Herbs in History: Calendula & St. John’s Wort

• By: AHPA
• On: 06/14/2023 06:26:48
• In: AHPA News

June 14, 2023

Now it's easier than ever to share herbal history with the click of a button at the top of every entry!

In an effort to preserve and share the fascinating histories of medicinal plants and herbs that have been used around the world for ages, the AHPA Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA-ERB Foundation) is honored to partner with Alain Touwaide, Ph.D., and Emanuela Appetiti of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions to tell the stories of Herbs in History.

June brings us to calendula and St. John's Wort. June is also the month of the birth of St. John the Baptist, who became the eponym of Hypericum species. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.)

Incandescence

Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), specifically the variety with yellow-orange flowers, is now well established among medicinal plants. It easily grows in sunny positions and poor, well-drained soils, and is common in flower gardens, rock-gardens, borders, and also pots. Though annual, it self-sows and maintains itself, bringing a touch of sunny, warm color to the environment thanks to its bright flowers that gave her the fame to be the Bride of the Sun (Solis Sponsa). No wonder if its dense flowers with a pungent scent attract hoverflies, and butterflies. | Read more...

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

Daughter of the Sun

June is the month of the summer solstice (June 21), the astronomical zenith of the sun, the longest days of the year. It is also the month of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), which flourishes and covers the land with its sunny-yellow flowers. June is also the month of the birth of St. John the Baptist (June 24), who became the eponym of Hypericum species. | Read more...

About the Project

Herbs in History is made possible by funding from the AHPA-ERB Foundation, as part of the nonprofit foundation's mission promote education and research on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs. Tune in monthly for thoughtfully detailed historical accounts of herbs you know and love, and learn more about the origins of medicinal plants that have stood the test of time.