A traditional nervine and vulnerary. The flowering tops are also used to make the characteristic red St. John’s wort oil for topical use on bruises, minor skin irritation, and sore areas. Internal use is notable for medication interactions.
Medicinal plant
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
A traditional nervine, best known for serious medication interactions.
Uses
Skin — Herbs used in topical preparations, or traditionally associated with soothing and caring for the skin. First aid — Herbs kept for simple topical household use — minor skin irritation, bites, bumps, and similar everyday needs.
Properties
Nervine — Supports, nourishes, or calms the nervous system
Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue
Energetics
Warming — Encourages warmth, movement, or circulation. Drying — Reduces excess moisture or secretions. Toning — Firms, strengthens, or tightens tissues.
St. John's wort interacts with medications, including hormonal birth control. Consult an expert before internal use.
Similar herbs: Calendula, Fireweed, Self-Heal
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
Hardiness
Hypericum perforatum is hardy in USDA Zones 3–8.
How to start
Seed or nursery plant.
Starting from seed
Surface sow; fall sowing or cold stratification can improve germination.
Harvesting
Harvest flowering tops at peak fresh bloom.
Grow in zone
Start indoors — Sow under cover in trays or pots, before it is warm enough to sow outsideStart indoors: FebruaryStart indoors: MarchDirect sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: AprilDirect sow: OctoberDirect sow: NovemberPlant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: MayPlant out: JuneHarvest flowering tops — Gather flowering tops in these monthsHarvest flowering tops: JuneHarvest flowering tops: JulyHarvest flowering tops: August
Harvest when fresh yellow flowers are abundant.
Gardening tools
(Paid links)
Infuse st. john's wort into a carrier oil for topical use in body oils, salves, and balms. A classic topical preparation from the flowering tops.
Parts used
FlowerPrepare
- Harvest fresh flowering tops at peak bloom
- Wilt briefly to reduce surface moisture
- Fill a clean, dry jar loosely with the flowering tops
- Cover completely with olive oil or another stable carrier oil
- Infuse 3–4 weeks in a warm, bright place
- Strain thoroughly once the oil develops its characteristic deep red color
- Store cool and dark