St John's is a dear friend and ally which I have been taking for many years. I collect the upper stalk of leaves and flowers once they are in bloom in June or July. In the old days St. John's was celebrated on the Summer Solstice giving thanks for Summer's bounty. This is a perfect time to grow or go to wild craft St. John's Wort to make a tincture, a salve for burns and bruises or dried for tea.

St John's likes to grow in abundant sunlight in stands along the roadside, in meadows and at the edge of the forests. St John's is rich in volatile oil, flavonoids, and alkaloids (hypericin, hyperforin, two of its most important chemical compounds, which have been extensively researched, since scientists believe they act as an anti-depressant). St John's Wort actions are nervine, anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary (skin), anti-microbial, and anti-viral.

St John's is specifically an ally to restore the nerves, to lift the mind, and to relieve depression and anxiety. Peter Holmes in the The Energetics of Western Herbs notes that St John's supports the kidneys, the adrenals, and intestines that are stressed due to tension and constraint. This would explain why St John's has been such a supportive and wonderful plant remedy for me. Holmes states that in chronic conditions involving the whole nervous system, St John's restorative abilities are especially suited to women in menopause, and for people in general who struggle with nervous tension, insomnia, irritability and depression. St John's also works well for people who work out often, reducing lactic acid build-up in the tissues after a vigorous yoga class or workout. Take one dropperful before and or after practice. Take note: there is a more recent study that indicates St. John's Wort may impact birth control. The French speak of Millepertuis as a plant that brings out your good humour. You can pick up a tincture of St John's Wort in the Dharani Dispensary, or use the herb to make a tea. The colour and the aroma of St. John's Wort is truly divine. Metta.