Saint John's wort

noun

1. 1. any of numerous shrubs or herbaceous plants of the temperate genus Hypericum, such as H. perforatum, having yellow flowers and glandular leaves: family Hypericaceae
   2. a preparation of this plant often used to treat mild depression See also rose of Sharon tutsan

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saint John's wort¹

C15: so named because it was traditionally gathered on Saint John's Eve (June 23) as a protection against evil spirits

Example Sentences

Instead of plants listed on the labels – such as ginseng, Ginkgo, Saint John's wort and valerian – various products, depending on the retailer, contained cheap fillers.

From US News

Botanicals/Herbals: Echinacea, Saint John's wort and Ginkgo biloba are among the many botanical or plant-based supplements.

From US News

Saint John’s wort is very common, and has been successfully applied as a fomentation in topical inflammations.

From Project Gutenberg

Saint John's Wort, cup, 150. large calyxed, 150.

From Project Gutenberg

But there is no need of garden flowers now, when the fields and hedges, even the railway banks, are painted with the lovely blue of wild geraniums and harebells, the gold of birdsfoot trefoil and Saint John's wort, and the white and pink of convolvulus or bindweed.

From Project Gutenberg