St. John's Wort is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers. It grows in dry, sandy, and sunny areas. Wild St. John's Wort can be found all over the world, including Europe and the Americas.

　　 　　【Chemical composition】The main active ingredients in the leaves and flowers of St. John's Wort are hypericin and pseudohypericin. These components have been detected in very low concentrations—the leaf content ranges from 0.0095% to 0.466%, while flower content is usually around 0.24%. The plant also contains other active compounds such as flavonoids, xanthones, carotenoids, and phytosterols.

　　 　　【Properties and flavor】Pungent and cold in nature.

　　 　　【Functions and indications】Astringent and hemostatic; detoxifying, pain-relieving, anti-radiation, and used to treat Alzheimer's disease and depression. This herb also has antiviral and anti-tumor effects.