Hypericum perforatum (popularly called St. John’s wort) have been used in traditional medicine for a long time for a range of indications including depressive disorders.1 Called St. John’s wort because it blooms around the feast day of John the Baptist (June 24th), the plant grows prolifically in southern Oregon, particularly along roadsides and in meadows. The bright yellow five-petaled flower resembles a halo; when pressed, the flowers release a crimson liquid that symbolized to early Christians the spilled blood of their beloved St. John.Â
St. John’s wort has been used in herbal healing for centuries, and continues to play a prominent role in botanical medicine. I often refer to the herb as a “neurological adaptogen” stress-reliever and mood balancer.2 I also use it based on traditional usages, which include, nerve tissue regeneration, protection, and pain relief. As a neurological restorative plant, St. John’s wort is among the best-suited agents for treating nerve damage. Today, St. John’s wort extract (SJWE) is commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression—in energetic terms, it restores and uplifts the “Vital Spirit,” while clearing liver heat and toxins. Topically, St. John’s wort has been used as a vulnerary, and I frequently employ hypericum oil mixed with other herbs and essential oils for numerous applications such as neuropathy.Â
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