St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort is a yellow-flowered plant associated in symbolic practices with light and protection. Its herbal products have important interactions with medicines.
Updated
Which plant is it?
The botanical name is Hypericum perforatum. Small translucent leaf glands explain the name perforatum. That feature alone is not sufficient to identify a plant for ingestion.
The illustration is a study aid. Use a botanical identification reference or a qualified specialist before collecting plants for consumption.
Symbolism and ritual meaning
Light: the yellow flowers can represent clarity in a seasonal arrangement or personal journal.
Protection: symbolic meaning does not establish treatment for fear, depression or another condition.
Esoteric correspondences
These are symbolic associations used in this reference, rather than measured properties of the material.
- Planet
- Sun
- Element
- Fire
- Themes
- Protection, Happiness, Health, Banishing
A personal ritual with st. john’s wort
For a symbolic practice, use a photograph or a dried sprig in a frame. Note what support you need and whom you can approach.
Do not turn ritual instructions into a recipe for tea, tincture or a change to prescribed treatment.
Precautions
St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of birth control and other important medicines. Dangerous interactions with antidepressants are possible. Discuss the specific product with a clinician or pharmacist before taking it.
Sources and further reading
The sources cover botanical names and herbal-product precautions. The ritual exercises are suggestions for symbolic practice.