St. John's Wort: The herb for soothing the heart and mind

With its bright yellow blooms and sunny disposition, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been treasured for centuries as a plant of protection, healing and light.

Traditionally harvested around the summer solstice—often on or near St. John’s Day (June 24th)—this herb carries a deep connection to midsummer rituals and the triumph of light over darkness. In my hemisphere (East Norway), I will usually have to wait until mid-July to find St. John's Wort in bloom.

In European folklore, St. John's Wort was believed to ward off evil spirits, banish nightmares, and protect homes from lightning and fire. People would hang bundles above doorways or wear sprigs to keep away harm.

When crushed, the flowers of St. John's release a reddish oil, this is how you test if you have the right flower. There are look-alikes, but only the St. John's has the purple ink (“the blood of St. John”). Also make sure that the stem feels like a square. If the stem is round, it is not St. Johns Wort.

Medicinally, the plant has long been used to ease melancholy, anxiety, and nervous tension. Today, it's known for its antidepressant and mood-balancing properties, often taken as a tincture, tea, or capsule. (Big Pharma actually uses St. John's Wort, however - you have to look closely on the labels to find that they do.)

If I have a bad day, or I am in need for some extra TLC, I use dried St. John's flowers and wild rose petals and make myself an infusion. Externally, infused oil made from the blossoms is applied to sore muscles and wounds.

St. John’s Wort reminds us that healing is both physical and spiritual. Whether sipped in tea or gathered in ritual, it brings warmth, resilience, and golden light—especially when the world feels a little dim.

St. Johns Wort in July