Medical Attributes of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s wort, known botanically as Hypericum perforatum, is a sprawling, leafy herb that grows in open, disturbed areas throughout much of temperate North America and Australia. St. John’s wort has been used as an herbal remedy to treat a variety of internal and external ailments since ancient Greek times. Since then, it has remained a popular treatment for anxiety, depression, cuts, and burns. Sales of products made from St. John’s wort presently exceed several billion dollars each year.