St. John's Wort

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St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Perennial anchorMedicinalPerennial anchor

Sign

Leo

House

Element

Fire

Modality

Fixed

Ayurvedic Profile

Dosha Effect

Pacifies Vata; balances Pitta

Rasa / Taste

Bitter; Astringent

Virya / Energy

Cooling

Medicinal Actions

Nervine, antidepressant, vulnerary, antiviral; nerve-tissue repair

Helps With

Low mood Nerve pain Wounds & cuts Anxiety & stress

Why This Plant

"Named for midsummer, it blooms at the Sun's zenith — pure Leo light captured in petal. Traditionally lifts the spirit out of darkness, the solar remedy for the heavy heart."

Cultivation

Hardy perennial; full sun; tolerates poor soil; can spread.

Zone: 6a

Safety

Causes photosensitivity; interacts with many medications incl. antidepressants & birth control. Flag for caution.

Save the seed of the plant that helped you — next year it helps your neighbor.