St. John's Wort

Genus & Species: Hypericum perforatum 
Common Names: St. John’s Wort, Klamath Weed, Goat Weed
Overview: St. John’s Wort is an herbaceous flowering perennial that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia but has naturalized to North America and Australia. It’s prodigious seed production allows it to spread rapidly so the plant can easily be found growing in disturbed soil, such as on the side of roads and in neglected fields. In pre-Christian religions St. John’s Wort was often associated with the sun because of its yellow color and was used in many forms of divination. [1]  Typically, the entire above-ground portion of the plant is used in medicine making. 
Therapeutic Properties: Anxiolytic, anti-depressant, anesthetic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, vulnerary. [2]
Typical Uses: St. John’s Wort is an herb with dual personalities. When taken internally as a tea or tincture, the plant soothes the nervous system, reducing anxiety, depression, muscle spasms, and pain. [3] However, when St. John’s Wort is applied topically in the form of a balm or salve, it protects and heals the skin from damage. Its ability to reduce inflammation, accelerate skin repair, and kill pathogens make St. John’s Wort an ideal herb for cuts, bruises, and repairing everyday environmental damage. [2] 

References:

1. St. John’s Wort: Ancient Herbal Protector | Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D.

2. St. John’s Wort: Not Just for Depression | Herbal Academy

3. St. John’s Wort | American Botanical Council