St. John's Wart has been used in natural healing for many centuries but has only become popular in America in the last decade or so.  It is an attractive perennial with yellow flowers that grows wild along roadsides and is considered a weed by many.  It has become popular recently because of it's ability to help people with mild to moderate depression without the side effects of prescription drugs.
    In addition to depression, it has components that aid the immune system and fight viruses.  It's use is being studied by AIDS researchers because of it's ability to strengthen the immune system.  It can also help relieve stress, tension and worry.  It can also fight menstrual cramps.  It is anti-fungal, prevents inflammation and helps some tumors.
    Externally, St. John's Wart is used to help heal sunburn, bruises and varicose veins.  It also is used on wounds to prevent infection.
The Greeks and Romans used it on snake bites.

    In legends and folklore, it has been associated with both religion and witchcraft.  One legend says it gets it's common name from St. John of Jerusalem  who is said to have used it during the Crusades  to heal and clean soldier's wounds.  Another legend says it is named for St. John the Baptist and, on August 29th, the day he was beheaded, the flower is said to become spotted with red.  In old Prussia, it would be collected on Midsummer Eve to be used for fertility.  The root, collected on Mayday, would bring the family good luck.  Some believed the strong odor of the plant, somewhat like turpentine, will drive away evil spirits and ghosts.