HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. 
those herbs, and the like quantity now put in and sunned in like 
manner, doth make an oil of the color of blood, which is a most 
precious remedy for deep wounds and sures, and those that are 
through the body, for sinews that are pricked, or any wound 
made with a venomed weapon. I am accustomed (continues 
Gerard), to make a compound oil hereof, the making of which, 
any one shall receive at my hands, because that I know in the 
world there is not a better, no, not natural balsam itself, for I 
dare undertake to cure any such wound as absolutely in each 
respect, if not soaner and better, as any man whatsoever, shall 
or may with natural balsam.” 
The plant still enjoys much reputation in some parts of 
Europe in the treatment of many diseases, hysteria, mania, 
intermittent fever, dysentery, gravel, hemorrhages, pectoral com- 
plaints, worms, and jaundice. It was also formerly held in 
high estimation for the cure of demoniacs, and the superstition 
still lingers among the vulgar in some countries. At present the 
plant is scarcely used except as a domestic remedy. The flow- 
ering summits are the parts employed, though the unripe 
capsules are possessed of the same virtues, in an equal degree, 
and the seeds are said to be even stronger. It is difficult to 
ascertain its exact value as a remedy, but from its sensible 
properties, and from the character of the complaints in which it 
has been thought useful, it may be considered independently of 
its astringency, as somewhat analogous in medicinal power, to 
the turpentines. Whatever may be the real value of this plant 
however, as a medicinal agent, it deserves attention, and that a 
fair trial should be made of it, the testimonies in its favor are so — 
strong that it can scarcely be as inert as is now supposed, and 
as is observed by Cullen (Mat. Med., 173), ‘we should not be 
so audacious as to neglect it, for by the sensible qualities it 
appears active, and there are many well vouched testimonies of 
its virtues, particularly of its diuretic powers.” 
St. John’s-wort is said to exercise an injurious effect on cattle 
by inflaming the’skin wherever the hair is white. Although — 
this belief is very general, it is by no means certain, that the 
injury is owing to this plant. Is it not rather attributable to a 
species of Euphorbia which in almost all cases is found growing 
where the: to sii pine me ee acrid jaice of the former 
