| Latin Name : | Hypericum perforatum |
| English Name : | St. John's-wort |
| French Name : | Millepertuis, herbe aux mille trous, herbe de Saint-Jean |
| Origin : | Canada, France |
History and Origin
St. John’s-wort was introduced in Canada. It is now a widely spread plant, except for the Prairies. St. John’s-wort is a medium-sized herbaceous plant with numerous five petals flowers of a bright yellow. Petals are dented and dotted with numerous resiniferous black glands. The flowers used to enter in the preparation of mead, liquors, and a longevity elixir.
Native Americans use it as a tranquilizer as well as to treat cuts, skin problems, rheumatisms, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and fever. Flower tops were also used to make dies for wool and silk. St. John’s-wort is widely known, notably for its antidepressant properties. It is used as an essential oil, maceration oil, and tincture.