
A saintly herb, which blooms during midsummer when the sun is at its highest, has been used for centuries for protection and healing. However, due to the demise of ancient wisdom, this miraculous healing plant is now seen as dangerous and is only used to treat depression.
Traditionally, using this herb to treat depression was not that common, as it was mainly used to treat the nervous system, liver complaints, viruses, wounds, sprains, swellings, spasms, and muscle tension. There was also a common understanding that the healing could only happen, once we were ready to let go and connect with our inner-self, which is exactly what this beautiful yellow flower does. It, therefore, possesses many more healing properties than science has proven.
History and origin
This wonderful flower got its name from a Saint known as St. John the Baptist, who was beheaded. The story says that a day after his death, a yellow flower grew from the blood on the ground where he died. When rubbed between fingers, it released a red colour, which was believed to be St. John's blood, holding the power over the element of fire. St John's Wort, therefore, represented a symbol of healing through transformation and strength given by the midsummer sun/fire. St. Johns Wort has been used as a stimulant of positive energy in the body, releasing intense emotions (greed, jealousy, lust, anger, hatred and disconnection with oneself) and relaxing and balancing the mind, body and soul.
Use and healing
When I was a child, my grandmother made red oil every summer, which she used to treat rheumatism, muscle spasms, pains, and wounds. Sometimes she transformed it into a magic cream that could heal anything instantly! Experiencing how quickly it could heal as a child was a very unforgettable experience for me and created a strong bond between nature and me.
I love to pick St. Johns Wort during midsummer (if possible at midnight during the solstice) and wear it, either as a necklace or an amulet, to protect me from any form of mental illnesses, ward off fevers and colds and to make me invincible, attracting love. I love to burn it to protect my home from fire, lightning and negativity. St Johns Wort is often used during summer solstice rituals.
A note of precaution
Please keep in mind that it is a very strong medicine when taken internally, so please consult your doctor or an experienced herbalist, who will be able to advise you depending on your needs. It has been shown that this herb can cause more harm than good in sufferers of bipolar disorder and chronic depression if used unwisely.
If you have any questions, would like to share your experiences or thoughts with me, learn more about the use of this wonderful herb, write to me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..