9 Things St. John’s Wort Can Do for You

Hello Healers!

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of those herbs that seems to carry a little sunshine in its very being. Bright yellow flowers open around midsummer, right near the feast of St. John, which is how it earned its name. For centuries it’s been gathered at this time for medicine, magic, and protection. Here are nine ways this powerful little plant can support body, mind, and spirit.

1. Lift the Spirits

Perhaps St. John’s Wort is most famous for helping ease low moods and mild depression. Herbalists and researchers alike note its ability to balance neurotransmitters in the brain, supporting brighter moods when the spirit feels heavy.

2. Soothe Nerve Pain

Applied topically as an infused oil, St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries to ease pain in the nerves and muscles. Sciatica, neuralgia, and general sore spots can all benefit from its gentle yet powerful touch.

3. Heal Burns and Wounds

That same infused oil also works wonders on the skin. From minor burns to scrapes, cuts, and even bruises, St. John’s Wort encourages tissue repair while calming inflammation.

4. Protect the Spirit

Folk traditions across Europe carried St. John’s Wort as a charm of protection. It was hung in doorways, tucked into pockets, or worn as an amulet to guard against harmful forces and misfortune. Many still use it today for this very purpose — as a shield for the spirit.

5. Ease Menstrual Discomfort

St. John’s Wort can help calm uterine cramping and support the nervous system during menstruation. Many pair it with other herbs like cramp bark or motherwort for even greater effect.

6. Support Restful Sleep

By soothing tension and quieting the nervous system, St. John’s Wort can encourage deeper, more restorative sleep — especially when sleeplessness is tied to anxious thoughts or a low emotional state.

7. Fight Infections

Traditionally, St. John’s Wort was valued as an antimicrobial and was often applied to wounds or taken internally to help the body resist infection. While modern use leans more toward its mood and nerve benefits, this historical role reminds us of its wide range of gifts.

8. Brighten the Heart (Literally and Figuratively)

Herbalists sometimes use St. John’s Wort as a mild cardiovascular support — improving circulation and uplifting the “heart” both as an organ and as a symbol of joy. It’s sunshine for the spirit and the blood alike.

9. Connect with the Midsummer Magic

Harvested on or near the summer solstice, St. John’s Wort is deeply tied to midsummer rituals of fire and light. It was often tossed into bonfires for blessings or carried home to ensure prosperity and protection. Working with this herb can connect you to a lineage of seasonal celebration and magic.

🌼 Whether you work with St. John’s Wort as medicine, as magic, or as both — it remains a plant of light, carrying its golden radiance into the darker corners of our bodies and our lives.

Until next time Healers! 🌿💛