What do they treat? Flower Your World with Healing Herb Fact Sheets! Be sure to check your spam folder and promotions tab if you have one. We keep your data private and share your data only with third parties that make this service possible. St. John's Wort is an essence to consider to alleviate serious fears of evil, witchcraft, a negative outcome, ghosts, bad dreams, or bad luck. Macerate for 4 weeks in full sun. After gathering the fresh tops, spread them out on a baking sheet and let them wilt for a few days. History/Folklore: St. John’s Wort was known as the “Grace of God’. Indigenous to Europe, introduced to many temperate areas of the world, grows wild in meadows. A Health Boost and Reset to Balance Body, Mind, & Spirit Using Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is associated with St. John the Baptist. However, we only ever mention products we would recommend whether we were being compensated or not. Saint John's Wort is an outstanding herbal remedy steeped in many folk legends and traditions of healing. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of St. John’s Wort. Many people use St. John's wort to help treat depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Christians identify the herb with St John saying the plant’s red pigment is St. John’s blood from his beheading. St. John’s wort is not your only option for treating SAD. St. John’s Wort is a yellow flower that can lift your spirits and help stop bleeding. The reddish oil has been associated with blood, the sacred juice of life. Copyright © 2014-2020 White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ | All rights reserved. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I'm a lover of folklore. St John’s Wort is the kind of herb that gladdens the heart just by looking at it. The flower occurs in prairies, pastures, and disturbed fields.It prefers sandy soils. Saint–John’s-wort may have come from Assyria, where it was hung over doors during religious festivals as protection against evil spirits and influences. St. Johns Wort does have photosensitizing properties. Sign up, FREE, for access to all of WRI Healing Herb Fact Sheets and Exclusive Member Only Offers! Counterintuitively, it is recommended to cut weeds on the full moon nearest 22 June as they will be at their weakest. Be Happy. Hyperforin, Essential Oil, Tannins, Flavonoids, Resins, Glycosides, Carotenes, Pectin, Hyproside. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Thus it is always advised to consult with a qualified and knowledgeable practitioner who can advise you on any drug interactions or other ill-effects, before attempting to use St. John’s Wort medicinally. Thrives in areas with either a winter or summer dominate rainfall pattern and distribution restricted by temperatures that drop too low for  seeds to germinate. For more information on the pros and cons of St. John’s wort and alternative approaches to treating winter doldrums, we are sending you our 8-page Guide to Dealing with Depression . It has been used to heal sword wounds as far back as the Middle Ages. All efforts of the Church to demonize the herb had failed and so it was absorbed into Christian mythology and given to St. John, the Baptist, who’s Saints Day falls on June 24th, right at the height of the herb’s flowering time. The five-petaled, yellow flowers look like little stars or suns. Saint John’s Wort has long been revered as a magical herb that was said to ward off all kinds of witches and devils and was even often offered as a Midsummer sacrifice to ensure the continuity of life. St John’s Wort enjoyed its greatest glory during the Middle Ages when it was known as ‘Fuga Daemonium’ and it was deemed a protective force against all types of evil. If you are taking pharmaceutical drugs, especially anti-depressants, consult with a knowledgable doctor regarding the possibility of negative drug interactions. Creeping Saint-John’s-wort (H. calycinum), sometimes known as rose of Sharon or Aaron’s-beard, and goldencup Saint-John’s-wort (H. patulum) are both shrubby East Asian species. The genus name Hypericum comes from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture) in reference to the traditional usage of the plant to ward off evil by hanging the plants over religious icons on St John’s day. Don’t see the herb you wanted? Be Free. Its stems are erect and branched in upper section. It has become naturalized in many parts of the US, where it is regarded as a noxious weed. This herb is named after St. John, the Baptist mainly because the admirable flowers of this plant were said to bloom initially around 24 th June when the birthday of St. John is celebrated. St. John's Wort gets it's name for the fact that it both flowers near and is traditionally harvested on St. John The Baptist Day. Internally, a small amount of the oil or better still, the expressed juice, taken on an empty stomach has been used for treating stomach ulcers and gastritis. Below is an overview of St. John’s Wort, combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Many of the old Pagan traditions were absorbed into the new faith but reinterpreted to fit its own mythology: It was probably the only herb to have been used in the Witch trials as a means of identifying witches, using talismanic magic: was written on a piece of paper and placed on a piece of leather along with some St. John’s Wort that had been gathered during the first quarter of the moon. It was named after St. John the Baptist as the flower bloomed around his birthday. Let’s take a closer look. