St. John's Wort Herb (Hypericum perforatum) — Bulk Dried Herb
St. John’s Wort Herb (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort is one of the most beloved, extensively studied, and culturally significant botanicals in the Western herbal tradition — a cheerful, sun-loving perennial whose bright yellow flowers, when held up to the light, reveal tiny translucent oil glands that give the leaves their characteristic “perforated” appearance. Named for St. John the Baptist, whose feast day (June 24th) coincides with the plant’s peak flowering in the Northern Hemisphere, St. John’s Wort has been used in European botanical traditions for over two thousand years and remains one of the most widely used and researched botanicals in the world today.
Our St. John’s Wort is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts harvested at peak flowering, when the characteristic red pigment (hypericin) is most concentrated.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Hypericum perforatum
- Family: Hypericaceae (St. John’s Wort family)
- Common Names: St. John’s Wort, Common St. John’s Wort, Perforate St. John’s Wort, Klamath Weed, Goatweed
- Plant Part Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowering tops)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe (naturalized worldwide)
- Appearance: Dried green herb with yellow flower remnants; buds and flowers may show red pigmentation when crushed
- Aroma: Aromatic, slightly resinous, faintly balsamic
- Flavor Profile: Mildly bitter, slightly astringent, aromatic
About the Plant
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, Hypericum perforatum has naturalized across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and much of the temperate world. It is a perennial herb that grows to about 90 cm in height, producing opposite, oval leaves with distinctive translucent oil glands (visible when held to light) and clusters of bright yellow five-petaled flowers with prominent stamens. The plant’s most distinctive feature is the red pigmentation produced when the flowers or buds are crushed — due to the presence of hypericin and pseudohypericin, naphthodianthrone compounds unique to the Hypericum genus. The plant flowers around the summer solstice and was traditionally gathered on St. John’s Eve (June 23rd) in European folk tradition, when it was believed to be at its most potent.
Traditional Context
St. John’s Wort has been documented in Western botanical literature since the time of Hippocrates and Dioscorides. It appears in virtually every major European herbal and was one of the most important protective and healing botanicals of the medieval period, used in religious ceremonies, carried as a protective talisman, and applied externally to wounds and burns. It was used extensively by 19th century Eclectic physicians in North America. In the late 20th century it became one of the most extensively researched botanicals in the world, particularly in Germany, where standardized extracts are widely prescribed.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction; look for red coloration as a quality indicator
- Infused Oils: Infuse in olive oil for a traditional red-colored topical preparation
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Lemon Balm, Lavender, and Oat Straw in nervine formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Harvested at Peak Flowering
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place away from light, which degrades hypericin. Properly stored, dried St. John’s Wort maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. St. John’s Wort is known to interact with numerous medications including antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and antiretroviral drugs by inducing cytochrome P450 enzymes. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are taking any medications. May cause photosensitivity — avoid prolonged sun exposure during use. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.