Definition

Noun: 1. A flowering plant of the genus Hypericum: Any of numerous plants, typically with yellow flowers and leaves that appear transparently dotted when held to the light. Many species are known for their traditional and modern medicinal uses.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was bright with the yellow blooms of St John's wort.
  • She harvested St John's wort to make a herbal infusion.
  • Some studies have examined the effects of St John's wort extract.

Advanced Usage

• "St John's wort" as a herbal remedy: The plant is widely known and used in herbal medicine, particularly in preparations intended to affect mood.
  • He takes a supplement containing standardized St John's wort extract.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypericum (n): The botanical genus name for St John's wort.
  • The species Hypericum perforatum is the most common type of St John's wort used in herbalism.

Synonyms

• Klamath weed: A common name for , especially in North America.
• Goatweed: Another informal name for some species within the genus.

Notes on Meaning and Context

• The name "St John's wort" is derived from the traditional practice of harvesting the plant around St John's Day (June 24th), believing it had protective qualities.
• In modern contexts, it is almost exclusively referred to in relation to its identity as a specific plant or as a herbal supplement. It is not typically used in idiomatic expressions outside of this specific botanical and medicinal context.

Noun

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Hypericum having yellow flowers and transparently dotted leaves; traditionally gathered on St John's eve to ward off evil