St John's Wort
This is one of the more well-known herbs in the Western world. It is said that the name St. John’s Wort came about because the plant begins to flower around St. John’s Tide – the summer solstice at the end of June. Indeed, the yellow flowers are easily recognisable and it is not uncommon to see cultivars of Hypericum in ornamental flower beds. Leaves of St. John’s Wort appear to be perforated (hence the name ‘perforatum’) and bear brightly spots containing a volatile oil. Flowers contain a series of black spots and when rubbed between the fingers, stain red.
Hypericum extracts contain a number of plant substances including hypericin, hyperforin, hyperoside, quercetin and tannins. It is a well-established medicinal plant, with its oil used as an external treatment of wounds and burns.
However, the most widespread use of Hypericum extracts is for its action on the nervous system as a remedy for mild low mood and anxiety.
Hyperiforce from A.Vogel contains extracts of freshly harvested St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).