There are plants that have walked alongside humanity for thousands of years — quietly, faithfully, offering what the body needs. Hypericum perforatum, known lovingly as St. John's Wort, is one of them. And we're honored to have it at the heart of Dori Balm.
When Dori first began crafting her balm in 2000, she didn't choose ingredients from a catalog. She chose them the way herbalists have always chosen them — through study, through tradition, through intuition, and through love for the people she was making it for. Hypericum was never an afterthought. It was a cornerstone.
Here's why.
A History Written in Yellow Flowers
Hypericum perforatum is a sprawling, sun-loving herb with bright five-petaled yellow flowers — and a story that stretches back to ancient Greece. Hippocrates, Galen, Dioscorides, and Pliny all documented its uses. It has been part of Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Chinese traditional medicine for well over two thousand years.
The name "wort," in old English, simply means healing plant. And healing is exactly what Hypericum has been called upon to do, century after century. It was hung in doorways to ward off illness, carried by travelers for protection, and applied directly to the body by healers across cultures who trusted what nature placed in their hands.
Today, Hypericum perforatum is one of the most studied medicinal plants in the world — and one of the most consumed. Its journey from ancient meadow to modern botanical medicine is a testament to something we believe deeply at All About Alchemy: the earth already knows what we need.
What's Inside The Plant
What makes Hypericum so remarkable is its complexity. It contains over two dozen biologically active constituents — a whole chorus of compounds that work together, each contributing something unique. The two that have been studied most extensively are hypericin and hyperforin.
The deep red pigment responsible for that crimson color when the flowers are pressed. Research has explored its antiviral and antioxidant properties, and it's one of the compounds researchers believe supports the plant's effect on the nervous system.
The compound most associated with Hypericum's influence on mood and nervous system comfort. Studies suggest it may support healthy levels of key neurotransmitters. When applied topically, it has also shown promising anti-inflammatory and skin-supporting properties.
A rich array of plant compounds — including quercetin, rutin, and luteolin — known for their antioxidant properties. They help neutralize free radicals and contribute to the plant's overall calming, supportive quality on tissue and skin.
These contribute to Hypericum's traditionally recognized antimicrobial and astringent qualities — supporting the skin's natural resilience and its ability to stay healthy and protected.
It's worth noting that researchers believe it's the whole plant — not any single compound — that creates Hypericum's most meaningful effects. This is a principle deeply aligned with how we think at All About Alchemy: nature works in relationship, not in isolation.
How It Has Been Used on the Body
While Hypericum is widely known today for its support of emotional wellbeing, its topical history is just as ancient and just as rich. For thousands of years, herbalists applied Hypericum oil — made by infusing the flowers in olive oil until they turn a glowing red — directly to the body for a wide range of uses.
Traditional cultures reached for it for wounds, burns, bruises, and skin irritation. It was applied to areas that felt sensitive, tender, or overworked. The Greeks and Romans specifically documented its use for discomfort related to the nervous system. In folk medicine traditions across Europe and beyond, it was a trusted companion for the body after injury, overuse, or strain.
Modern research has begun catching up with this ancient wisdom. Studies have explored topical Hypericum oil's potential to support the skin's natural healing process, its calming effects on inflamed tissue, and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In clinical studies, topical Hypericum preparations have been researched in contexts ranging from skin care to post-surgical wound recovery — and researchers continue to find that this humble flower has more to offer than we've even fully understood yet.
One of the qualities that sets Hypericum apart for topical use is that it carries both physical and sensory comfort. Its warm, earthy oil feels grounding on the skin. Its aroma is subtle and calming. The experience of applying it is, itself, a small act of care.
Hypericum Lives in Every Jar of Dori Balm
When Dori chose Hypericum as one of the foundational ingredients in her balm, she was honoring a lineage that stretches back thousands of years. Every jar of Dori Balm carries this herb — its crimson extract blended with Arnica, Karite, Lavender, Tea Tree, and Love into a formula that has been trusted and refined for over two decades.
In our Balance Rub 300mg CBD, Hypericum is joined by full-spectrum CBD and Hemp RSO oil — bringing the ancient and the plant-forward together in one deeply nourishing formula. For those who want a simpler, CBD-free option, our original Recovery Rub lets Hypericum and its botanical companions speak for themselves.
Either way, you're putting thousands of years of herbal wisdom — and 26 years of Dori's love — directly into your hands.
We believe that when you understand what's in the jar — really understand it, down to the roots of where it came from and why it was chosen — the balm feels different in your hands. It becomes more than a product. It becomes a conversation with something ancient, something kind, something that has always wanted to help.
That's the alchemy.
With love,
– The All About Alchemy Team
allaboutalchemy.com
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The historical and research information shared in this post is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before beginning use of any herbal product.