St. John's Wort or Johanniskraut (hypericum perforatum) is the best know of the Midsummer herbs. It received its name from the abundant yellow flowers that bloom on June 24, the traditional birthday of John the Baptist. It has been called a "miracle herb" because of its unique therapeutic qualities and positive results.

In Germany, known for its long tradition of herb use and herb research, St. John's Wort is the most popular supplement for the treatment of mild depression, anxiety and nervous unrest. Many more prescriptions a month are written for one single brand of St. John's Wort, as compared to those for Prozac. German research has indicated that up to 80% of the patients treated with it found improvement for mild depression and anxiety. Researchers have noted no serious side effects to this natural herb.

The red pigment found in the herb has been shown to interfere with an enzyme in the brain, that would normally make a person feel down or depressed. Another compound interferes with brain enzymes that normally would destroy our "feel good" amines, in other words, St. John's Wort blocks the negative activities in the brain, creating a chance for more "feel good" activity to occur.

As a result of its popularity in Europe Americans are just beginning to hear about it. It can be purchased in the form of a powder, oil, caps, or dried leaves. However, caution must be exercised since, in contrast to Germany, its manufacture and quality are not overseen by the FDA. One really never knows what one gets when purchasing from one of the many alternative medicine catalogs and sellers.

Ruth Reichmann
Max Kade German-American Center
Indiana Univ.-Purdue Univ. Indianapolis

Return to Johannistag - Midsummer or Customs Page