St. John's Wort, Tea Cut (Organic)
Few herbs carry the cultural weight of St. John's Wort. Named for the feast of St. John the Baptist — around which it traditionally blooms in the Northern Hemisphere — this bright, sun-yellow flowering herb has been used in European folk medicine for over 2,000 years. It remains one of the most studied botanical herbs in the world, and one of the most beloved in the modern apothecary.
Our St. John's Wort is certified organic, tea cut, and harvested at peak bloom — when hypericin and hyperforin content is at its highest. Earthy, slightly bitter, and faintly resinous, with that characteristic golden hue that signals a quality cut. Hold a leaf up to the light and you'll see the tiny translucent oil glands that give this plant its name: perforatum.
Traditionally Used to Support
- Emotional wellness & mood — St. John's Wort's most well-known traditional use; used for centuries in European herbalism to support a positive mood and emotional resilience during difficult seasons
- Nervous system support — traditionally used as a nervine tonic to support the nervous system during periods of stress, tension, and fatigue
- Sleep comfort — used in some traditions to support restful sleep, particularly when sleeplessness is tied to nervous tension or low mood
- Topical comfort — St. John's Wort-infused oil is a classic folk preparation for soothing minor skin irritation, nerve pain, and muscle discomfort when applied externally
- Seasonal wellness — traditionally used to support mood and vitality during the darker months of the year
How to Use
As a tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of tea cut herb in 8 oz of just-boiled water for 10–15 minutes, covered. Mildly bitter with a faint floral note. Honey softens the bitterness nicely. Traditionally consumed consistently over several weeks for best results.
As a tincture: Macerate in high-proof alcohol for 4–6 weeks. Fresh plant tinctures are considered superior by many herbalists — dried herb tinctures are a practical and effective alternative.
Infused oil (topical): Pack a jar loosely with dried herb and cover completely with olive oil. Infuse in a warm, sunny window for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily. The oil will turn a deep, jewel-like red — a sign of hypericin extraction. Strain and use topically as needed.
Important Safety Information
St. John's Wort has well-documented interactions with many prescription medications, including but not limited to antidepressants (particularly SSRIs), hormonal birth control, blood thinners, HIV medications, and immunosuppressants. It can reduce the effectiveness of these medications or cause serious interactions. Please consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any prescription medications.
Avoid use during pregnancy and nursing. May cause photosensitivity in fair-skinned individuals with high doses — avoid prolonged sun exposure during use.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, dried St. John's Wort retains potency for up to 1 year.
Certified organic. Tea cut. Small batch sourced.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.