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Family:
Clusiaceae
Description:
Perennial flower 30-90 cm (1-3 ft.) tall. Petals are yellow with black spots on edges, usually in groups of five. Stamens are also yellow and are found in bushy clusters. Flowers from June through October
Location:
Found in waste areas and open fields. Very common. Ranges throughout North America.
Parts used and Uses:
Leaves
Leaves contain antidepressant compounds that regulate levels of dopamine, interleukins, melatonin, monoamine-oxides, and serotonin.
Flowers
Used fresh in olive oil as a treatment for external ulcers, wounds, cuts, and bruises. Flower tea is folk remedy for bladder problems, worms, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Notes:
St John's Wort outsells Prozac 20-to-1 in Germany. Contains compounds such as hypericin and pseudohypericin which may have anti-retroviral activity and are being researched for AIDS effectiveness. Not proven effective treatment for severe depression, and internal or external use may cause skin to be extra sensitive to light.
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