St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
A hardy, herbaceous perennial, St. John’s wort grows wild along roadsides and in open meadows, thriving in temperate regions worldwide. Native to Europe, this sun-loving plant produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom from June to August. Traditionally, it has been used in Western herbal practices for centuries. St. John’s wort is often steeped as tea or prepared as an extract. While the dried plant can be used for oil infusions, the red pigment from hypericin—responsible for the characteristic deep red hue—is best preserved when using fresh flowers.
Traditional & Modern Uses
- *Supports a healthy mood and emotional balance.
- Historically associated with protection from negative forces during the Middle Ages.
- Traditionally harvested around St. John’s Day (June 24th), when the plant is believed to be at its peak potency.
A Plant of Many Perspectives
While St. John’s wort has been revered for its beneficial properties, it is also considered an invasive species in some regions. It can be toxic to livestock, as ingestion may cause photosensitivity in grazing animals. St. John’s wort belongs to the Hypericaceae plant family.
Precautions
- Avoid excessive sun exposure during use, especially for fair-skinned individuals.
- Not to be used during phototherapy (light therapy treatments).
- May interact with certain medications by decreasing their effectiveness.
- Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
