[Latin Name] Hypericum perforatum

[Plant Source] From China

[Appearance] Brown fine powder

[Specifications] 0.3% Hypericin

[Particle size] 80 Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Pesticide residue] EC396-2005, USP 34, EP 8.0, FDA

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[What is St. John's wort]

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. St. John’s wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John’s wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States.

In recent years, St. John’s wort has been studied extensively as a treatment for depression. Most studies show that St. John’s wort may help treat mild-to-moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other prescription antidepressants.

[Functions]

1. Anti-depressive and sedative properties;

2. Effective remedy for the nervous system, relaxing tension, and anxiety and lifting the spirits;

3. Anti-inflammatory

4. Improve capillary circulation

Delicious and healthy spicy pumpkin, coconut & flaxseed soup

With thanks to www.pikalily.com

Ingredients:
• 1 Medium – large pumpkin
• 1 Leek, cut into chunks
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 Inch raw ginger, grated
• 1 Lemongrass
• 4 Tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 1 Litre vegetable (or chicken) stock
• 400ml Coconut milk
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 3 – 4 Tsp olive oil
• 2 Heaped spoons Linwoods flaxseed, sunflower and pumpkin seeds

Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 200C and peel and deseed the pumpkin. Cut into chunks and place on a large roasting tray and add 2 tsp of olive oil. Drizzle over 1 tbsp of honey and season with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 30 minutes.

2. Add 2 tsp of olive oil to a large pot and add the onion, leeks, ginger and lemongrass and cook for 10 minutes until soft.

3. Stir in the Thai red curry paste and add the roasted pumpkin and its juices. Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes. Add 2 tbsp of Linwoods flaxseed, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and then remove the stalk of lemongrass.

4. Add juice of one lime and allow to cool slightly before blending all of the ingredients. Return to the heat and gently heat through. Serve, garnish and enjoy.

The science behind starches, how polysaccharides effect cooking, and the techniques involved when cooking with different types of starches.