St John's Wort is a plant that is also known as Klamath or Tipton's Weed. The true St John's Wort is the species Hypericum perforatum but other species in the same genus, Hypericum, may also be referred to as St John's Wort.
There are an estimated 370 different species within this genus, all of which are closely related. H. perforatum is native to Europe, although it has spread to most other parts of the world, where it is often considered a pest and an invasive species.
St. John's Wort
The H. perforatum species is sometimes called Common St John's Wort in order to differentiate it from its close relations.
Other species of Hypericum originate in Asia and North America.
Although the Common St John's Wort is the traditional variety associated with medicinal use, other related species have also been used as herbal remedies in non-European cultures.
St John's Wort is a perennial herb. It is found growing in meadows and pastures in temperate climates, and thrives in places that experience seasonal rains in either the summer or the winter. Due to its usually rapid growth, St John's Wort is generally considered to be a weed.
It is an invasive alien species in many countries to which it has been introduced by humans, since without its natural controls, the insects that feed on it in its native habitats, it can spread unchecked. St John's Wort can reproduce both sexually, through pollination of its flowers and production of seeds, and vegetative, by sending out shoots that will develop into new plants.
Bad for Farmers
St John's Wort is an unwelcome sight for livestock farmers, since it is toxic to animals and very difficult to get rid of. Even once the adult plants have been eradicated, the seeds may remain dormant in the soil for several years.
The plant produces yellow flowers that are approximately two centimeters in diameter and which have five petals. When the leaves are held up against the light, rows of little dots can be seen in them. These are the origin of the perforatum part of the scientific name, which is derived from the perforated appearance that these spots give to the leaves. The buds, petals and seed pods, when crushed, produce a purple or red liquid.
Using St John's Wort
It is usually the flowers of the St John's Wort that are used by people, often in herbal remedies. They are generally used when fresh, but they can also be dried in order to be used at a later date.
The flowers can be prepared as a tea, or an extract can be produced from them and used directly, or converted into a tincture. A concentrated extract can also be manufactured in order to make tablets or capsules. The stems and leaves of the plant are occasionally used in remedies, usually in the form of a lotion that will be applied to the skin.
History
St John's Wort plays an important role in the tradition of herbal medicine in many different cultures from around the world. It also has cultural significance in some regions, particularly in Europe.
The earliest known medicinal use of St John's Wort was in Ancient Greece, where it was used as a treatment for disorders relating to the nerves from at least 2400 years ago. Elsewhere in the world, other varieties of the plant were also used by the local peoples.
Native Americans used St John's Wort as an antiseptic and as a treatment for inflammation, for example. Historically, St John's Wort has been used to treat a diverse range of conditions, including nerve pain, mental disorders, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms, and malaria. It has also been used as a sedative, and as a balm for insect bites, burns and wounds.
European Usage
In the European traditions, St John's Wort was believed to be able to heal many different types of problems. It was commonly used to treat a wide range of illnesses, being credited with general healing powers. It was also thought to have the power to repel demons and evil spirits.
This early belief is reflected in the scientific name that has more recently been given to the St John's Wort genus. The name Hypericum is derived from the two Greek words hyper and eikon, which mean over and apparition.
Pagan Belief
The pagan belief in the power of St John's Wort was adopted into the Christian culture as it spread throughout Europe. People wore talismans made from St John's Wort in order to ward off the devil, and it was also the custom in many places for the plant to be added to bonfires.
Burning St John's Wort was believed to help ensure a good harvest by helping the crops to grow well, to cleanse and purify the air, and to scare away evil spirits. According to the Christian belief system, the golden color of the flower was a sign of its efficacy against evil, since it reflected the ability of light to triumph over darkness.
This idea probably relates to the earlier association of the flower with the sun and the summer solstice, which coincides with the flowering season of the plant in Europe, which is usually at the end of June.
Naming Significance
This date was also significant for the naming of the plant, since John the Baptist's saint's day falls on the 24th of June. Since the flowers are usually blooming on this day, it is thought that the saint's name was taken and given to the plant.
The blossoms were traditionally gathered on Saint John the Baptist's festival day. There is also another story that relates the origin of this plant to the saint. It is said that the plant sprang from the blood of John the Baptist after he was beheaded. This tale may stem from the fact the petals release a red liquid resin when they are crushed, staining the hands a blood red color.
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