Hypericum perforatum, in the Hypericacea family, has a history of recorded use at least dating to the time of Dioscorides. In antiquity its Latin name comes from the Greek, meaning “over an apparition,” to convey that the herb was potent enough to drive away evil spirits. This plant’s common name is attributed to the coincidence of its flowering phase occurring around St. John’s day on June 24 (or the summer solstice).  

St. John’s Wort is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It reproduces very easily and has become an invasive species actually in areas of southern Australia, South Africa, and North and South America. The Greeks during the time of Dioscorides used the herb, as did Galen and Pliny. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect against witches, demons, and evil diseases. Paracelsus was one of the first doctors in early modern medicine to use this plant. It was considered a standard component of medicinal concoctions known as theriacs and was also used in folk medicine as an oil, which are sold even in contemporary times around the globe.  

Dioscorides describes several internal applications to treat sciatica, cholera, and constant periodic fevers. It was also an important of religious rituals in pre-Christian England, with it being associated with the sun and used for diviniation to predict marital bliss. St. John’s Wort flowers tops were also used to bring good fortune into the home, with household members sleeping with a sprig of the plant under their pillows. 

Native Americans are reported to have used St. John’s Wort as an abortifacent, bowel tonic, skin tonic, febrifuge, hemostat, snake bite remedy, and general tonic. Early American herbalists mention the plant as beneficial for ulcers, tumors, and urinary trouble. King’s Dispensatory includes usages such as for diarrhea, worms, jaundice, menorrhagia, hysteria, depression, and bruises. 

Typically, for internal use an infusion was given for tuberculosis (consumption), chronic catarrh in the lungs, bowels, or urinary passages, and for nervous disorders (including insanity). According to A Modern Herbal, the tea was prepared as 1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of water, and taking just 1 to 2 tablespoons as a dose. St. John’s Wort was also used externally as a fomentation, for hard tumors or caked breasts. Oil of St. John’s Wort was also made from the flowers infused in olive oil. The oil is used to treat wounds; ointments were also made from the plant to treat wounds, bruises, unblock obstructions, dissolve swellings, and treat venomous bites and stings. 

Traditional medicinal actions include aromatic, astringent, resolvent, expectorant, and nervine. It has been used for respiratory complaints, urinary or bladder issues, digestive problems such as diarrhea and dysentery, and hysteria and depression. It even has a history of use for children’s incontinence. Two noted phytochemicals are the flavonoids hypericin and hyperfoin. The flowers also contain numerous antioxidants such as rutin, quercetin, and lutein.