St. John's wort is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers that have oval, elongated petals. Scientists believe it is native to Europe, parts of Asia and Africa, and the western United States. The plant gets its name because it is often in full bloom around June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist. Both the flowers and leaves are used as medicine.
The best-studied active components are hypericin and pseudohypericin, found in both the leaves and flowers. Researchers now think that these components may not be responsible for St. John’s wort’s healing properties. Scientists are now studying St. John's wort's essential oils and flavonoids.
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