Plant
10:40, 27-May-2019
St. John's wort: The golden flower that can ease depression
["china"]
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In late May, the golden St. John's wort flowers after the heavy rain in east China's Jiangsu Province. The plant is named after St.John because it blooms around the time of the feast of St.John the Baptist in June. The flower has been used in medicine since the time of ancient Greece.
A flowering St. John's wort in Bochishan Park in Huai'an City, east China's Jiangsu Province. /VCG Photo
A flowering St. John's wort in Bochishan Park in Huai'an City, east China's Jiangsu Province. /VCG Photo
Closeup of a St. John's wort flower. /VCG Photo
Closeup of a St. John's wort flower. /VCG Photo
Closeup of a St. John's wort flower. /VCG Photo
Closeup of a St. John's wort flower. /VCG Photo
Closeup of a St. John's wort flower. /VCG Photo
Closeup of a St. John's wort flower. /VCG Photo
The flowering tops and aerial parts of the plant can be used to treat depression and externally for bruises and wounds. In 2000, St. John's wort made up 25 percent of all antidepressant prescriptions in Europe. However, its interaction with other medicines might be very dangerous.
(Cover image via VCG.)
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