The Shamanic Herbal: Baldur's Herbs


St. John's Wort

(Hypericum perforatum)

Names: Goatweed, Scare-Devil, Fuga Daemonum, Herba John, Sol Terrestis
Medicinal Uses: Both the tea and the tincture are used for anxiety, nervous tension, and depression. The tea is drunk for colds, and the oil is rubbed on the chest for coughs or the skin for wounds and sunburn. Some people experience contact dermatitis or heart palpitations as an allergic reaction to this plant, so be careful.
Household Uses: Plant gives four different colors of dye, depending on part and mordant.
Traditional Magical Uses: Associated with Baldur and the Sun, St. John's Wort is carried by soldiers for victory, and is used in spells to ward off depression and insanity. It wards off demons, necromancers, and evil spirits.
Shamanic Magical Uses: No, you can't use it to find Baldur, as he is guarded safely in parts of Helheim that few people can get to. This plant seems to have an affinity for the rune Sowelu/Sigil; carry a pouch of it in a yellow bag embroidered with that rune for the kind of burnt-mind craziness that comes from too much worldwalking. If you don't get a reaction from it, eating it can help that feeling as well, especially if you trace the rune over it before ingestion.