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant named because the bright yellow flowers were said to bloom for the first time around St. John the Baptist's birthday. My name is Kat Morgenstern, and I am delighted that you have found your way here! Thank you, you have joined our wait list! Saint-John’s-wort A genus of perennial herbs and shrubs bearing yellow flowers (Hypericum perforatum), believed to have the power to drive away the devil, Demons, witches, imps, Fairies, and Ghosts. Thank you for joining us! It was felt that the plant was most potent during this period. What I can say is that in many traditions which are based in part on magick and where herbs and potions are used St John's Wort is seen as a herb that is assocaited with both dreaming as well as psychic abilities. Hi there! St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Master Class Materia Medica, Folklore, Recipes, Remedies Enroll in Course for $30. Some sprigs were cast on the solstice bonfires, others were blessed and hung above the doors, and into the rafters of stables and barns. Sea feliz. We are CONSTANTLY adding new herb courses. The St. John’s Wort plant originated in Europe where it grew wild as a woody shrub. It can also be used to treat anxiety, melancholy, and irritability, especially during menopause, or PMT. It has opposing stalkless, narrow oblong leaves with transparent dots throughout the tissue and occasionally a few black dots on the lower surface. See our Privacy Policy for more information. Traditionally, the flowers were steeped in Poppy seed oil to produce a bright red oil. The margins are entire and show tiny black dots around the edges, the oil glands that produce the red colored oil. Many magical and medicinal properties have been ascribed to it and even its name alludes to certain divine connotations: it was named in honor of St. John, the Baptist, who’s saints day is on June 23rd. No es sustituto del consejo de su profesional de la salud o médico. The species name perforatum refers to the presence of small oil glands on the leaves that look like windows when held against the light (i.e. Caution is also advised when using it in the treatment of depression. The stem bears two raised lines along their length and branches in the upper parts. Macerating the flowers in oil yields a red sedative, analgesic rub that alleviates neuralgia. In his days, midwives also used the herb as a fumigant, to help women who encountered severe problems with their pregnancies or during childbirth. It had the power to banish all evil powers  (Just how it did so is not clear). Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Acrid, Astringent, Neutral. Culpeper wrote, “The decoction of the herb and flowers… is [also] good for those that are bitten or stung by any venomous creature.”. Botanical Name: Western – Hypericum perforatum. In folklore St John’s wort was thought to possess magical properties, and was used as a charm against storms, thunder, evil spirits, and witches. St. John's Wort is a plant of ancient use, one that has been a protector and healer of people for centuries. The plant spreads rapidly by means of runners or from the prodigious seed production and can invade pastures, disturbed sites, dirt roads, the sides of roads and highways, and sparse woods. Reproduces both vegetivalely and sexually. When held to the light the translucent dots appear transparent. Tabernaemontana reports that the powdered dried herb can be strewn directly into ‘foul’ wounds to clean and heal them. The Crusaders used the plants red oil to sooth and heal wounds. It has a long history in folklore, and for centuries it was thought that burning it would drive off evil spirits and demons. As a diuretic, St. John’s Wort assists the kidneys to flush waste materials and toxins from the body. The plant's yellow flowers symbolize the sun and as such it is a perfect symbol of Midsummer celebrations. However, since Poppy Seed oil has become very hard to find, Olive oil can be substituted. Find out for yourself why over 50,000 people have already signed up. Dispels Wind Damp: relieves muscle aches and pains. Strain the oil, repeat the process using the same oil but adding fresh flowers. The whole plant gives off an incense-like aroma. St. John's Wort was even added to the moulding process when forming "Freikugel" - a magical bullet that always hit its target. References: For a complete list of references please visit our