St John’s wort


253-8, 1996).

Sun sensitivity, fatigue, stomach upset, drug interactions and allergic reactions are among the side effects that have been reported in people taking St John’s wort.

The powers of this venerable herb were reputed to derive from John the Baptist; red spots on its leaves were said to appear on August 29, the anniversary of his death, representing the blood spilt when St John was beheaded. Others hold that the herb is named for the Knights of St John who used it to treat the wounded in the Crusades.

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