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Small world, huh?
Also, I just wanted to welcome everyone to the first post in my new series: Everyday Herbs. Over the next few posts, I will be talking about the herbs I am learning along the way of my herbalism journey. Without further ado, let me introduce you to Saint John's Wort!
𖧧 SAINT JOHN'S WORT 𖧧
Other Names: Sol Terrestris, Scare Devil, Amber, Goat Weed, Tipton Weed
Scientific Name: Hypericum Perforatum
Family: Hypericaceae, Hypericum
Identification: 1 to 3 feet tall perennial that has small yellow blossoms. When the stems/flowers are smashed they excrete purplish/red liquid that stains the fingers (often referred to as the blood of Saint John). If you hold the leaves up to the sun, you can see light shining through perforated dots in the leaves, these are oil glands.
Time of Year: Late Spring, Summertime. Peak time is Summer Solstice.
Location & Growing: Zones 3-9, soil PH 6 to 7. Full Sun locations, like meadows, roadsides, and fields. The soil is well draining. Dry Sandy Banks of Lakes and Rivers in wetter climates. Can be grown in gardens.
Parts Used: Bud and Flowers (Best), and leaves
Energetics: Warming, Drying, Sweet, & Bitter
Actions: Trophorestorative, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, healing, diuretic, anti-viral, vulnerary, antiolytic, nervine, disinfectant, relaxant, digestive, neuroprotective, hepatic, alterative, anodyne, exhilerant
Constituents: Flavonoids, hypericin, hyperforin, tannins, pseudohypericin, procyanidins
Contraindications: Strong hepatic response in the Liver, so it will make some medicines not as effective. These medications are lifesaving drugs, psychiatric medication, or contraceptives. People with photosensitivity should avoid as it could exacerbate symptoms. People with rosacea should also avoid. If pregnant, do not take.
Preparations: Teas, Tinctures Topical Ointments, Oils, Elixers
Indications: Joint pain, muscle pain, tooth pain, nerve afflictions, chronic digestive issues, helps with stagnation and detoxing of the liver, constipation, and nervous stomach. Adaptogen: helps with mental health and cortisol levels. Skin lesions, wound protection, and healing rashes/acne scars. ADHD management, seasonal depression, anxiety, ovarian reproduction and hormonal disorder. Hypothyroidism and sluggishness in general. Hepatitis, herpes, chickenpox, and flu strains
Spiritual Properties: Protection against negative energies, enhance psychic abilities, Connection to the sun, Banishes, Prevents sickness, Happiness, Health, Love, Courage, Fire Element, Summer Solstice Celebration, Divination.
Historical Significance: Saint John’s Wort is over 2,000 years old. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to heal wounds and treat various ailments. Later, because it blooms around the time of St. John the Baptist’s feast day, it was officially named in his honor.
During the age of witch trials, people often adorned their homes with Hypericum or hung it in doorways to ward off witchcraft and evil spirits—hence its nickname, “Scare Devil.” Sometimes, if someone saw you carrying the herb, they might look at you a bit suspiciously. Ironically, despite its historical associations, many modern-day witches value this plant for its powerful healing and protective properties.
The only question that I have in my brain is, is it named after a wort on Saint John's face?
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