Family: Hypericaceae Genus: Hypericum
Species: Hypericum perforatum L.
Common Name(s): St. John’s Wort
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Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John’s Wort, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It typically grows to about three feet tall and spreads rapidly via rhizomatous underground stems and shoots. It’s often found growing wild along roadsides, in grasslands, and in open woodland areas. St. John’s Wort has sunny yellow flowers and year-round evergreen foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens.173
Etymology
St. John’s Wort derives its name from the Christian church and St. John the Baptist. Early, pre-Christian Europeans celebrated the summer solstice with rituals that featured the yellow flowers of Hypericum perforatum L., which bloomed around Midsummer Day. Despite the church’s disdain for these ancient practices, they were unable to fully suppress them. When church leaders realized that St. John the Baptist’s feast day coincided with Midsummer Day on June 24, they renamed the “Feast of Fires” to the “Feast of St. John,” and the pagan plant was rebranded as “St. John’s Wort.” The church declared the plant sacred to St. John, attributing healing powers to it. Its sap, which turns red when exposed to air, was associated with the blood of St. John the Baptist. Additionally, the leaves, believed to bring good luck, were used as bookmarks in prayer books and Bibles.174
Fables, Folklore, and Mythology
Gathered on Midsummer Eve, St. John’s Wort was believed to ward off imps, evil spirits, and the demons of melancholy. Hung on doorways and windows, or carried in the pocket, it was a safeguard against thunder and witches. The possessed or insane inhaled the scent of the crushed leaves and flower, or drank a potion made from the plant, in an attempt to rid themselves of madness.175
Traditional Medicine and Modern Science
St. John’s Wort is known for its medicinal properties and has traditionally been used to treat ailments including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, nerve pain, and inflammation. It has been used as a topical medicine to treat wounds, burns, and skin inflammation. It has also been found to have antiviral properties that may be effective against the herpes simplex virus, and is being studied for its potential benefits in treating cancers, including breast and lung cancer.176