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| (Hypericum
perforatum) |
| Common names: Amber,
Amber Touch-and-Heal, Goatweed, Herba John, Johnswort, Klamath Weed,
Rosin Rose, Sol Terestis, St. John's Grass, Tipton Weed. |
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| Parts
Used: Plant tops, flowers. |
Methods
Used: Oil extraction, water extraction. |
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Spiritual
Uses: A Druid Sacred Herb, it was burned to exorcise and banish
spirits. The ancients believed that the scent of the plant would
cause evil spirits to leave and it became a standard herb used during
exorcisms.
Eventually, it was used
to treat melancholy and madness because of these uses.
Sprays of the flower
were hung to sanctify religious icons and keep away evil spirits.
Wear around the neck
as a protective charm, especially in battle. |
Physical
Uses: Native Americans dried the plant and used it as a meal.
The fresh leaves were
eaten when there was a need for calming.
They also used St. Johnswort
tea as a treatment for respiratory ailments.
Once considered a staple
medicine, it was administered to treat headache, bronchitis, digestive
problems, ulcers, excessive or painful menstruation, diarrhea, and
dysentery.
Tradition maintains that
½ teaspoon of flowers and leaves steeped for ½ hour in ½ cupful
of boiling water and taken each night before bedtime will eventually
eliminate bedwetting.
A strong tea has been
used as a mouthwash to heal gums and minimize bad breath.
Herbalists recommend
the herb as an astringent for the treatment of bruises, insect bites,
skin irritations and wounds.
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