TONIC IN FOCUS: St John’s Wort
ST JOHN’S WORT
Hypercium perforatum
As we drove home down the Hume Highway toward the Southern Highlands, we debated which route to take. I suddenly spotted a distinct and alluring hue of yellow and we turned off to investigate. Yes! That was the plant we are looking for - late October and it is in full bloom. A couple of knives, a couple of tote bags and 10 mins of work for a couple of budding home herbalists, and we completed our seasonal harvest of St John’s Wort.
St John’s Wort is a plant with vibrant yellow flowers, celebrated for its medicinal properties which has proliferated around the world. From ancient Greek healers to modern herbalists, this plant has long held a significant place in various cultures. However, it’s also become an invasive weed in places like Australia, highlighting both its resilience and its widespread influence. I can’t help but cackle at the irony of this and I’m keen to share the fascinating story of St John’s Wort and why we love using it at home to support our health and wellness.
Harvesting by the Hume Highway near Penrose
Historical Roots: Greeks, Europeans, and Native Americans
The use of St. John’s Wort dates back to ancient Greece, where the famous physician Hippocrates and later Greek herbalists prescribed it for various ailments. Its name comes from its traditional blooming around St. John the Baptist’s feast day on June 24 in the Northern Hemisphere. In Greece and later across Europe, the plant was believed to have protective qualities, warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune. The plant’s Latin name, Hypericum, may have originated from the Greek words "hyper" (over) and "eikon" (image), reflecting the ancient belief that hanging it over religious icons could protect homes from evil.
As European settlers arrived in North America, they brought St. John’s Wort with them, and Native American groups soon incorporated it into their own practices. It was used for wound healing, pain relief, and spiritual ceremonies. The widespread use by both Indigenous peoples and settlers solidified its reputation as a powerful healing herb.
Medical Applications and Modern Uses
St. John’s Wort has a variety of medical applications, and it’s long history in folk medicine has been acknowledged and extended in modern Western medicine. It is commonly used to address issues such as:
Mood Disorders: Known for its mood-lifting effects, St. John’s Wort has been used to help relieve mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Wound Healing: In the form of infused oils and salves, St. John’s Wort is applied topically to treat burns, wounds, and bruises.
Pain Relief: The plant’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties have made it a popular choice for neuralgia and sciatica.
Studies suggest that compounds like hypericin and hyperforin may help balance neurotransmitters in the brain, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Paradoxically, these compounds are also the ones which are problematic for livestock when they graze on St John’s Wort, which have contributed to it’s problematic status as an agricultural weed.
It’s worth noting that St. John’s Wort can interact with certain medications, particularly antidepressants and birth control, so anyone considering its use should consult a healthcare provider.
Folk Herbalism and Western Medicine
In folk herbalism, St. John’s Wort has often been used as a “sun herb,” thought to bring light and warmth into the body and mind. Traditional preparations include:
Infusions: Flowers steeped in water to create a tea for anxiety and mood support.
Oil Infusions: Fresh flowers infused in oil for topical use on wounds, sore muscles, and nerve pain.
Tinctures: Flowers and leaves extracted in alcohol to preserve their medicinal qualities.
These traditional forms continue to be used alongside modern extracts, tablets, and capsules found in health stores today.
A Troublesome Weed in Australia
Though prized in many parts of the world, St. John’s Wort is classified as a noxious weed in Australia. It was introduced in the 1800s by European settlers and soon spread uncontrollably due to its hardiness and adaptability. In Australia, it competes with native plants, degrades pasture quality, and can cause photosensitivity in livestock that consume it. Farmers and conservationists continually battle to control its spread, making it a fascinating case of a beneficial herb becoming an ecological nuisance.
For me, it seems that the proliferation of St John’s Wort is more a symptom of modern industrial agriculture being out of balance with the land and rather than just treating the symptom and trying to control the weed, we could look deeper into the root cause and examining our agricultural practices. We could also harvest the plant and process it for it’s medicinal uses on a mass scale rather than importing the herb from overseas which is common practice for most wholesale organic herb suppliers in Australia. This seems completely nonsensical and again highlights some of the paradoxical obsurdities in our corporate food and pharmaceutical industries.
Wild Harvesting and Preparing St. John’s Wort
If you’re interested in using St. John’s Wort, definitely consider wild-harvesting the plant. However, be sure to identify it correctly and avoid areas exposed to pesticides or other contaminants. Any time from late October in the Southern Hemisphere, all the way through summer when the flowers are in full bloom is the best time to harvest.
Steps for Harvesting and Preparing St. John’s Wort:
Identification: Look for bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with five petals. When held up to light, the leaves show tiny dots (or "perforations") from which the plant gets its name.
Harvesting: Pick the flowering tops, ideally in the morning when they’re fresh.
Drying: Spread the flowers out on a clean cloth or drying rack in a dark, well-ventilated area. Drying prevents mold and preserves potency.
Preparation:
Tea: Use fresh or dried flowers to make a tea. Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
Infused Oil: Fill a jar with fresh flowers, cover with a carrier oil (macadamia and olive oil are favourites), and let it sit in the sun for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally. This produces a red-hued oil for topical use.
Tincture: Combine the flowers with a high-proof alcohol in a glass jar and let it infuse for at least six weeks, shaking daily. Strain and store in a dark bottle.
Olive Oil infused with St John’s Wort
Safety and Precautions
St. John’s Wort is potent and should be used carefully. It can interact with various medications and may cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight). Consult with a healthcare provider before using it, especially if you’re on prescription medication.
Conclusion
St. John’s Wort is a plant of remarkable history, versatility, and healing potential. From the hills of ancient Greece to modern herbal remedies, it has found its way into numerous cultures and continues to be valued for its medicinal properties. Whether used in folk remedies or Western medicine, St. John’s Wort is a true example of nature’s power to heal. Wild-harvesting and preparing it at home offers a rewarding experience, connecting you to age-old traditions and the simple beauty of herbal medicine.
Andy @ the Nourished Sovereign
