St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), also known as St. John's Herb, is a perennial herbaceous plant renowned for its medicinal and symbolic properties. Found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, St. John's Wort has been valued since ancient times for its therapeutic effects, especially in the treatment of mood disorders. Known for its characteristic yellow flower and its rich history filled with legends and traditions, this plant is a staple in herbal medicine and folk healing.
St. John’s Wort has a deep-rooted place in folk medicine and ancient traditions. Its common name is linked to St. John the Baptist, as the plant typically blooms around June 24th, his feast day. Historically, it was believed to possess protective and magical powers, and was often gathered during midsummer festivals and hung in homes or worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits. The ancient Greeks, including Hippocrates, used the herb for wound healing, nerve disorders, and melancholia. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important medicinal herbs in Europe, widely employed in monasteries and among rural healers. Today, it is recognized worldwide for its therapeutic applications, particularly in supporting mental health.
St. John’s Wort is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that reaches a height of 30 to 100 cm. Its upright stems are often reddish and bear pairs of small, oval, light green leaves. When held up to the light, these leaves reveal tiny translucent dots, giving them a “perforated” appearance from which the species name perforatum is derived. The plant blooms in summer with clusters of bright yellow flowers, each bearing five petals with small black glands along the margins. When crushed, the petals release a reddish oil that stains the fingers and carries the plant’s most potent active compounds. The flowers are not only visually striking but also rich in nectar, attracting pollinators to the garden.
St. John’s Wort is an undemanding plant that adapts well to a variety of environments. It can be grown from seed sown directly outdoors in early spring or autumn. Indoors, seeds can be started 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and transplanted once the soil has warmed. The seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil surface and not covered, as they require light to germinate. Germination may take several weeks.
It prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil and grows best in a sunny location. While tolerant of poor soil conditions, a lightly enriched soil will promote more vigorous growth and flowering. Once established, it requires little water and is quite drought-tolerant. Pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact form and encourages a second flush of blooms. Harvesting should be done in mid-summer when flowers are fully open. For medicinal use, flowers and upper leaves are typically gathered early in the day after the dew has evaporated, then dried or macerated in oil.
St. John’s Wort is one of the most widely studied medicinal herbs in the world. Its flowering tops contain hypericin and hyperforin, compounds known for their antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. It is most commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, and stress-related fatigue. The herb also possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound-healing properties, making it valuable for external use as well.
Traditionally, the flowers are infused in oil to create a bright red preparation used for treating skin irritations, burns, bruises, neuralgia, and joint pain. St. John’s Wort tea, made from dried leaves and flowers, is taken to calm the nerves and support emotional balance. Its long-standing reputation as a plant that "chases away darkness" reflects both its symbolic and physiological effects on the human psyche. However, due to potential interactions with certain medications, it should be used with caution under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
