Medicinal plant
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
A traditional nervine, best known for serious medication interactions.
A traditional nervine and vulnerary, most notable today for its well-documented interactions with prescription medications rather than for home use on its own.
Properties
Nervine — Supports, nourishes, or calms the nervous system
Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue
Energetics
Warming Drying Toning
St. John's wort has major medication interactions, including hormonal birth control and many prescription medicines. Check with a pharmacist before internal use.
Can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Avoid internal medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
What to buy
Straight-species St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) seed or potted plant.
Best way to start
Seed or nursery plant.
Seed starting
Surface sow because the seed is tiny; fall/winter sowing or cold stratification can improve germination.