St. Johnswort

St. Johnswort

Hypericum perforatum

MEDICINAL: St. Johnswort is useful for bronchitis, internal bleeding, healing wounds, and for dirty,

septic wounds. It is used to ease depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, as well as

symptoms that occur during menopause. It is useful in swellings, abcesses, and bad insect stings. Studies

are showing that it may be effective in combatting AIDS by increasing the immune functions of the body.

DO NOT GO INTO THE SUN if using this herb, as it causes blistering sunburns, especially in

fair-skinned people.

RELIGIOUS: St. Johnswort is hung around the neck to prevent fevers. Wearing the herb aids you in

war and other battles, including those of the will and indecision. Burnt it will banish evil and negativity.

Hung in the home or carried, it will prevent spells of others from entering, and it is used in exorcisms. If

you pick the plant on the night of St. John and hang it on your bedroom wall, you will dream of your

future husband. The red juice of the stems was associated with the blood of John the Baptist, hence the

plant's name.

GROWING: St. Johnswort is a perennial reaching 32 inches tall. It is grown throughout much of North

America. It prefers rich to moderately rich soils, and full sun. It is not long-lived, so replant every few

years. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as they bloom and store in air-tight containers.