References and Resources page. St. John's Wort has been used in the past by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Many herbs, including vervain (Verbena officinalis), sage (Salvia apiana), elder (Sambucus nigra) and, of course, St John’s wort (Hypericum) are believed to reach the peak of their powers on the feast of St John. The taste is aromatic, bitter, balsamic. In the past, the external use of St. Johns Wort was much more common. For this purpose, 1 tablespoon of the infusion, given at bedtime, is said to suffice. History/Folklore: St John’s Wort’s common name comes from the flower being harvested on St John’s Day, June 24th. Fill a jar with the wilted flowering tops and cover with oil. Nowadays it is seldom celebrated. Thanks for stopping by! How can they be used? For the flower known in Devon as St John's wort, see Chelidonium majus. This problem can be particularly severe in the overgrazed southwestern parts of the US. He presides over the Christianised version of the Midsummer Feast, the most important feast day of the ancient pastoral calendar. Internal use of St. Johns Wort herb (rather than potentized pills) rarely poses this threat to humans, (although it is conceivable). Its calming and sedative properties soothe the nerves and alleviate headaches and migraines. The tea is effective for indigestion, stomach catarrh, and as a vermifuge. Join the mailing list to get updates directly in your inbox. This custom was believed to offer protection against the hazards of the burning power of the sun: fires, lightning, and droughts, and to ward off witches and demons. St. John’s Wort affects the serum-levels of the Neurotransmitter Serotonin, which may produce negative effects when it is used in conjunction with other anti-depressant drugs that also impact the metabolism of neurotransmitters. In Medieval days, the Catholic holy day of St. John fell close to the summer solstice. It was claimed to bring good luck if sprigs of the plant were hung about the house or carried as a charm and, if you slept with them under the pillow, you would dream of a … It is most likely to harm grazing animals that may consume great quantities of it while being exposed to intense heat without access to sheltering shade. It is therefore recommended to avoid St. John’s Wort if one spends a lot of time in the sun or in the solarium. In the US, it is considered a noxious weed that is dangerous to cattle. But not all consider it benevolent. Redistribution permitted with attribution. Finally, St John’s Wort is a powerful liver cleanser. For physical concerns, St. John's Wort flower essence is particularly called for for post-surgery recovery and healing. Could anyone tell me if the lack of a red color when I infuse dried St John's Wort into Olive oil by either steeping for 3 weeks or waterbath for 3 hours indicates a lack of properties? For this purpose, the expressed juice, or a compress made from the fresh bruised herb was used. St. John’s wort is a herb that was used for the treatment of various health issues predominantly anxiety and depression in Europe. Take full advantage of the healing powers of herbs! It cleanses the liver eliminates all kinds of toxins – including pharmaceutical drugs and birth control pills, rendering them useless. In England it has been said to cure mania, in Russia it gave protection and in Brazil, it was known as an antidote to snakebite. St. John’s Wort grows throughout central Europe and the British Isles. It is said that the red sap “bleeds” in August on the day when St. John was beheaded. St. John’s Wort is a tonic for the whole body:  a gentle cleansing remedy that improves overall function and tones the vital organ systems. St. John’s Wort is often associated with midsummer and solstice ceremonies and rituals. This oil is used for treating sunburn, other mild burns, neuralgia, sciatica, and rheumatic pain, as well as sprains and strains, cuts, wounds, as well as muscle aches and nerve pains. Sign up as a member, FREE. The opposite, sessile leaves are ovate to linear and are covered with numerous translucent dots where its essential oil is stored. Likes gravely soils. The genus name Hypericum comes from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture) in reference to the traditional usage of the plant to ward off evil by hanging the plants over religious icons on St John’s day. St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb with extensive creeping rhizomes. St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) also known as known as perforate St John’s-wort, common Saint John’s wort is a flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae.. Take 900 mg of oral St. John’s Wort daily to fight depression. Yes, I consent to receiving emails from White Rabbit Institute of Healing. Epilepsy?). Sign up for immediate access to your first Healing Herb Fact Sheet and a one month free trial. Our Healing Herb Library is a collection of How to Use Herb Health Sessions that guide you through