St. Johns Wort was named this becasue of bright red spots that appear on its leaves near the end of August, which coincides with the feast to commemorate the beheading of Saint John. Although the true date is believed to be sometime in September. Despite the ambiguous origins of its common name, its applications and medicinal properties have been well documented and are being studied at professional universities here in 2020. 
 
St. Johns Wort is now likely one of thie most used herbal medicines in the world by herbal praciticioners and pagan circles alike. The herb is proven to be helpful in treating severe depression, research shows its actions are at the level of the neurotransmitters like serotonin that work in several different ways that are still being understood.
 
Saint Johns Wort can prove useful for seasonal affective disorder and chronic anxiety and to increase the sleep quality. This herb is often taken with menopause specifically for the 'lowered mood' that comes with it. Generally the herb acts as a neuroprotective and restorative. 
 
Rarely causes side effects, but certain conventional medicines do have a negative reaction that can cause the liver functioning rate to increase, which can reduce other medicines affects. Consult with your doctor if you are worried. 
 
Key Actions:
Antidepressant
Anxiolytic
Anti-Inflammatory
 
Key Constituents:
Phloroglucinols (hyperforin)
Polycyclic diones (hypericin)
Flavonoids