St. John'S Wort (Agrimonia eupatoria)

St. John'S Wort (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

St. John'S Wort (Agrimonia eupatoria) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — St. John'S Wort (Agrimonia eupatoria) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	St. John'S Wort
Scientific Name	Agrimonia eupatoria
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Agrimonia
Species	eupatoria
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Agrimonia eupatoria
Common Name: St. John'S Wort
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common St. John'S Wort, Stag'S Horn, Common Agrimony
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Agrimonia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Opposite, ovate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Radially symmetrical flowers with five yellow petals and five reddish-brown sepals arranged in a dense cyme.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, branched, with opposite leaves and a smooth, glabrous surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: Traditionally described as a gentle astringent, in structural-support contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a calming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a mild bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.

Active Compounds

Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.