individual herbs, helping you to take full advantage of each herb’s unique healing powers. ATENCIÓN: Todo el material proporcionado en este sitio web es sólo con fines informativos o educativos. Yet, it is often considered a noxious weed, particularly in agricultural circles. Old herbals also recommend it for ‘shaking and twitching’ (Parkinson? St. John’s wort is a member of the genus Hypericum, of which there are 400 species worldwide, and a member of the St. John’s wort family, Hypericaceae. At this time its potency is at its peak. It was not only applied to wounds and cuts but also to bruises, varicose veins, and burns. You’ll receive email updates when we release new herbs and courses and you’ll get special discounts and other fun updates. It was cherished as an excellent wound healer that could cleanse the wound and ‘knit the skin together’. This is the recommended dose for mild-to-moderate depression. To date, a tremendous amount of research has been conducted showing that St. John's Wort does, in fact, improve mood and relieve depression. In Old English “wort” means “plant.” Today, it’s been successfully cultivated in other countries, including the United States, Russia and China. This talisman was supposed to reveal the true identity of a witch since no witch could disguise her identity in the presence of such a forthright and radiant herb. ATTENTION: All material provided on this website is for informational or educational purposes only. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia.It is now also found in North America.. St. John’s Wort has been used in medicine for over 2.400 years. Sea libre. Legend tells us that in the first century, early Christians were credited for naming St. John’s Wort after their beloved John the Baptist as the brightly colored flowers will usually expose themselves on or before June 24 th which is celebrated as his birthday. Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs Subject: St John's Wort From: user646611.aol.com (User646611) Date: 11 Jan 1997 14:53:28 GMT. 1. The name St. John's wort apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June." It was used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other problems. The coupon code you entered is expired or invalid, but the course is still available! Esté sano. During the medieval period, St. John's wort was used in magic potions to ward off malevolence by protecting humans and animals against witches, demons and evil diseases. Also Known As: Tu Lian Qiao, Guan Ye Jin Si Tao. St. John’s Wort is a tonic for the whole body: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They burst out in clusters that flower from June to September. In some areas even considered a noxious weed. I remember going with friends to the riverbanks in the mountains near Kranjska Gora collecting armfuls of the bushes with the golden flowers in late summer for drying to use in teas in winter to stave off the blues. Get an Eastern and Western perspective about how and why healing herbs works. For therapeutic purposes, it is best to use the fresh herb or tincture, as the dried herb has lost much of its potency. There are many ancient superstitions regarding this plant, its name Hypericum is derived from the Greek and means 'over an apparition,' a reference to the belief that it smelled so obnoxious to evil spirits that a whiff of it would cause them to fly. It has five-petaled, bright yellow blossoms with protruding stamens which flower at the height of summer. Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, Antidepressant, Promotes Tissue Repair, Analgesic, Antibiotic. Get IMMEDIATE access to Our Complete Collection of 6 eBook Volumes containing 300+ Healing Herb Fact Sheets. Modern herbalists tend to prefer a diluted tincture. The sepals are pointed with glandular dots in tissue and many stamens that unite at base into three bundles. Tabernaemontana mentions an elaborate recipe for a compound oil, which, among other things, includes various gums and resins, such as frankincense, myrrh, mastic and other herbs, including Plantain leaves, Yarrow and Tormentil, which he claims, will be a superior oil, effective for treating just about any kind wound. Spring is a long way off but I am looking for information on how to harvest it and then what to do with it afterward to make it useable. Folklore dictates that the herb wards off … The red oil was said to be a reminder of the Saints martyrdom. St. It takes place on June 24, on Midsummer day (St John's day). Also Known As: Tipton’s Weed, Chase-Devil, Klamath Weed, Touch and Heal, Goatweed, Organs/Systems: Lungs, Intestines, Kidney, Blood, Nerves. St John’s Wort enjoyed its greatest glory during the Middle Ages when it was known as ‘Fuga Daemonium’ and it was deemed a protective force against all types of evil. Follow the recommended instructions from on … Full of magic and folklore, this plant has a wonderful bit of story associated with it and the summer solstice. In the … You’ll choose your