Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort)

St John’s wort is named as such because it commonly flowers, blossoms, and is harvested at the time of the summer solstice in late June, around St John’s Feast Day on June 24. The herb was hung on house and stall doors on St John’s Feast day to ward off evil spirits and to safeguard against harm and sickness. The genus name Hypericum comes from the Greek word hyper (above) and eikon (icon) because they were traditionally hung over religious icons at home during St John’s Day. St John�s wort has a long history of herbal use, especially as an antidepressant. A tea or a tincture of fresh flowers is also often used for external ulcers, burns, wounds (especially those with severe nerve tissue), and bruises.