St. John's Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum Perforatum, grows one to three feet tall with branching stems and pale green oblong leaves. It produces bright yellow, five-petal star-shaped flowers that are covered in tiny black dots. When these flower buds (not the flowers themselves) or seed pods are crushed, a red-colored liquid is released. It has been used in traditional European medicine as far back as the ancient Greeks.
The name St. John’s Wort refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June. It is also said that the red sap “bleeds” in August on the day the Saint was beheaded.
Healing Properties
For hundreds of years, St. John's Wort has been used to treat mental health problems. Today, it is mainly used as an over-the-counter remedy to treat mild and moderate depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety, and sleeping problems. It is known for its mood-lifting properties and is said to also aid in symptoms of ADHD, OCD, and PMS.
According to Web MD, for a long time, scientists thought a chemical in St. John’s Wort called hypericin, was responsible for its effects on improving one’s mood. More recent research suggests other chemicals, like hyperforin, may play a larger role instead. These chemicals act on messengers in the nervous system that regulate mood.
St. John’s Wort is also known for having antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory capabilities, it has been applied to the skin to help treat skin issues and heal wounds and burns.
It is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States, but is actually banned in France and is only available as a prescription in some countries. This is due to the fact that it can cause serious interactions with other medications and drugs. Always be cautious when using St. John’s Wort, and it is recommended to not use without the supervision of a doctor if you are using it while taking any other medications.
Many individuals use St. John’s Wort in the form of a tincture, poultice, salve, or in an infusion.
Magickal Uses & Lore
According to many historians, it is said to have been used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other issues. It was also said to be used in the Crusades to treat battle wounds.
St. John’s Wort is known as one of the most common protective herbs. In magickal uses including rituals, spell-casting, or to keep in the home, St. John’s Wort is often associated with courage, the power of the sun, fertility, purification, healing, and positive energy. It’s bloody red color also gives it an association with death and rebirth rituals as well as celebrations of womanhood. It can also be burned during exorcism rituals, especially in relation to poltergeists.
It is linked with the Sun and the zodiac sign of Leo, as well as the Wiccan sabbat of Midsummer, which is referred to as St John’s Day. It is traditionally burned in Midsummer celebratory Fires or used to make flower garlands. Using St. John’s Wort to make an infused oil might be useful as an anointing oil for Midsummer rituals and exorcisms.
Flowers brought into the house on Midsummer’s Day are said to protect the household from various misfortunes, including invasion by evil spirits, the evil eye, illness, and fire. Its more scientific name, Hypericum, is Latin for “over” + “apparition,” which some say attests to its usefulness in driving away evil spirits, but also may refer to the fact that it was hung over religious icons. St. John’s Wort is often hung in the home and carried as a talisman. In the past, it was also used to protect from lightning strikes.
St. John’s Wort has been additionally used for divination of romance and longevity. According to many witch references, it was hung over the beds of the members of a household to determine their life expectancy. The sprig that was most wilted the next morning indicated who would die the soonest. This ritual was often done on Midsummer or St John’s Eve.
While we have provided suggestions on how to use the versatile, magickal herb of St. John’s Wort, please keep in mind results may vary per individual and always use caution when trying a new herb. Enjoy our St. John’s Wort recommendations and folklore, and perhaps explore your own ways to incorporate it into your daily and magickal lives!
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