St. John'S Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John'S Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a member of the Clusiaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and antispasmodic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and native american herbal medicine.

St. John'S Wort (Hypericum perforatum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — St. John'S Wort (Hypericum perforatum) 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	Hypericum perforatum
Plant Family	Clusiaceae
Genus	Hypericum
Species	perforatum
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum
Common Name: St. John'S Wort
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Perforate Hypericum, Common St. Johnswort, Common St. John'S Wort
Plant Family: Clusiaceae
Genus: Hypericum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovulate leaves with upper surface reddish-yellow and lower surface pale green, featuring translucent glands along veins.
Flowers: Flowers are yellow with orange markings, arranged in clusters, actinomorphic, with four petals and four sepals, and bear two stamens with prominent anthers.
Stems: Woody, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and presence of translucent oil glands in the epidermis.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a gentle tonic, in whole-system applications.
Antispasmodic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling antispasmodic, for tension-related applications.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a calming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Terpenoid: Plant-produced compounds commonly found in essential oils and resins.
Glycoside: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications have been noted in traditional use and literature.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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