LEGENDS ABOUT ST. JOHN'S WORT

Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an outstanding herbal remedy steeped in many folk legends and traditions of healing.

According to legend, early Christians named the plant after John the Baptist in the first century. Because the sap of the plant turns red on exposure to air, it was equated with the blood of St. John the Baptist. Its latin name – Hypericum – means “over ghosts.” It was so named because it was believed to have great protective powers, particularly during the summer months, when there is a tendency to feel overly expanded and adversely affected by heat and light. The name perforatum is translated as “punctured,” and refers to the many tiny dots found on the leaves and flowers of St. John’s Wort, which at first glance seem to be small perforations or holes. But they are not actually holes but tiny glands which, when pressed, release the essential oils and resins.

The tops of Hypericum were considered effective for keeping away undesirable influences and bringing luck. Gathered on Midsummer Eve, it would ward off imps, evil spirits, and the demons of melancholy, protect from the evil eye, promote good fortune and protect the house from fire. Hung on doorways and windows, or carried in the pocket, it was safeguard against thunder and witches. St. John’s Wort leaves, believed to bring good luck, were used as bookmarks in prayer books and bibles.

For centuries before the Christian era, St. John’s Wort was recognized as a herb of fate, chosen by the sun god as his bizarre possession, and used in sun worship sacrifices. The very structure of the plant explains people's primitive faith in it. Light shines through the tiny translucent glands on the leaves and flowers, making them appear as miniature suns. The golden flowers themselves represent the sun. The flowers have five rounded petals and long stamens with golden ball of pollen. They resemble sun in appearance. In addition, St. John’s Wort grows on sunny hillsides. Its flowers turn from east to west as the sun crosses the sky, which was considered supernatural phenomenon in olden days.