I've grown this herb for a few years now, but this year St. John's Wort gave me no other option but to notice it more deeply than I ever have prior. That is something that I love most when you begin your connection to the plants, when they grow so big, so beautiful that its hard to not notice them when they are waving to you.
First off when you hold a leaf of St. John's Wort up to the sun you can see tiny little holes in the plant. And this is exactly what this plant does for you. As light beings, we radiate light and sometimes that light leaks out of us, you know with just regular every day events that happen, like someone gives you a backhanded comment that you stew on, or someone cuts you off in traffic, little things that we might not really notice, but behind the scenes they are leaking the light out of us. St. John's Wort helps to fill those holes that we have leaked some light out of with its bright, sunny disposition. It's known for its anti-depressant qualities, which is why I made the tincture in the first place as our winter months are long, hard, cold and did I say long? Sometimes through these months it's hard to not get a little bit down or melancholy, so that was the original reason of making this medicine. This year I added some Calendula and Lemon Balm to it as they were calling to be included, happy to do so! Calendula is another beautiful friend that has become a close ally to me this summer as well. (Another post for another time)
When you squeeze the buds of St. John's Wort the plant bleeds red which is hypericin, which also makes the fresh oil this beautiful ruby red. This plant blooms on the summer solstice (a little later for us here in the north). But this blood connects us to our hearts, where the blood is most important. Energetically, I love to use the balm of St. John's Wort over my heart when I feel like I've given too much or my heart needs a little protection. The salve is also wonderful for physical wound healing, scars, sore and tense muscles. I've used it when I've over-exerted myself with the farm when my shoulders have been hurting or back from pulling one too many weeds, or shoveled out a pen from the animals. I feel the effect almost immediately. Also good for herpes and shingles, arthritis, nerve related pain such as sciatica, carpal tunnel. St. John's Wort carries anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory qualities that all these ailments benefit from.
Honestly this plant gives so much, and it's now one I reach for many times year round. I hope that you get to know her as well as I have through some of the items I have lovingly put together. Until next summer solstice when I get to share more of her wisdom.