#ComplementaryTherapy

St. John’s wort, a bright yellow flowering herb, has long fascinated people. Once believed to ward off evil and ease emotional distress, it now sits at the crossroads of traditional wisdom and clinical research. For health-conscious readers in Thailand, the plant offers lessons about how natural remedies can both help and harm when used with modern medicines.

This article traces its rich history, traditional uses in various cultures, current scientific evidence, and essential safety considerations for anyone curious about this herbal option.

From yellow blooms gleaming in midsummer fields to bottles lining pharmacy shelves, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has captured human fascination for centuries. Once considered a magical plant to ward off evil and heal the mind and body, today this humble wildflower sits at the intersection of folk medicine and rigorous clinical investigation. As health-conscious readers search for natural ways to support mental health, St. John’s wort stands as a classic example of how traditional botanical wisdom and modern science sometimes converge—and sometimes diverge—in the ongoing quest for well-being.