Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae family)
Today we are celebrating St John's Wort Day! The ancient Greeks used the plant to worship the sun as it tends to flower at the time of the summer solstice. The Druids, Celts and Romans burnt it on bonfires to celebrate the midsummer festival. This wonderful herb blossoms and is harvested around St John's Feast Day on 24 June (hence the name St John's Wort). The herb would be hung on doors to ward off evil spirits and provide protection against harm and sickness to man and livestock. The genus name 'Hypericum' derives from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture), refering to the tradition of hanging the herb over religious icons during Midsummer Day. The leaves of the herb have tiny translucent oil glands and so its second latin name, 'perforatum', refers to this perforated appearance visible when you hold the leaf up to the light.
Hypericum has got many healing properties, however, it is now mostly known and extensively researched for its mood uplifting properties and its use in mild and moderate depression. St John's Wort complex chemistry has effects on many neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenalin, which affect mood. It is also a useful liver and gallbladder tonic as it helps stimulate bile flow and eases liver stagnation. Despite its many benefits the herb should NOT be taken alongside any prescription medication due to possible interactions. As such, it must not be taken on antidepressants, contraceptive pills, warfarin, heart medications etc.
Externally, the red oil or extract of Hypericum has been used in the treatment of cuts, wounds, burns, neuralgia (nerve pain), tired and aching muscles, stiff joints, cold sores, chicken pox and shingles. It has anti-inflammatory activity and used topically it can be a helpful lightweight painkiller. However do not use it on sunny days as it might cause photosensitivity!
One of the most researched chemical costituents found in Hypericum perforatum is hypericin, an anthraquinone-derived pigment responsible for the red color of St John's Wort oil. Hypericin is found in the flowers, particularly in the black dots located along the petals. Other active substances found in St John's Wort are: hyperforin, flavonoids (such as luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, hyperoside, rutin, myricetin, hyperin), phenolic acids, tannins and essential oils.
Unfortunately, Hypericum is not friendly to animals such as horses, sheep, goats, and cattle and if consumed in large doses it can cause photosensitization, severe skin irritation, restlessness, central nervous system depression or abortion.
And here is a short poem from an anonymous manuscript, c. 1400, describing St John's Wort use as a safeguard against evil spirits:
"St. John’s wort doth charm all witches away
If gathered at midnight on the saint’s holy day.
Any devils and witches have no power to harm
Those that gather the plant for a charm:
Rub the lintels and post with that red juicy flower
No thunder nor tempest will then have the power
To hurt or hinder your houses: and bind
Round your neck a charm of similar kind."