herb(s) after you register. Eaten by livestock, St. John’s Wort can cause photosensitization, central nervous system depression, spontaneous abortion and death. The allegations are that its photosensitizing properties are hazardous to humans and cattle alike. Today, St. John’s Wort’s magical associations have largely been forgotten. It has been used for medicinal purposes in other parts of the world for thousands of years. Disclosure: If you purchase from some links on this web page, we may receive some kind of affiliate commission. If there’s a particular herb you’re interested in that’s not currently available, be sure to let us know after you make your purchase. St. John’s wort is native to Europe, West Asia, North Africa, Madeira and the Azores, and is naturalized in many parts of the world, notably North America and Australia. Be Whole. In France, the "Fête de la Saint-Jean" (feast of St John), traditionally celebrated with bonfires (le feu de la Saint-Jean) that are reminiscent of Midsummer's pagan rituals, is a Catholic festivity in celebration of Saint John the Baptist. Stops Bleeding: hemoptysis, hermatemsis, and bleeding due to trauma. The reason being just what you are discussing, both the dreams and the crazy. It’s common to take 300 mg 3 times a day or 450 mg twice a day to break the dose up. Eastern – Herba Hypericum. The St. John's wort plant has yellow flowers and is a weed in some parts of the U.S. St. John's Wort is bound to Sun and Fire. When flower buds (not the flower themselves) or seeds are crushed a reddish/purple liquid is produced. The flower gets its name," says F. Schuyler Mathews, "from the superstition that on St. John's day, the 24th of June, the dew which fell on the plant the evening before was efficacious in preserving the eyes from disease. The ancient name Fuga Daemonum (Scar… Your privacy is guaranteed. The word \"wort\" means \"plant\" in Old English. We'll let you know when our next 30-Day “Love Your Liver” Detox Challenge is open. With the advent of Christianity, it was associated with St. John the Baptist, and was said to start blooming on his birthday, June 24. It was said that stepping on St John’s Wort at dusk meant a night spent on the back of a fairy horse. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-morgenstern, https://www.facebook.com/Sacred-Earth-277523915350book, The Doctrine of signatures assigns this herb to the Sun, not only because its flowers look so sunny, but also because its flowering-, All efforts of the Church to demonize the herb had failed and so it was absorbed into Christian mythology and given. It’s associated with St. John the Baptist through various Christian legends. You'll also recieve our Free Healing Herb Fact Sheets and latest news. The flowers bloom midsummer and when crushed turn blood red, the color associated with wounds, menses, fertility and childbirth. St. John's wort is a herb containing hypericin, which seems to give it antibacterial and antiviral properties. Get recipes, gardening tips, insights, and much, much more. June 21, the official beginning of summer and with it, the plant herald, St. John’s Wort, (Hypericum perforatum, L). St John’s wort is a traditional Midsummer plant , and is thus traditionally plucked / harvested on Midsummer / St John’s feast day which also happens to be the Holy day of Voodoo . Hypericum perforatum, known as perforate St John's-wort, common Saint John's wort, or simply St John's wort, is a flowering plant in the family Hypericaceae and the type species of the genus Hypericum. Herbaceous plant that can lift your spirits and demons Bitter, Acrid,,... By livestock, St. John ’ s blood from his beheading service possible a wonderful bit story... Some links on this web page, we only ever mention products we would recommend whether we were compensated. Course is still available medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, Antidepressant, Promotes Repair... To help treat depression, anxiety, melancholy, and much, more... In your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription by livestock, John. Special Offers and updates about our upcoming courses, FREE, for access to our. The color associated with Midsummer and solstice ceremonies and rituals and you ’ ll choose your herb ( )! Reports that the plant was most potent during this period know about Myrrh… tips, insights, and burns from... Around his birthday Icon St. John 's Wort plant has yellow flowers look like little stars suns... Or light therapy once the herb is claimed as “ one of the US, where it grew as. Oil yields a red sedative, Analgesic, Antibiotic Remedies Enroll in course for $ 30 the. Compensated or not you, you have found your way here wound healer that could cleanse the wound ‘! Oil or light therapy once the herb with extensive creeping rhizomes as far back as the flower themselves ) seeds. Held to the summer solstice Tipton ’ s weed already signed up references and Resources.... 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