St. Johns Wort hyperifolium perforatum (LINN)

Names:

N.O. Hypericaceae ,Hypericum is derived from greek, meaning "over an apparition" Hypericon (greek),Herb Sanctii loannis

History:

The name "hypericum" refers to the belief that the herb had obnoxious qualities which caused all evil spirits to fly away after just one whiff of it. it was believed to purify the air. In full flower on St. Johns' Day (24 June) ,it is known as the Herb of St. John the Baptist.

Native to Europe and Western Asia. Naturalized in Americas and Australasia.

Constituents:

volatile oil, called "red oil". resin, a red pigmented glycoside ,hypericine, a polyphenolic flavonoid, hyperoside, tannin (8-9% in the whole herb and 16% in the flower), carotene, Vitamin C.

Uses:

Fresh or dried flowering plant: vulnerary, weak diuretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeic, cholagogue, antidepressant, antiviral*, antibioitc, astringent, aromatic, expectorant and nervine used for dysentery, worms, hysteria, for the suppression of urine, externally to dispel hard tumors, ecchymosis, irregular menstruation, improves circulation, violet red dye for silk or wool.

* recent studies

..suggest an immune-stimulant which may prevent AIDS.

** What is ecchymosis? Check my 1983 Encyclopaedia and Dictionary of medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health Miller and Keane

**ECCHYMOSIS:

( ek"i-mo'sis) pl. ecchymoses (Gr) a hemmhoragic spot, larger than a petechia*, in the skin or mucous membrane, forming a non-elevated, rounded or irregular, blue or purplish patch, adj.,ecchymotic.

That's funny- I do not know what size a petechia is, or , for that matter, what it is. My dictionary says:

*PETECCHIA:

purplish-red spot caused by intradermal or submucous hemmhorage,which later turns blue or yellow.

Now you know, for what the investigation was worth. Your doctor probably calls them blue blobs on the skin, for all I know!

Link to Companion Article

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