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| St. John’s Wort
was named for the eve of St.
John the Baptist’s day (June 24) which is the traditional date of
gathering these star-shaped yellow flowers with perforated leaves. The
botanical name Hypericum comes from the Greek "hyper", meaning
over or raised, and "ikon", meaning spirit or apparition. The choice
of the name hypericum or "raised spirit" may indicate that the ancient
Greeks knew of St. John’s Wort’s anti-depressive properties. St.
John’s Wort, as well as treating depression, is also an excellent
remedy for treating all types of burns. The oil, extracted by infusing
the flowers, especially the unopened flowerbuds, and leaves in extra
virgin olive oil until the oil turns a deep red color. This oil
provides soothing relief to pain as well as promotes wound healing.
St. John’s Wort has been used externally for a wide range of
complaints and problems. Its main medicinal applications are
rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, skin ulcers, gout, sprained muscles,
bruises, all kinds of open wounds, and especially burns. St. John’s
Wort Oil is commonly used for treating neuralgia and nerve pain such
as that associated with sciatica. It is known to contain anti-viral
and anti-inflammatory compounds which have been the focus of much AIDS
research. Hypericin, a red pigment classified as a naphthodianthrone,
is thought to be an active constituent. Several flavonoids are also
present. In the cosmetics industry, St. John’s Wort Oil is used in
preparations which are intended for the care of extremely sensitive
skin or skin prone to allergic reactions. It is often combined with
other herbal extracts to create a formula with superior hydrating,
moisturizing action as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
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