ST. JOHN'S WORT
(Hypericm perforatu)
Other Names: Goat weed.
General Description: A shrubby European perennial also found in the U.S. It blooms on June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist.
Parts Used: The flowering tops.
Active Ingredients: hypericin.
Traditional Uses: The ancient authorities, Dioscorides ( A.D. 41-68 ), Galen ( A.D. 150-200 ), Pliny ( A.D. 23-79 ), and Hippocrates ( 460-377 B.C. ) used St. Johns Wort as a treatment for menstrual disorders. It was used in the Middle Ages for anxiety and depression
Current Status: St. Johns Wort has been featured in Newsweek and on ABC's 20/20. It is approved in Germany for the treatment of mild depression.
Precautions: Depression can be a life threatening illness. If you feel you are depressed you must be evaluated by a health care professional. St. Johns Wort should not be taken with any prescription antidepressants.
Discontinue St. John's Wort 5 days prior to surgery.
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