St. John’s Wort
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
- Other Botanical Names
- Hypericum vulgare (historical synonym).
- Plant Family
- Hypericaceae
- Plant Classification
- Herbaceous perennial
- Ingredient Category
- Herbs
- Native Region
- Europe to China, and northwestern Africa.
- Parts Used
- Flowering Tops
- Common Forms
- Dried flowering aerial herb, commercial extracts and infused products.
Understanding St. John's Wort
Overview & History
St. John’s wort is represented educationally by Hypericum perforatum, a yellow-flowered perennial. NCCIH notes that the common name connects its flowering season with the feast of John the Baptist. That historical name and a reference photograph do not identify the purchased herb, and the plant’s significant medicine interactions require special attention.
Educational reference species or hybrid: Hypericum perforatum. This name defines the educational scope of the profile; it does not scientifically identify the owner’s purchased material. Product-package identity, actual plant part and material grade remain unconfirmed.
Reference photograph of St. John's Wort — JackyM59, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display. This reference image does not confirm the identity of the owner’s packet.
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Spiritual Associations
The documented association of the name with a late-June Christian feast offers historical context. A contemporary reflection may consider light and seasonal change; it should not be presented as proof of protection or as a treatment for depression.
Traditional Spiritual Uses
Cultural context and contemporary reflection
Read the historical explanation of the plant’s connection with a late-June Christian feast, then reflect on seasonal change using an image. The activity is not a depression treatment or a direction to ingest the herb.
Traditional knowledge
Traditional Medicinal Uses
NCCIH describes historical use in several medical systems and evidence for some standardized products in mild or moderate depression. It also documents dangerous interactions. Those findings do not establish that an unidentified herb packet is effective or appropriate, and this profile does not recommend self-treatment of depression.
Intentional everyday living
Everyday Living
Other Applications
A botanical-name and medication-review note is more important here than a broad wellness label. Keep the collection clearly separated from personal medicines and identify any commercial product independently.
Working with St. John's Wort
Common Preparations
Dried herb, extracts, capsules and topical formulations differ in composition and intended use. No tea, tincture, infused oil or supplement dose is assigned to this packet. A botanical or symbolic display avoids treating a potentially interacting herb as a harmless household remedy.
Safety & Precautions
Interacts with many prescription medicines; do not self-prescribe. Keep botanical materials, oils and resins away from children and pets; do not ingest or apply unidentified products.
St. John’s wort can dangerously alter the effects of many medicines, including contraception, anticoagulants, transplant, seizure, HIV and some cancer medicines. Combining it with serotonin-affecting drugs can also cause serious harm. Do not use the packet as medicine; obtain clinician or pharmacist advice before any medicinal product containing this herb.