St. John's Wort...One for Marian...

St John’s Wort: hypericum perforatum

Wild herb: reasonably common

Parts used: Parts above the ground

Gathering: The plant should be collected when in flower.

Actions:

Anti-inflammatory,

Astringent

Sedative

Vulnerary 

Indications: St John’s wort works as an effective sedative and pain reducer when taken internally. It therefore has a place in the treatment of anxiety, low mood, Neuralgia and similar complaints. This herb should always be considered for cases of fibromyalgia, sciatica and rheumatic pain.

The tetchiness and fretfulness caused by menopausal problems can be eased with this wonderfully calming herb.

Externally the oil or lotion is a beneficial anti-inflammatory and healing remedy, which can be used on bruises, mild burns and varicose veins. Furthermore, and without hyperbole it can be stated that Saint John’s wort oil is nature’s perfect answer to sunburnt skin.

Preparation and dosage: Infusion: Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried or 2-4 teaspoons of fresh herb to one cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink a cupful three times a day.

Tincture: take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Folklore and Kitchen witch: St. John’s wort is a herb of the Sun and it is said to be at the zenith of its power on 24^th of June, which is both the feast of St John and midsummer’s day. This date is, of course, also very close to the summer solstice, which explains both its appropriation by the Christian saint and the relationship between St. John’s wort and midsummer in neo-pagan circles.

Robert Chambers (1802-1871) recorded in his Book of Days that: ‘The people also gathered on this night (midsummer’s eve) the rose, St. John's wort, vervain, trefoil, and rue, all of which were thought to have magical properties. By tradition it was on the day of the ‘feast of Saint John’ that garlands of St John’s wort and other flowers were hung at doors and windows to ensure protection for the occupants. So great was the protection of this wort that a house that had it hung above the door was considered to be safe from thunder, lightening and fire; and neither evil witches or the devil could cross the threshold.

St John’s wort’s remarkable protection abilities are recognised in this traditional rhyme:

St John’s wort doth charm all the witches away

If gathered at midnight on the Saint’s holy day

Nor devils nor witches have then power to harm

The man that doth gather this plant for a charm

Rub lintels and posts with this red juicy flower

No tempest nor thunder shall then enter your door.

(Author unknown)

Gerard called the oil ‘a most pretious remedie for deep wounds and those that are thorow the body, for the sinues that are prickt, or any wound made with a venomed weapon’ … he was obviously impressed. As was Culpepper who recorded that St John’s wort was ‘by no means least valuable for its efficacy in the cure of wounds, hurts, or bruises, by being boiled in wine and drunk’.