Facts

Since St. John's wort has been used for so many years there are legends that still exist about the plant. The plant blooms on or about June 24th which is St. John's birthday. Legend says that the first plant grew from the blood that fell at St. John's beheading. The flower buds secrete burgundy colored oil that is said to be reminiscent of St. John's blood.

Hypericum perforatum was originally called Balder's plant. It was named after the sun god Balder because of it's bright yellow color. When Balder's day became St. John's day the name of the plant was transferred as well.

St. John's wort is closely related to Hypericum calycinum, commonly called Sharon's Rose. Sharon's rose is capable of medicinal purposes, but it contains much smaller dosages of hypercin. Since St. John's wort is so available, Hypericum calycinum is used mainly for decoration.

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