By Sonja Flesch-Reiss
Epoch Times Staff
The more than 350 species of Hypericum perforatum, (commonly known as St. John’s wort, Tipton’s weed, John’s grass or Klamath weed) has been a popular herbal folk remedy and also valued by medical practitioners for centuries. Our ancient ancestors also attributed to the plant magical powers, believing that it could protect the wearer against both disease and evil.
Early records retrieved, pertaining to the use of the Hypericum perforatum species, date back to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. English medical practitioners have used the plant as far back as the 1600s.
“Wort” means plant, and “St. John” refers to the Saint John the Baptist. The plant blooms and is harvested during the time of his birthday, June 24.
The perennial plant grows in the subtropical regions of North America and Europe, West Africa, and some parts of Asia. It is found in woods, open fields, and by roadsides. The plant is most abundant in areas of heavy winter or summer rainfall. Its seeds are vulnerable to low temperature.
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