St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

My passion for herbs was sparked by St John’s Wort. We used to cycle past a large field in summer where the little yellow flowers seemed to be calling out. I picked, dried, made oil and smoked the dried bundles during some St.John’s celebrations at my children’s school.

In my personal studies on herbal medicine, I came across the work of Irish herbalist Carole Guyett who wrote a wonderful book on plant initiations. In it, she describes the ancient Celtic annual festivals and the herbs specifically associated with the different seasons. Inspired, I started a fasting cure with St John’s herb this midwinter. Prepared with several days of plant-based, sugar-free and no fermented food, I started by drinking only St John’s herb for three days.

The depth and wisdom of this plant in truly indescribable and framing it really does cut it short. But let me give a little anthology about this Bearer of Light. St John’s Herb is named after the predecessor of the child of light Jesus, John the Baptist. No coincidence; he was the prophet who prepared the world for the Saviour who came after him. That’s exactly what St John’s Wort does. It prepares you, optimises your receptivity to receive the light.
We know that our body cells, like in plants, create ultraviolet light cells (biophotons) that carry light radiation. Along with bioelectrons, they are the subtile energy carriers and these cells are seen as the connector between our physical and spiritual identity. In plants, there is a similar process, however St John’s Wort, which blooms around the longest days of the year, absorbs the light energy optimally. If you pick the flower and rub it between your fingers, a red liquid comes off, turning the drawn oil red and giving it the nickname Balder Blood.

The miracle herb St John is thus a powerful healer. It is used in regular health care as the natural remedy for depression. It has a positive effect on the mucous membranes of the liver and bile, and aids in the emotional and physical digestion process. The plant is also called ‘the arnica of the nervous system’ and provides a sense of security, protection and guidance.

It is very nice to be carried by a (light) carrier sometimes. With light, I always had an idea of ‘lumiere’, a source of light shining in darkness. But after the herbal cure, ‘light’ has taken on a deeper meaning. I judge less, the distinction between conscious and unconscious is sharper, I feel directly which foods, words, actions support me or are not right for me. A wonderful experience and deep bow for what the plant has to offer for our health and healing.